PETERBLUE | CAR 2025 #02

Electronic music is always evolving, yet few artists have managed to channel its rebellious spirit quite like PETERBLUE. From Bogotá to Berlin, he’s igniting dance floors with a hybrid sound that defies categorization — hard groove at its core, but infused with the warmth, drama, and rhythmic pulse of Latin club culture. In a scene that often rewards conformity masked as minimalism, PETERBLUE's work insists on color, excess, and emotion. His tracks don’t just make you move — they make you feel.

The project was born out of a period of global stillness. As the pandemic forced the world to pause, Peter turned inward — rediscovering the early roots of rave music and reconfiguring his artistic identity around one central truth: electronic music was more than a sound. It was a language, a way to speak back to the world while staying fiercely rooted in his Latin heritage. In that moment, a vision took shape: not just to participate in the club scene, but to transform it.

That vision has been contagious. With breakout tracks like Bakalao and Fuego, and his 2023 debut EP Bailar Para No Pensar (featuring standout cuts like God Save The Groove and Latin Ecstasy Club), PETERBLUE began to carve out his own lane. His third EP Diskoteka Amerikana became a best-seller on Bandcamp, cementing his global reach. What followed was his first European tour — a whirlwind of genre-defying sets and euphoric receptions, including a much-talked-about performance at HOR Berlin that rippled across social media.

But PETERBLUE isn’t just building a name — he’s building a platform. In 2023, he launched PA$TI Records, a label born out of admiration for peers who were reshaping the rules of the game. The label has since become a nucleus for emerging voices who, like Peter, understand that experimentation and authenticity are not mutually exclusive. This ethos — decolonial, high-energy, and unapologetically fun — runs through every release.

As an independent artist, Peter’s journey has never followed a conventional script. He’s released music through respected labels like OBSCURE and Gomboc Records, while also commanding his own space within the scene. With more than half a million streams across platforms and support from electronic heavyweights like Héctor Oaks, Skin On Skin, and Victoria De Angelis, PETERBLUE stands as one of the most vital, disruptive forces in Latin electronic music today. And with new music slated for release on Hotties and Sesh this spring, the next chapter of his story is already beating its way to the dance floor.

In this exclusive conversation, PETERBLUE opens up about the artistic principles that shape his sound and vision. From the early days of navigating the underground to launching his own label, he speaks candidly about the emotional weight behind his music, the political implications of dancing, and the global influences that pulse through his productions. It’s a dialogue charged with vulnerability and clarity — the kind that reveals not only a producer with bold aesthetics, but a cultural architect with something urgent to say.

The interview also dives into his creative process, his relationship with club culture, and how Latin identity is both a weapon and a sanctuary in his sonic world. PETERBLUE reflects on his recent European tour, the momentum behind Diskoteka Amerikana, and what it means to stay true to your roots while evolving on an international stage. Whether you're a devoted fan or discovering his sound for the first time, this is a deep dive into the mind of an artist pushing boundaries — and refusing to be boxed in.

While global electronic music often samples Latin rhythms, few artists place them at the heart of their sound the way PETERBLUE does. His approach isn’t simply about aesthetics — it’s a political and cultural stance.

"I once heard someone say that Latin America is just a picturesque ‘destination’ somewhere in the south of the world — a place the so-called ‘first world’ visits, but never really understands. The truth is, Latin America isn’t a destination; it’s the result of countless cultures, each with their own unique stories. Sadly, we’ve always dealt with some form of colonization — even in the way our music is perceived. People label it as ‘vulgar’ or say it ‘doesn’t sound right.’ To me, music is a powerful way to challenge that. My work is about contributing to that process of decolonization. Not just by sharing my music globally, but by making it clear that our musical richness stands on its own. It doesn’t need anyone else’s approval."

For PETERBLUE, this reclamation is deeply tied to history and memory. By weaving genres like salsa, reggaetón, and cumbia into techno and hard groove, he creates a sonic narrative that challenges the idea that innovation and tradition are at odds.

"My work is definitely shaped by the post-pandemic wave. After 2020, there was a big influx of European rave culture across Latin America. In countries that already had strong clubbing traditions, it felt natural for both worlds to start merging. I see what I do as a continuation of something that already existed. Look back 25 years — you had genres like merengue house, raptor house, or guaracha. These were already fusions of native sounds and electronic beats. In all those cases, the traditional ‘balance’ was broken — and that’s where new possibilities came alive. That’s where real innovation happens."

For an artist like PETERBLUE, the creative process is as much about unlearning as it is about constructing. His journey toward sonic originality was born out of defiance and self-discovery.

"At first, it was tough. I was influenced by things people said were ‘bad taste,’ and I kept my ideas to myself, working in secret from my room. But what I was making connected deeply with who I am — with my childhood, my purest years, and the place I grew up in. I didn’t even think of it as innovative; it just felt genuine. Then I played one of those tracks live for the first time — and that’s when it clicked. Whether people loved it or not, it connected. That moment taught me that my number one rule is to enjoy what I do. If I’m having fun, the rest will follow."

His evolving sound has a recognizable signature, yet refuses confinement.

"I’ve always considered myself a very open artist, and my guiding principle has always been simple: my music should feel like an amusement park. It should radiate energy and joy. My roots and traditional sounds definitely shape my style — but I think the real signature of PETERBLUE is that sense of fun. I want my music to make people dance and smile."

It's clear that PETERBLUE is doing something truly unique. His approach is more than just making music; he’s creating a space for himself, his roots, his people, and a new electronic language that doesn’t seek external validation. In a world where trends tend to flatten cultures, his work reminds us that rhythm can be resistance, and sound can reclaim what was stolen.

The idea that "rhythm can be resistance" strikes me as especially powerful. He’s not just making people dance; he’s using music as a tool to tell stories and challenge structures that often silence authentic identities. "Sound can reclaim stolen stories" also reflects this notion that music, especially when shaped by an artist who embraces their roots, can be a vehicle for sharing narratives that haven't been given a voice in the mainstream.

And the fact that his "number one rule is to enjoy what I do" is so refreshing. That really highlights the authenticity of his art, not worrying about outside expectations but simply enjoying the creative process. I believe this authenticity and joy in what he does are key to his ability to connect with people, creating something more than just music — it’s an experience, even a revolution, on the dancefloor.

PETERBLUE’s independence is not just a logistical choice but a philosophical one. It shapes everything from his branding to his ethos.

"Being independent gave me the freedom to be myself. It let me create like a kid would — freely and fearlessly. It wasn’t easy, though. Inexperience means the industry can eat you alive. But my story is pure DIY. I was my own visual designer, my own marketer, my own booker, accountant — all of it. And while that was tough, it also gave me a deeper understanding of myself and of the industry. My mission now is to challenge that industry — to question why things are done the way they are, and to highlight how colonial thinking still influences what’s considered ‘right’ or ‘cool,’ even in a space that claims to be ‘free.’"

Staying grounded has been his armor against fleeting trends.

"For a long time, I played music in places where it made absolutely no sense. It was completely out of context. But that taught me something important — there are two kinds of artists: those who evolve based on the industry, and those who evolve with their audience. From day one, I’ve focused on building my community. That’s who I want to grow with. PETERBLUE isn’t ‘techno,’ it’s not ‘latincore’ — it’s just PETERBLUE, and the people who choose to be part of the experience."

Launched in 2023, PA$TI Records is a living extension of PETERBLUE’s vision.

"PA$TI came from seeing artists I loved struggling with the same thing I did: having unique sounds but nowhere to release them. It’s a platform for artists like me — the emerging ones who are doing something different."

What defines PA$TI isn’t just musical style — it’s the emotion behind it.

"The vision for PA$TI is closely tied to my own artistic vision — it has to be fun, eclectic, and full of energy. Our curation has always come from one question: ‘Would I play this during the part of my set where I want people to really have fun?’ Now that we’ve been going for over two years, the label is heading into an exciting new chapter. There’s a big refresh coming that will reflect even more of what I stand for as an artist."

At the heart of PETERBLUE’s artistry is his hometown: Bogotá.

"Bogotá was the place of all my firsts. The first time I heard live music. The first time I played a DJ set. It’s a city full of authenticity and overflowing cultural richness. There’s something happening all the time — especially in the arts — and it definitely has a major influence on what’s happening globally in music, not just electronic. It’s the city of rain and chaos, but also of explosive creativity."

Even on the world stage, Bogotá is never far away.

"When I play my tracks abroad, it feels like I’m back home — in my neighborhood, with my friends and family. It’s a beautiful feeling. I don’t see it as a responsibility, but as a deep sense of pride. I’m proud to represent my city and its sounds, even when I don’t say it out loud — it’s always there in the music."

In an industry that often rewards the safe and the sterile, PETERBLUE is charting a radically different course: one of joy, identity, and defiance. And he’s bringing a whole new generation along for the ride. He is not simply making tracks; he’s carving out a space — for his roots, his people, and a new electronic language that doesn’t ask for validation. In a world where trends flatten culture, his work reminds us that rhythm can be resistance, that sound can reclaim stolen stories.

In his own words: "My number one rule is to enjoy what I do. If I’m having fun, the rest will follow."

And when PETERBLUE is having fun, the dancefloor becomes a revolution.

The idea that PETERBLUE’s independence is "not just a logistical choice but a philosophical one" is spot on. His autonomy in managing every aspect of his career — from visual design to marketing — reflects a deep commitment to artistic freedom and authenticity.

This philosophy is not just about avoiding the constraints of the industry but about using that independence as a way to challenge norms and push boundaries. His statement about questioning colonial thinking in the industry is particularly striking, reminding us that even within spaces that claim to be "free," there are often underlying structures that marginalize certain voices and cultures. His independence becomes an act of resistance, a way to assert ownership over his narrative.

His distinction between evolving with the audience rather than the industry speaks to a much deeper connection with his listeners. It’s not about chasing trends or fitting into predefined genres; it’s about fostering a shared experience with the people who resonate with his work. This creates a sense of authenticity that’s often lost when artists are swayed by the pressures of the mainstream.

PA$TI Records, as an extension of PETERBLUE’s vision, feels like a natural outgrowth of his values. The label isn’t just about music but about creating a space for emerging artists to express their unique sounds without the limitations often imposed by traditional channels. The idea of curating based on fun, energy, and emotion rather than genre is refreshing, and it speaks to a larger movement within music to embrace diversity and creative freedom.

The connection to Bogotá is also powerful. The way PETERBLUE speaks about his city shows how deeply his roots influence his work. Bogotá is not just a place of origin for him; it’s an integral part of his identity as an artist. Even when performing internationally, the city’s influence remains a part of his music, a reminder that no matter how far he goes, he is always carrying a piece of Bogotá with him.

Our interview paints a picture of an artist who is committed to carving out his own path, who is deeply connected to his roots, and who is determined to change the narrative around what it means to be an artist in today’s industry. PETERBLUE is not just making music; he’s creating a movement — one that values joy, freedom, and cultural authenticity. When he’s having fun, as he says, the entire dancefloor follows, and that fun transforms into something powerful — a revolution in sound and spirit.