Singer releasing his second album says Diss School encouraged him all the way

Peter Mc Allen who went to Diss School releases his second alternative music album, 'Vulnerability'. Picture: Cameron Kim Jones (Image: Archant)

Pete McAllen grew up in Diss and went to Diss High School, where his music teacher told him he was a natural performer.

It was this encouragement and the opportunities the school gave him that have helped him get where he is today the singer says.

He studied music at GCSE and played the violin in the school orchestra and performed in the school's Music Extravaganza evenings.

He says it is the track called Vulnerability that kickstarted the other songs on his alternative, alt/pop album to be released on September 8.

'At the time I was struggling to write good songs - they say it's 90pc perspiration and 10pc inspiration,' he said.

'But this time I just poured out my heart and wrote most of that track in half a day.

'The song is about laying down everything in your life and being prepared to start again.

'We think vulnerability is a weakness, but that's a myth - it's actually a strength.

'I have found that when I'm honest with people in a live setting there's a greater connection with an audience.

'I believe one song can change someone's life. You take people on a journey with a song.

'There is a sense of togetherness instead of isolation.'

The 33-year-old said Diss Community Church also gave him lots of opportunities to play his guitar and sing on Sundays.

And although his music has quite a Christian following, he has fans who wouldn't call themselves Christians but just enjoy his music.

He comes from a musical family - his mother plays the piano and his younger sister plays the piano and the violin.

His wife Lizzy sings - and even his eight-month-old daughter Lilja is showing signs of an interest in music.

'She loves to watch me playing the guitar - it's a beautiful thing that she loves something I love too,' the dad says.

The musician went full-time in June this year and his second album has been released under his new name, Pyramid Park.