Currently enjoying the Italian summer Peter LC usually resides in Berlin enjoying the city’s vibrancy. However, the artist’s music manages the balancing act of combining both the Mediterranean ease and partly the northern European melancholia, sometimes Peter fuses both in just one track, sometimes his EPs process into telling exactly this story, maybe his story, namely that of an artists, who’s cut his own path. Thus far, Pietro’s – Peter LC’s real name – path has crossed with labels such as Small Great Things, Raw Soul, Discodelic Records and RVZ, a sub-label of Sakskøbing. With each release he’s establishing himself more as a respected artist within the scene contributing music, which not only scratches the surface but touches the heart of dancefloor it is played out. Surely, there will be more to Peter LC and his music in the future, but for the moment let’s hear the artist’s story about his way to electronic music-, respectively House Music-scene as well as future prospects on his artistic-being. Therefore, Peter also prepared the latest edition of the art:cast series.
Imagine yourself swaying gently to the rhythm of the music, allowing your body to move with the flow.
Torture the Artist: Hello Pietro, tell us something about your day.
Peter LC: Hi there! My day has been quite eventful so far. I woke up quite inspired and spent some time producing in my studio. Later, I had a few meetings with several promoters and fellow artists to discuss upcoming projects and collaborations. Overall, it’s been a creative and fulfilling day.
Torture the Artist: Your artist’s name Peter LC probably derives from your real name Pietro Maria La Calamita. However, why did you change Pietro to Peter?
Peter LC: That’s right! I decided to go by the name PETER LC to make it more accessible for everyone and anyone. Since I’m internationally active, I believe that having a name that’s easier to pronounce and remember for people from different cultures is a benefit. Plus, “PETER LC” has a nice ring to it and reflects my connection to both my Italian roots and the broader musical landscape. If you noticed, the capital letters “LC” of my last name have assonance with „MC”.
Spending the summer in Italy allows me to reconnect with my roots and draw inspiration from the natural surroundings of Apulia and Sardinia.
Torture the Artist: Just to get things correct: You are originally from Apulia, but you have lived in Milano and now you call Berlin your home. Though you won’t spend the summer in the German capital but in Italy. Why do you exchange a summer in Berlin for a stay in your home country?
Peter LC: While I love the vibrancy of Berlin and it’s been a crucial place for my artistic development, spending the summer in Italy allows me to reconnect with my roots and draw inspiration from the natural surroundings of Apulia and Sardinia. The energy of the people and culture deeply resonates with me, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to recharge creatively while being close to family and friends.
Torture the Artist: Speaking of summer, your sound circles around House and its sub-genres like Deep, Disco, and Italo-Disco, partly with a Balearic/Mediterranean vibe, sometimes a bit more classic, sometimes a bit more hypnotic. Where does this preference in music come from and when was the first time you got in contact with House Music?
Peter LC: My love for House music and its various sub-genres stems from a combination of factors. Growing up in Apulia, I was exposed to a mix of traditional Mediterranean rhythms and electronic music. My musical journey began when I stumbled upon some classic House tracks from the late ’80s and early ’90s. The catchy melodies and euphoric energy captured my heart immediately. This encounter shaped my musical taste and inspired me to explore different facets of House music, infusing it with my unique perspective.
Torture the Artist: What is the track you can recall from your early House Music days that has stuck with you, and where did you hear it (first)?
Peter LC: One track that left a lasting impression on me from my early House music days is Can You Feel It (Steve Bug Re-Dub) by Chez Damier, I really consider this to be an timeless masterpiece that deeply influenced my music selection from the very beginning. I remember hearing it for the first time in one of my first music compilations from Hed Khandi 201. The combination of the repetitive vocal shots, the energetic beat, and the powerful bassline was incredibly captivating. It was a defining moment that solidified my passion for House Music and set me on my musical journey.
My passion for DJing naturally progressed into a desire to create my own music, which eventually led to my exploration of music production.
Torture the Artist: It’s said that you were a DJ first before becoming a producer. How did you get involved with the DJ culture and was it kind of this from a dancer to a DJ-evolution?
Peter LC: Actually, I delved into DJing at only 14 years old, so by the time I was legally allowed to enter discotheques to dance I had already worked on my fundamental DJ skills and ventured into music production. As a young enthusiast of electronic music, I thrived from learning from other artists: soaking in the sounds of DJs who skillfully blended tracks to create mesmerizing experiences and witnessing their ability to control the energy of a room through their song selection and mixing techniques is what fascinated me the most. Thus, I very soon found myself behind the decks, sharing my musical discoveries with others. My passion for DJing naturally progressed into a desire to create my own music, which eventually led to my exploration of music production.
Torture the Artist: To what extent is Berlin the right or not the right place for House Music?
Peter LC: Berlin is undeniably a European hub for House Music and has a rich history in the genre. As a place in which diverse musical cultures converge, a fertile ground for experimentation and artistic exploration is provided. The city’s openness to new sounds and its unique nightlife scene has certainly influenced my music and allowed me to connect with fellow artists and audiences who appreciate a wide range of electronic genres. So, I’d say Berlin is a fantastic place for House Music, as it offers both inspiration and a platform to showcase your creations.
Torture the Artist: Coming back to your DJing, what was the first record you bought and where did you get it?
Peter LC: The first record I ever bought was Move Your Body by Xpansions. I vividly remember finding it in a small record shop in Liverpool. The infectious groove made an immediate impact on me, and that purchase marked the beginning of my record collection.
I highly value a vinyl selection as it is harder to master than a digital selection.
Torture the Artist: A lot of your releases come out on vinyl. Do you prefer DJing with vinyl over digital or are you happy to combine both?
Peter LC: I highly value a vinyl selection as it is harder to master than a digital selection. Vinyl has a tactile and nostalgic quality that connects me to the roots of the DJ culture. The act of selecting and mixing records on turntables is a deeply gratifying experience. On the other hand, digital formats provide me with convenience and flexibility, allowing me to access a wider range of tracks during my sets. Ultimately, I enjoy using both vinyl and digital elements depending on the event to create a dynamic and engaging performance.
Torture the Artist: You have been releasing music since 2020 with first outings on various labels. What was the release that furthered your career and how was it expressed concretely?
Peter LC: One release that played a significant role in furthering my career was Tentami & Rubami on Discodelic Records. This track received positive feedback from fellow artists and listeners alike. Its blend of groovy rhythms and Italian disco melodies resonated with people, leading to increased visibility and opportunities. The support I received after this release motivated me to continue refining my sound and exploring new directions in my music.
Torture the Artist: What has been the EP/track of yours that hits closest to your heart, and why?
Peter LC: The EP that holds a special place in my heart is Paradiso Mediterraneo. This release was inspired by the captivating beauty of the Balearic region and the memories of my travels. The tracks on this EP capture the essence of the sun-kissed “calas”, olive groves, golden sunsets, and rich atmosphere that surrounds the Mediterranean culture. It’s a musical representation of my personal connection to the region, making it particularly meaningful to me.
Torture the Artist: Where else do you see Peter LC’s music being released, and do friendship and familiarity play a role when releasing music?
Peter LC: I see my music continuing to be released on a variety of labels that align with my artistic vision. While friendship and familiarity can certainly play a role in collaborations and releases, I believe it’s essential to explore new partnerships and outlets for my music. Working with different labels and artists allows me to diversify my musical output and reach new audiences, ultimately sharing my sounds and passion with the right dancers and music lovers.
Torture the Artist: What merits does the (underground) music scene match or not match, which are important for you personally, and why?
Peter LC: The underground music scene holds a rare charm that resonates with me deeply. It’s a space where authenticity, creative bravery, and uniqueness are celebrated. What I appreciate most is the sense of community and connection among like-minded individuals who share an unaffected love for music that goes beyond commercial trends. The underground scene allows artistic freedom, experimentation, and the opportunity to forge meaningful relationships with both fellow artists and audiences. It’s this genuineness and sense of shared passion that make the underground music scene so important to me.
The pivotal moment came when I realized that producing music would allow me to express myself artistically and create a more immersive experience for my audience.
Torture the Artist: Let’s speak about Peter LC, the producer. When did you decide or what was the crucial point when you decided you did not only want to DJ but also produce music?
Peter LC: The desire to produce music emerged gradually as I delved deeper into my DJing journey. I found myself constantly inspired by the tracks I was playing and felt a strong urge to contribute my own sound to the electronic music landscape. The pivotal moment came when I realized that producing music would allow me to express myself artistically and create a more immersive experience for my audience. It was a natural progression driven by my passion for music and the desire to explore new avenues of self-expression.
Torture the Artist: How did you get started and what did your setup look like back then?
Peter LC: When I first started producing, I had a modest setup consisting of a computer, a MIDI controller, and a few hardware synths. I immersed myself in online tutorials, workshops, and experimentation to learn the fundamentals of music production. Over time, I expanded my setup and invested in high-quality gear that allowed me to refine my sound further. It is a never-ending journey of continuous learning and growth, and I’m grateful for the resources available to artists today that facilitate this process.
Torture the Artist: So far, you’ve only had solo releases. Are you simply not the type of guy to work with somebody else in the studio or has the chance to collaborate just not arisen?
Peter LC: That sounds like a leading question. Of course, I love to collaborate, and I am constantly doing so. I’m always excited about the prospect of working with like-minded creatives in the future. I have many jointly created music gems that are to be released soon. Stay tuned!
Torture the Artist: What’s an artist you would love to sit in the studio with, and why?
Peter LC: I have immense respect for artists who have a distinct vision and push boundaries in their music. One artist I’d love to collaborate with is Chloe Caillet. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres, experiment with intricate sound design, and create immersive musical experiences is truly inspiring. I believe a studio session with her would be a unique opportunity to explore new sonic territories and learn from her approach to music production.
Torture the Artist: As initially mentioned, your sound covers various sub-genres of House Music. Have you ever or would you like to try something new to exceed your personal limits when it comes to music? What’s an influence you’d want to showcase in a track of yours?
Peter LC: I’m always eager to evolve and explore new musical dimensions. While House Music remains at the core of my sound, I’m open to integrating diverse influences and experimenting with different genres. One influence I’d be keen to showcase is the incorporation of Italo Disco. Infusing my tracks with 80s rhythms, instruments, and melodies could add an intriguing layer to my sound, bridging the gap between different époques and musical traditions.
Torture the Artist: You are responsible for the latest art: cast. Where is your mix best enjoyed, and why?
Peter LC: My art: cast mix is crafted to be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Whether you’re at home, on a road trip, or on the dancefloor, the mix is designed to take listeners on a journey through different moods and sonic landscapes. Its diverse selection of tracks makes it suitable for various contexts, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the music and experience a range of emotions.
Torture the Artist: Lastly, what’s the dance move that highlights your persona, and why?
Peter LC: The dance move that best represents me should be a blend of fluidity and groove. I would call it the Island Sway: Imagine yourself swaying gently to the rhythm of the music, allowing your body to move with the flow. This relaxed side-to-side motion captures the essence of the house’s easygoing vibe.
I aim to create music that’s both emotive and danceable, and this dance move mirrors that intention. It’s all about expressing myself freely while staying connected to the rhythm and energy of the music – a perfect reflection of my musical identity as Peter LC.
Torture the Artist: Thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us, Peter. We wish you all the best on your creative journey and look forward to experiencing more of your music.
Peter LC: Thank you so much! It’s been a pleasure sharing this time together.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 