I'm Pete Knapp. I operate Shut Eye Records & Agency - an Atlanta tradition steeped in Americana music since 1996.

I cut my teeth in the music industry as a DJ at WGHR 102.5fm in Atlanta. After that I was a consultant at GroovePort, Inc. where I worked with clients and vendors as diverse as London-Sire, J-Bird Records, Ubiquity Records and its sub-labels as well as over 100 other independent labels in licensing and content aquisition. I also worked at Planet Jam Media Group in business development, radio promotion and content acquisition.

As a musician, I've played in a bunch of great bands you've never heard of, including: CMJ-charting act, Atomsplit (2000 to 2003) - we even had a video on MTV2! From 1999 to 2001 I played bass in the multi-generational roots-rock band The Indicators. I was also a member of pop-rock act Nillah on guitar (1998 - 2000), as well as the guitarist of goth-alterna-pop band Painting Churches (1994 - 1996). I'm currently in the planning stages of my return to the stage, but don't plan on a live performance until I finish working on my dance moves. I play Fender and G&L guitars throuigh Fender amps.

When I'm not doing music, I spend most of my time in and around Atlanta. In the summer I spend my free time in various inflatible, man-powered watercraft on the Chattahoochee River. On the real hot days I go to the Boltong home in East Point and soak in their kiddie pool. We call it The Manaquarium.

I love the Atlanta Braves. I go to as many of the Businessman's Specials at Turner Field as I can. When I'm not in Atlanta, you can find me in New Orleans, Nashville, Knoxville or Texas soaking up the local colour. I love auto racing. Twice a year you can find me at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the grandstands dreaming that I was in one of the 43 cars on the lead lap. It's kind of a Walter Mitty thing. I even wrote a song about it.

I am a follower of the writings of Kurt Vonnegut, an admirer of Barry Goldwater libertarianism, and a worshiper of Jimmy Page's guitar skills. I'm fiscally conservative, and socially liberal. When the need for speed hits me, I drive an old '78 Datsun 280z. I drink Red Brick beers because they're the best local brew in Atlanta.

I am married to Lanna Caroline Knapp. She's pretty and has big green eyes. She is a big part of the Shut Eye experience. She keeps me organized and sane. We like to travel, eat delicious foods, and daydream. We laugh, laugh and laugh all day long. She's my best friend and my biggest supporter. I believe I'm quite possibly the luckiest fella in the world. Seriously.