MUSIC IS EVERYTHING

We talk to Pete Oak about his latest project, Blindfold Recordings, which he runs together with Jens Christian Nørgaard.

Hey Pete, we know and respect you already from outstanding releases on labels like Steyoyoke, but our readers need a bit more background info, so let’s start from scratch – where do you come from?

I come from Aalborg in Denmark. A semi-small town, but nonetheless a city that houses talents like Noir (Noir Music) and Sivesgaard (Noir, Eklektisch) and a lot of other talented up and coming producers and DJ’s. We are a small group of producers and DJ’s who live for the passion of house music in all its aspects, helping each other out as much as we can. Shout out to: Notize, Minote, Runge and Kornum & Karma.

How did you come to music in the first place?

I started playing guitar when I was about 15 years old and I played in a couple of bands until I met this dude who produced Hard Style back when I was 18 years old. The genre was not for me at all, but I was really fascinated by the way you could do everything by yourself. I was hooked from that moment on, but I first started producing when I was about 20-21 years old. I was heavily inspired to make music when I had my first encounter with Danish producer Trentemøller. His music was a complete game changer for me. From that moment on everything was about house music.

What made you become a DJ then?

Back when I started my best friend got me a regular spot in our favourite bar! Nothing fancy, but I had some of my best nights back then. Electro house (back in 2004-5 it was all about that) was smashing through out the speakers every single weekend back then. Loved DJing ever since – best kick in the world.

What was the very first record you bought?

My first record was “The Doors”, I’m a HUGE doors fan!

What gives you inspiration for your productions?

Everything and nothing. Sometimes I return from an amazing gig and then it just comes naturally to me. My environment shapes my music and gives me the power to be creative. My inspiration comes from all the things I see and all the people I meet. I believe my subconscious is doing a lot of the work. My best musical moments always come when I’m really tired and I’m sitting in the dark – no distractions by people, surroundings or thoughts.

Your favourite producers?

I think that the Adriatique boys are doing it really well at the moment! These guys have moved to the top in a respectful manner with amazing music and great live performances – much respect. Besides them, Maceo Plex, David August, Tale Of Us, Olivier Giacomotto +++.

Can you classify your music – is it Deep House?

Yes and no. It’s not deep house as “deep house” is represented on Beatport at the moment. I think all the genres are getting too confusing to pick apart these days. If I had to classify my exact genre I would have to make up my own terms;-) House/Tech/Deep/Techno/Electronica – I do something in between these… I don’t care much for genres – good music is good music, simple as that.

Do you agree that Deep House is the next big thing after the poor term ‘EDM’ as so many say?

Yes I agree to what all the major mainstream labels call “Deep House” is going to be the next big thing. But the Deep house they’re talking about is NOT Deep House in the state that I know. I’m not trying to hate on anything or anyone here but I think it’s a little sad that the popular music scene seems to just have claimed the genre, turning it into whatever they want – taking it away from the people who live for the passion of “real” Deep House. They should have made up a new genre for that on Beatport. Future House, as they call it…

We can’t agree more… Let’s talk about your latest baby, the new label. Why the name ‘Blindfold Recordings’?

Well, my partner (JC) and I wanted to create something that focus on good music plain and simple. Music should be listened to with eyes closed (Blindfold). No famous name, good-looking producer, nor social media popularity should EVER define whether an artist/record/track is good. We want to create something that has the music in focus, bringing in new fresh talent from all over the world. No big name or huge following on Facebook is required to join us. Originality is the key to join our music family. JC and I were introduced 3 years ago when we played the same gig in Aalborg and were asked to play B2B. He moved to Copenhagen and I started getting gigs there so naturally we would hang out when I came to visit. Our partnership is very much based on me being creative and letting him handle the administrative tasks. I have a background in creative design so all the artwork you will see is actually handled in-house. It makes sense for us to work together because we share the same passion for music and clicked musically when we met each other.

First artists to be signed?

Talul and I are the first artists to release on the label with our upcoming release “Token” featuring Kimono. I’ve known Talul (Feras) for the past year or two and we have become good friends! He’s a great producer and we have used each other for feedback on tracks etc. He played at our label launch party in Copenhagen as well. We have signed some great artist from all over the world already and we can’t wait to share them with the world.

As we are based in Ibiza, do you know the island?

Only by reputation;-) My pleasure of going to the White Island is yet to come!

Ever played and/or will you play here soon?

I would love to play there and I have had a couple of gig request that never turned into something. But I would love to come play there, and I’m just waiting for an invitation.

If music wouldn’t exist, what would you do for a living?

If music wouldn’t exist I would be crying all days in and out… Music is everything, so let’s not pretend it would never exist.

How does your perfect day look like?

With my family – boring answer but nonetheless true. I have two daughters that I love to death and being with them is as perfect as it gets. You want some cheese with that last answer?;-)

That is as sweet as it can get – you are a fortunate man. It was our utmost pleasure to talk to you, good luck with the label and please, please, keep groovin’.

The first release on Blindfold Recordings is out now, read the review here, and get it on Beatport here.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

more info:

SC Blindfold Recordings // FB Blindfold Recordings // FB Pete Oak