Peter Kater: Much like my Music, my Tattoos Reflect and Express my Spiritual Journey

Peter Kater is an outstanding contemporary pianist, composer, and producer, a multi-platinum artist who has received fourteen Grammy nominations and won twice. In addition to his Grammy Awards, he has been honored with numerous other accolades, including a prestigious United Nations award for his contributions to environmental preservation.

Kater is one of the pioneers of the New Age and Native American Music movements. He was the first to present compositions that harmoniously blend Native American music with Tibetan motifs. Peter is also actively involved in developing healing music within the Healing Arts direction.

Peter Kater’s music stands out for its extreme emotional richness and depth. Throughout his career, he has recorded over 60 albums, many of which have sold millions of copies; he has composed music for over 100 TV and film productions, including 11 dramatic productions on and off Broadway.

Peter also conducts healing retreats in Hawaii and Montana, and he has developed a unique breathing practice based on his music. Spiritus - Peter’s new Guided Breathwork with Music is now available on all music platforms.

But today, we are not just talking about music. Peter Kater openly shares his passion for tattoos, which have become an integral part of his spiritual journey. In this interview, he reveals how each tattoo reflects his inner world and life beliefs.

Join us to discover how art, tattoos, and a deep connection with nature intertwine in the life of this remarkable individual.

At what point in your journey did tattoos first enter your life? What inspired you to get one, and what was its design?

- I’ve always loved seeing other people’s tattoos. But for years and years, I could never think of something I’d want on my body for the rest of my life. About six years ago, it hit me: I wanted a red-tailed hawk feather on the inside of my left forearm, inspired by my love of nature and birds. I had it done, and it was beautiful. It didn’t have any outlining and was done very subtly and in full color. People would comment that it looked like I had a real hawk’s feather stuck to my inner forearm. I loved that. That was my first tattoo. From then on, I wanted more.

Your music is deeply imbued with a harmonious love for life and the nature around us. What role do tattoos play in your spiritual or meditative path?

- Much like my music, my tattoos reflect and express my spiritual journey. Recently, someone asked if my tattoos had impacted me or changed me in any way. After reflecting on it, I realized that having tattoos has actually deepened my sense of connection and compassion towards others.

Living in Hawaii, where most people have tattoos, I feel that they convey a message like: “Life is both beautiful and painful. We all experience suffering and healing. Our individual journeys of suffering, healing, and joy are uniquely ours, but we all have them.” Tattoos, to me, represent a kind of initiation into a deeper relationship with ourselves and our communities or tribes, whether that connection is overt or subtle. While this may not be true for everyone, it often is for many.

Your music is often described as healing. Do you think tattoos have a similar power?

- I believe tattoos, either directly or indirectly, mirror our healing processes. The act of marking your body with tattoos is a significant commitment and often quite painful, requiring a strong heart and resilience. I love seeing someone covered with tattoos. In my experience, connecting with these individuals has often revealed a depth, presence, and warmth that is both unique and profoundly contagious.

Can you tell me about the process of creating one of your favorite tattoos?

- I’m in mid-process with tattooing my body. I feel like I’m about halfway done. My favorite tattoo so far is my first tattoo, my red-tailed hawk feather. My two other tattoos are both my second favorites. My right sleeve is a Mimosa plant, leaves and flowers with a hummingbird at the top of my shoulder. The Mimosa plant symbolizes sensitivity, femininity, delicate beauty, and love. And the hummingbird has been very prominent in my life. One flew into my house, and after trying to chase or guide it out unsuccessfully, I decided to stand in the middle of the room, close my eyes, and visualize myself as a plant with red flowers while holding my arms and hands outstretched. Within a few minutes, the hummingbird came and landed on my finger. I then slowly walked it outside, where it continued to linger on my finger for a few minutes before it flew off.

My other second favorite tattoo starts on my left shoulder and goes across my chest, up the left side of my neck behind my ear, and a little down my arm. It’s mostly a Hawaiian Palapalai fern used in Hula dance, lei making, and other sacred Hawaiian rituals and art forms. I wanted something to express my love for Hawaii that was unique and also universal. There’s a Fibonacci shell/spiral on my left shoulder. This, to me, expresses the perfection and beauty of the Universe.

Who did your tattoos? Do you have any favorite tattoo artists?

- Reed Smith from Boulder, Colorado, did my hawk’s feather and right Mimosa sleeve and hummingbird. He died about a year ago at the age of 44 doing what he loved: cliff jumping in Switzerland. My Palapalai fern and Fibonacci spiral were done by Daniella Arias Soto, originally from Peru. In October, I’m going to Milan, Italy, to have Gilberta Vita tattoo my left arm and more. I love her work.

As far as I know, most of your tattoos reference Hawaii. Is this your place of power?

- Hawaii is definitely my sweet spot and the place where I feel the most expanded, connected, and at home. For me, there’s no other place I’ve ever been that feels this way. Although my Palapalai fern is my only tattoo that directly references Hawaii, all of my tattoos reflect my love for the Earth and for life.

Do you have any rituals or special preparations before getting a new tattoo?

- I have to be 100% clear about what I want and ready to commit to the process.

Which tattoo was the biggest challenge for you, physically or emotionally?

- My Palapalai fern was the biggest challenge because my neck was very, very sensitive, and the pain was way beyond what I expected or could tolerate. At times, I really didn’t think I could deal with it. But I persevered, and I’m really glad I did.

How are your tattoos perceived by your friends, family, and fans? What is the most unusual reaction you have ever received from fans about your tattoos?

- I’ve only received positive support for my tattoos. No one is going to tell me they don’t like them; that would be rude and unnecessary. But in most areas of my life, especially in my music, I don’t seek external feedback or validation. I stay true to my own muse one hundred percent of the time. Whether it’s decisions about my music, tattoos, or life path, I know that I’m being guided in the right direction because it feels intrinsically true to me. 

In my music work, I only create when I'm truly inspired. When inspired, I know exactly what to do next. I follow the inner guidance of my muse, that’s all. If I find myself second-guessing myself, whether it’s choosing between piano lines or saxophone parts, I stop immediately. Once I realize that my clarity is faltering, I take a break—whether it’s a walk, a meal, a nap, or handling other tasks. I recognize that I’m out of flow and need to wait until I am fully inspired and clear again. So, when working on my albums or choosing a tattoo, I never seek others’ opinions or feedback.

How do you think your perception of tattoos has changed over time?

- Tattoos come in an immense variety, much like the people who wear them. I used to view some tattoos as cool and beautiful, while others seemed unattractive or too plain. But now, I see all tattoos as expressions of our individuality and uniqueness, showcasing our courage and resilience. They tell the stories of our triumphs, aspirations, pain, and losses. It’s the many contrasts, all the births and deaths in life, that enrich its beauty and teach us to appreciate every aspect. Whether it’s the arrival and departure of loved ones, the changing of seasons, the transitions from day to night, or the journey from innocence to wisdom, each transition helps us to deepen in ourselves and ultimately embrace the full spectrum of existence. Sounds kind of serious, I know. But it’s the only life we have. And tattoos and music, and what we say, and what we do reflect who we are and who we will become. Isn’t that worth considering seriously?

Do you have any advice for people who are considering their first tattoo?

- Yes, take your time. Haha. There’s no reason to rush into it. It’s a real commitment. When you know, you know. And you’ll be glad you thought it through. It’s a very, very personal thing.