Pete Muller - Two Truths & a Lie

Pete Muller's latest album, Two Truths and A Lie, reflects his unusual journey. While he was achieving the highest level of Wall Street success as a pioneer in "quant" investing, he was also singing his songs to tough-hearted New York City subway audiences. In beautifully composed and rendered material, Muller's warm vocals and heartfelt songs inform Two Truths and a Lie. Two Truths and A Lie opens with "Kindred Soul," it's unfurling piano informing a mystical song about longing. Written before Muller found his wife (he is now happily married with two kids), the song contains the line "I don't know why I cannot find someone to ride with me through this crazy life." The music video, featuring a girl in a hot dog costume roaming the streets of New York and California, highlights both the uniqueness and universality of our search for love. Produced by Rick DePofi (whose credits include Rosanne Cash's Grammy-winning The River & The Thread), Two Truths and a Lie is filled with intimate songs that capture audiences on first listen. Muller is joined on the recording by his long-standing trio members Skip Ward on bass and Kyle Rowland on drums. A number of other well-known players, including trombonist Walter Hawkes, make cameo appearances. In all areas of his life, Muller is driven by two overarching themes: Connection and mastery. He gets happiness from learning to get better at a craft. "The first crossword puzzle I submitted to the NY Times was rejected," Muller recalls, "but with an encouraging note that made me want to do better. I kept going." Muller has since published numerous crosswords in the Times, and now runs a challenging monthly music-themed crossword contest. Muller also loves creating lyrics that evoke emotions with honesty and simplicity - some of his favorite songwriters are Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, and Elvis Costello. Muller's piano chops come from his training in jazz improvisation as a teenager - his songwriting skills from hosting a weekly songwriting circle in New York City for five years.