Track released October 10th, 2023. https://on.soundcloud.com/DcEhqSzsSL76UQ6J7
Peter Pypers is a musician who was classically trained on piano as a kid. As an adult, he blends the vibes of the 80s, Halloween, Arabic music, and Rap. Growing up, all the people Pypers associated with were either Generation X or Baby Boomers. Now, in 2023, they’re much older, “but when I look at their faces I still see the child in them.” He goes on to say that while he doesn’t feel a strong connection to Arabic music in himself, there is a bridge made of Rhythm that makes it easy to empathize with that sphere. He states that the classical style of piano has impacted his approach to creating music in such a way that every now and then he’ll feel the urge to incorporate some kind of classical scale in his music, and that it can be heard in “Carnal Bastille” during the synth solo and the counterpoint of the second synthesizer.
Peter was asked about early experiences with music and how he discovered his passion for it. “I remember when I was around 4 years old, I would watch Bugs Bunny cartoons where he was singing opera, and I would sing and cry to the music.” He answered. He went on to say that if he thought about it, his youth was very much also colored by the music stylings of Alan Menken, particularly pieces from “Aladdin”, “The Little Mermaid”, and “Beauty and the Beast.” At age 5, his father and him were introduced to the Super Nintendo, and the game “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” where his subconscious mind discovered the beautiful inspired realm of video game music. That occasionally, he’d stop playing and just listen to the song “Alan and Cerl” from “Breath of Fire”. It was at this same time, that at the request of his father, he started taking piano lessons. Around age 8, he stopped, picking it up again when he was 13. As he went through puberty, he became infatuated with Vanessa Carlton, stating “her first album has some songs that are truly magical.”
Pypers grew up with a mix of African, Indian, and European influences, taking musical elements from each culture that he found most inspiring. “I wholeheartedly feel this music in my body, my blood, my soul, I don’t know how to explain it,” he said in an interview with Ageless Creatives’ own Devon Sherman, referencing to the Suriname style of Pokoe(music), called Kaseko, the dance and music that descended from the African slaves taken to Suriname by Dutch colonizers. “When I listen to Surinamese music it is like I’m being flooded with memories from my ancestors and past lives.” He states that listening to the music allows him to feel their joy and passion, and that there’s nothing like the generational spirit of African passion.
When asked about Sherman’s brand, Ageless Creatives’ endeavor, Pypers only had good things to say. “The Concept [of “Ageless Creatives”] resonates deeply and spiritually with me. In an industry that’s often obsessed with the ‘next new thing’, making money, or the ‘latest trend’, it’s refreshing to come across a brand that embraces creativity without confining itself to whatever the latest trends are. Your vision of providing a safe haven for artists is commendable.” He goes on to say “an inclusive platform where artists can express themselves and grow without fear of judgment or exclusion is much needed.”
But talking about the brand isn’t all Sherman and Pypers talked about. Devon asked Peter about advice for aspiring musicians who are looking to embrace their cultural heritage in their music. “Do you,” Peter said. “Whatever that is, if you find your inner joy, the inner passion, it will resonate with people regardless of the style.” Which is what Peter does with his own music. When asked how he navigates the balancing act of various cultural influences to maintain a cohesive musical identity, he states “I don’t navigate.” He goes on to talk about how Carnal Bastille was originally a Latin piece, but as he worked on it, it shifted toward a more symphonic metal direction. “I might not be doing a good job actually maintaining a cohesive musical identity…” But he did state that he is trying to make better quality music and find deeper idiosyncrasies with every song.
Throughout the interview, Peter talks about having admired the joy that both Mozart and Lieve Hugo share. When asked if there were any artists or musicians who have had a significant influence on his style and sound, those were the two he named. He goes on to say that he hopes to convey joy and inspiration in his music. That he’s avoiding spreading cynicism and resentment “or some preachy message” in his composing. “My mantra,” he states, “is a quote from Mozart; ‘music must never offend the ear, but must please the listener, or in other words must never cease to be music.’” Earlier in the interview he states “when Lieve Hugo sings, it brings up a well of positive emotions in me.” He references the songs “Profosang” and “Oeng Boi”, both by Hugo, stating that he adores them both. “But what is so interesting,” he says, “is that in those songs there is a call and answer, which, in my opinion, is reminiscent of the jolly, free-spirit that is a sphere of Punk Rock.” Pypers states that he would love to do a rock arrangement of that song, to show the hidden link between the two styles [of Surinamese music and Punk Rock].
For the 2024 calendar year, or year and a half, as Peter says, he has about 17 songs he’d like to release, and after doing so, his plans are to start performing his songs. “I still don’t feel I have written a song with that ‘it’ quality,” Pypers says, when asked about how he sees his music evolving. “Songs like ‘Scar Tissue’ by the Chilli Peppers or ‘More Than a Feeling’ by Boston.” Currently, every time he composes is a memorable or defining moment in his music career, and we at Ageless Creatives want to cheer him on as he moves into the 2024 year, releasing music, and just living his authentic self.
