Bringing The Darkness To The Light with Catherine Nadal Colin Peterik: Pop Craft, Family Legacy, and Songs From the Heart Catherine Nadal welcomes singer, songwriter, solo artist, and producer Colin Peterik for a music-centered conversation about growing up around Jim Peterik, discovering his own creative voice, moving from progressive rock into pop, writing and producing his own albums, skateboarding, family inspiration, music videos, touring lessons, and songs including “Smile,” “My Secrets,” “California Sober,” “Black Light,” and “Swans.” Guest Spotlight: Colin Peterik This episode of Bringing the Darkness to the Light, hosted by Catherine Nadal and aired on August 10, 2026, features guest Colin Peterik, identified in the corrected transcript as a singer, songwriter, solo artist, producer, and son of musician Jim Peterik. The transcript notes that Colin’s last name was standardized from raw transcript variants and that music performances were preserved as music cues rather than full lyric blocks. From Progressive Rock Roots to Commercial Pop Catherine opens by praising Colin’s work and asking how he became involved with major artists and bands. Colin clarifies that acts such as the Steve Miller Band, Cherry Glazerr, and the Alan Parsons Project were artists his band opened for, not necessarily artists he directly played with. He explains that he began in the industry as a teenager in a progressive rock band called Lobster Newberg, influenced by bands such as Genesis and King Crimson, and later shifted toward more commercial pop music because he wanted to meet the audience where they are while still enjoying the music he creates. Jim Peterik, Skateboarding, and Choosing Music The conversation turns to Colin’s father, Jim Peterik, known for The Ides of March, Survivor, and writing with 38 Special. Colin says music was always around him, but his father never forced him into lessons, which helped him find music on his own terms. He recalls first being drawn heavily to skateboarding and later realizing that music was a better long-term path for his body and health. By age eighteen or nineteen, Colin knew he wanted to be an artist, songwriter, bandleader, and solo performer rather than a side musician. “Michiana,” Pocket Symphonies, and Musical Craft Catherine asks about the video in which Colin is skateboarding, and Colin explains the long development of the song “Michiana.” He says the song took ten to twelve years from conception to release and was inspired by family drives from Chicago to a lake house in Saugatuck, Michigan. The video was shot in Michigan City, Indiana, using the contrast of lake scenery, industrial cooling towers, and a skate park. Colin describes the song as one of his “pocket symphonies,” combining strings, vocals, melodies, and unusual modulations inside a concise pop structure. Instruments, Production, and the Support of Family Colin explains that keyboards were his first instrument, followed by guitar and drums, and that knowing the basics of multiple instruments helps him work as a producer. He often creates his own demos, lays down foundations, records his own keyboards and vocals, and then brings in other musicians when needed. Catherine asks about following in Jim Peterik’s footsteps, and Colin describes his father as extremely supportive, responsible, proud, and a good role model. He says they regularly share new music with each other and remain among each other’s biggest supporters. Songs, Videos, and the New Solo Career The interview explores several of Colin’s songs and videos, including “Cocaine Nights,” “Smile,” “My Secrets,” “California Sober,” and “Black Light.” Colin explains that “Cocaine Nights” began as “Boat Nights” before he found the title and mood that made the song work, while “Smile” became an important motivational song about mental health and helped relaunch his solo career during the COVID period. He says “My Secrets” began as part of another project, was later reworked for his solo career, and became a major breakthrough with millions of views across platforms. “California Sober” is described as both humorous and emotional, touching on coping mechanisms, 9/11, and everyday life, while “Black Light” marked his first full move into dance-pop. Touring Lessons, Pop Flexibility, and Writing From Life Colin shares what he learned from opening for larger acts: be kind to everyone, respect road crews, treat major artists like peers, and do the homework required to perform professionally. He says top-level artists do not rely on lyrics or chord sheets on stage, and that singing from the heart requires preparation, memorization, and belief in the material. He also discusses pop as a flexible category that can absorb rock, metal, country, hip hop, psychedelic music, prog, jazz, and unusual chords. For Colin, writing pop does not mean abandoning artistic integrity; it means finding a broad, confident framework where he can still insert his musical fingerprints. Children, New Songs, BraveWords, and “Swans” Catherine asks about Colin’s children, and Colin explains that many song ideas come from things they say. His son inspired “Sparkles in the Air” and another song built from the phrase “My brother is in jail tonight,” while his daughter inspired “The Stars Are Waiting,” a song planned for the new album That’s Cool or I’m Sorry. Colin also plugs his social media under Colin Peterik Music and discusses “Swans,” his cover of a Prefab Sprout song written by Paddy McAloon. He explains that he wanted to expand the sparse original into a version with drums, trumpets, lo-fi jazz and hip hop elements, and that the video includes AI visuals of swans and foxes. The episode closes with Catherine encouraging listeners to explore Colin’s work before the program rolls out with “Swans.”
