Peetu S is one of the most exciting names in today’s trance music. His sound is a unique combination of uplifting and dark melodies, killer basslines and rhythms which are strongly influenced by techno music. Passionate and hard working are the correct adjectives to describe Peetu as an artist and his tracks have seen a lot of deserved support from many of the world’s most established DJ’s.
When you have a chance to see Peetu S behind the decks, his energetic performance will definitely keep you on the dancefloor. In his sets Peetu melts trance, tech-trance and techno into energetic masterpiece which blow roofs in the clubs and make the clubbers go crazy.
Best of 2023
1-a) Best track(s) from other fellow artists of 2023. Why you choose this particular track, please share with us the reasons?production techniques & crowd reactions on it.
Peetu S: David Forbes & Allen Watts - Renegade [Who's Afraid Of 138]
-Two great producers have joined forces here and it delivers what you would expect. Hard techy sound and energetic trancey vibes in the break. The way I love to feed the dancefloor.
Alex Di Stefano - Red Zone [Drum Chapel Records]
-Alex started his new label with style. This one is hard, energetic and filthy techno that brings back memories of the good old nasty techno sound. Really like the quality of his productions.
David Forbes & Paul Denton - Bang [Who's Afraid Of 138]
-Well-known tech-trance producers collide on this release as well. The track offers a lot of tech power and finishes the experience with an energetic break. Fuel straight to the dance floor.
1-b) Best of 2023 personal productions and for what you reasons you choose these particular tracks, is it because of technical challenges, crowd reaction in the club or was it your most successful single/album?
Peetu S: Peetu S - You Broke Me [Outburst Records]
-I tried to combine different styles into this, and I think I succeeded quite well. The past year has been quite difficult for me and this track is a kind of reflection of what has been going on. The track has also acted as a kind of therapist for me, so this is very personal for me. Fortunately, people have received it well.
Peetu S - Freedom [Future Sound Of Eqypt]
-This is a follow up release on FSOE after my debut there and I could have picked 'Catch The Groove' as well. I'm a big fan of piano and breakbeat, which might be a result of the rave era when I started producing music. They just work so well together and combined with modern techno sound... do I need to say more. This was also my first ever (I remember) track which was chosen for the Tune Of The Week on ASOT.
Peetu S - Mental Component [Outburst Records]
-Besides being a piano lover, I'm a big fan of harder and nastier sounds. With this track I wanted to show my darker side. The energy I've felt from the dance floor when I've played this track has been tremendous. It feels so good that I really had to pick this one too.
2) Best Artist of 2023(DJ & producer). Tell us why you believe he/she is the best, the factors that have influence you to choose this particular artist. What you appreciate the most from that artist.
Peetu S: Mark Sherry is my choice. His professionalism and technical skills in the studio and behind the decks are just at such a high level. I also appreciate his ability to keep his feet on the ground no matter how high he ends up in the music industry.
I don't think I've mentioned David Moleon before, so he's my bonus choice for DJ. Check out his crazy hardgroove sets. He is also a great producer.
3-a) Best Remix(es) from other fellow artists of 2023. For what reasons you chose this particular remix, i.e. production proficiency, technical reasons creativity and imagination of the remixer :
Peetu S: Marco V – GODD (Mark Sherry Remix) [In Charge]
-This is tech-trance at its best. Of course, have to remember that the original is already a classic, but Mark has put his killer groove in the remix and the soundscape is perfectly balanced and detailed. Everytime I play this the crowd gets nuts.
3-b) YOUR Best Remix which you have produced of 2023! Why you believe that this is your best remix? share with us the technical challenges or special issues you had during the production of it.
Peetu S: Mark Sherry - Triquetra (Peetu S Remix) [Outburst Records]
-Mark has been my favorite producer for ages and I was thrilled when he asked me to remix this. My challenge was to overcome my own expectations and maybe because I built big obstacles in my mind between the end result and the starting point of the production, the feeling of relief after finishing this makes me choose this one for my year's 2023 most significant productions.
3-c) Best Remixer(s) of 2023 with short comment, for what reason u believe he/she is the best remixer? Technical professionalism and technological proficiency? the elements that stand out in it.
Peetu S: Definitely Mark Sherry. His production and technical skills are at such a high level that you can expect top quality from him every time. He manages to retain the perfect amount of the original vibe and add his own energetic groove to each remix.
4-a) Best electronic dance music album of 2023. Tell us the criteria behind the choice of this particular album and maybe highlight for the readers the best tracks from the album :
Peetu S: Chicane - Nevertheless [Modena Records]
-The more I listen to this album, the more convinced I become that it's the right choice. Chicane has this sound that probably wouldn't cause the highest energy peak on the dance floor, but every song on the album is so easy to listen to. All I have to do is put on my headphones, lay on the sofa and let the sound guide through the sea and the beaches.
4-b) Best electronic dance music compilation of 2023. Please explain the criteria behind this choice? is the quality and proficiency of the mixing process, imagination/creativity in the choice of the track listing :
Peetu S: Outburst presents Prism Volume 4
-"Prism" can never let you down. This year it once again brought energetic techiness from very cool artists. Track after track, the energy level of the sound is at its peak. This compilation would cause total destruction on the dance floor.
XiJaro & Pitch - Chasing Dreams Volume 1
-These two discs lead the listener through an epic journey of trance music. In this compilation you will find really nice tracks from well-known and not so well-known trance artists. A great proof of Xander's and Anthony's understanding of today's trance sound and production skills in the studio.
4-c) Best artwork about single / album/compilation or promotional campaign of 2023. The criteria you applied to do this particular choice?
Peetu S: Peetu S - You Broke Me [Outburst Records]
-I really had to choose this one. The artwork describes the essence of the track so well. In the picture, the broken robot is sitting against the wall. The tech-trance track is about a large number of small things that can be a real burden on your mind and can eventually break you. Perfect fit!
5) Best electronic dance music label of 2023. Please explain the reason behind your choice? what you particularly like or appreciate about this particular label?quality of tracks, great rooster of artists, personal connection?:
Peetu S: Outburst Records
-I've been releasing actively on this record label for a few years. Not just because I'm on the label, but they put out quality tech-trance all the time. Sometimes the sound is more trancey, sometimes harder, but the techiness of the sound remains. Every track work on the dancefloor.
6) Best music composition software and hardware of 2023 with short comment. Why you believe this particular software/hardware deserves to be named as the best? great new features, easy to navigate, compose & produce? The advantages of this particular software & hardware that makes it to stand out.
Peetu S: I like Cubase and still use older and of course newer versions to produce music. The workflow is very fast in Cubase, things work how they should and everything feels really logical. But everyone has their own taste. Software doesn't make you a good musician, it's just a tool. Don't remind me about AI... lol
7-a) Your Best personal DJ Gig & DJ performance of 2023. Where and when did you perform there? any funny incidents happened during particular performance; great crowd reactions. If there is video or sound recording please provide the link.
Peetu S: I think it's Utopia here Finland in the beginning of this year. The crowd here is very dedicated on the dance floor and they live in the moment. But I remember that this audience especially gave me the best feedback and vibes at my gigs of 2023.
7-b) Best DJ set from other fellow DJ (actual or online) of 2023. Why you believe is the strongest and best DJ set? great mixing/track selection/development of the mix:
Peetu S: It was a "studio" set from David Moleon, I can't remember the title. It's one of the few I've had time to listen to this year. It can be found on his Youtube channel. David has great style of mixing, full of energy and nice tricks.
8) Best technical tips/production skills that you learnt in 2023 in relation to your DJing or music productions:
Peetu S: I can't say anything specific, but my techniques in the studio have taken shape to a more and more professional level during these few years, during this year too. I can tell you that for sure. Learning to produce music is a never-ending road and I've figured out that challenging myself makes me better in the studio. I can notice the development when certain things seem easy and obvious and don't take that much time anymore.
9) Best piece of personal or music business' advice you got in relation to your career in 2023 and has helped you to progress even further and can help others who will read this interview:
Peetu S: I've learned everything the hard way in the music industry. This is raw business and could say partly also politics, I mean the whole scale. The competition is so hard that other people might use you for their own purposes. But do what you love and listen to yourself. Learn to say "no" or "maybe later". You're doing music because of you and for your fans who like what you do. You're not doing music to anyone else or behalf of anyone.
Dimitris: Do you have any concrete plans for 2024 regarding future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs? Please provide us the juicy details.
Peetu S: Yes I definitely do! But right now I can't reveal them yet. Keep your eyes open in my socials, I will let you know soon. :)
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for 2024.
Peetu S: Support your favorite artists, listen to their music, maybe buy a track or two if possible and come see us at gigs. In addition to ourselves, we are here for you guys. Also, do a little research. There are also really nice and talented unknown artists in the world who deserve to be heard. Thank you so much for your support, it means a world to me. Have an awesome year 2024! See you! ;)
Thanks so much to Peetu S for his excellent answers.
Thanks so much to Stuart Jackson, AE Management for this interview.
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