Behind The Sound: Pete K
We sat down with Paris-based Portuguese producer Pete K, whose melodic, emotionally charged sound is becoming a standout presence in the progressive house scene. Since debuting in 2010, he’s built an impressive catalogue across labels like Colorize and Armada, blending groove, atmosphere, and feeling in equal measure. In this interview, we talk about the inspiration behind his latest single “Belong,” the evolution of his sound, his thoughts on AI in music, and how a move from Lisbon to Paris reshaped his creative journey.
Latest Release, "Belong"
“It’s fun and fulfilling, but it also carries a certain ache, and I wanted the music to capture that contrast.”
Can you walk us through the story or inspiration behind your latest single “Belong”?
"Belong" was inspired by the feeling I had when I first started producing music. I wanted to contribute to the progressive house scene I loved so much and find my place within it, to feel like I belong and am part of the scene.
What was your creative process like for this release? Was it different from how you usually approach production?
The process was actually quite similar to how I start most of my tracks - building everything around the chords. Once I found the right progression, I developed the melodies and the rest of the track from there. I wanted the chords to carry a strong and emotional feeling. It came from a very personal place, this mix of ambition and frustration I sometimes feel in my career. It’s fun and fulfilling, but it also carries a certain ache, and I wanted the music to capture that contrast.
Sound & Creativity
“Whether people are on the dancefloor, at home, or even just listening on the bus, I hope my tracks give them that same lasting impact - something they can feel deeply and remember.”
Since you started producing in 2010, how would you describe the evolution of your sound?
It’s been quite a natural evolution. In the early years, my productions weren’t very strong mixing-wise, which is normal when you’re still learning. With time and experience, my sound became more refined and tighter. There was also a shift in tempo, back then I was always producing around 125-128 BPM, but in the last couple of years I’ve slowed things down to 122–123. Maybe it’s age catching up with me! Jokes aside, it feels natural, and I’ve been enjoying focusing more on groove while still keeping the emotional feeling that’s always defined my music.
When people listen to your music, what do you hope they feel or take away from it?
What first inspired me to make music was the feeling I got on the bus on my way to school. Listening to my favorite DJs, getting goosebumps and chills from certain tracks. Later, I felt that same rush losing myself on the dancefloor. That emotional impact is something I’ll never forget, and it’s exactly what I want to pass on through my own music. Whether people are on the dancefloor, at home, or even just listening on the bus, I hope my tracks give them that same lasting impact -something they can feel deeply and remember.
Are there certain sounds, techniques, or influences that you feel have become part of your signature?
I’d say lush pads, strings, and arpeggios have definitely become a big part of my sound - they always help bring that emotional atmosphere I’m aiming for. Over the past few years, I’ve also developed a technique I really enjoy: taking vocals, completely destroying and reshaping them, and then using them in unpredictable ways. It gives the track a more organic and unique texture, almost like another instrument, and I think that’s become a bit of a signature in my productions.
AI & Technology
“I think AI can be a really powerful tool if it’s used responsibly, but we need clear regulations and platform safeguards to prevent abuse.”
AI in music is a hot topic right now. How do you see it affecting producers and the creative process in the coming years?
I see AI a bit like having another producer in the studio with me - it can draft new ideas, sounds, or samples that I can reshape, remix, and make my own. Used that way, it feels more like a collaboration, and it can definitely unlock creativity and offer new perspectives on a track.
On the negative side, there are people releasing plenty of full AI-generated tracks per day without changing a thing. That creates unfair competition, especially when they’re earning money with no real skills or effort behind the music, while others are spending years honing their craft.
So I think AI can be a really powerful tool if it’s used responsibly, but we need clear regulations and platform safeguards to prevent abuse. Otherwise, it risks becoming a major problem for artists who are genuinely creating.
How do you feel about incorporating AI tools into production, have you tried any yet, or is it something you’d explore in the future?
I’ve already been experimenting with most of the tools available since last year, and it’s been so exciting, it can unlock so many new and old ideas!
For me, it should not be about replacing the producer, but about enhancing creativity and making us better at what we do. And while AI might eventually get close to replicating human emotion, I still believe people will always prefer to support real human-made music. I like to stay optimistic about that, and I hope that’s how things will go.
Scene & Career
“I don’t like to put myself in a box - I enjoy experimenting and creating different shades of the sound rather than repeating the same formula every time.”
How do you see the current state of progressive house and melodic techno and where does your music fit within that landscape?
Progressive House has a really wide spectrum, and I think it’s in very good health right now. On one side, the big room, more festival-driven sound has made a strong comeback, while the deeper and more underground side has also been growing steadily. It feels like more and more people are connecting with it, which is great to see.
I’ve always felt like my music sits somewhere in the middle, but lately it leans a bit more toward the deeper progressive side. That said, I don’t like to put myself in a box - I enjoy experimenting and creating different shades of the sound rather than repeating the same formula every time.
Do you feel being based in Paris, after moving from Lisbon, has shaped your approach to production and opportunities?
Definitely. Moving to Paris meant adapting to a new country, a new language, and meeting a whole new network of people. Collaborating with producers here has taught me a lot and given me fresh perspectives on my music. On top of that, the opportunities are naturally greater; Paris alone has about the same population as all of Portugal, so the scene is much bigger. More places to go, more nightlife, more chances to connect. It’s opened doors that wouldn’t have been possible back home.
Future & Vision
“Every time I come back to the studio after a gig, I feel so inspired and happy!”
What upcoming projects or collaborations are you most excited about?
I’m really excited about my collaboration track with my good friend Romain Garcia on his upcoming album on Anjunadeep. And I also have a new EP coming soon on Colorize, together with another good friend from Italy, L.GU. Both projects mean a lot to me, and I can’t wait to share them.
Looking ahead, how do you want to grow as an artist over the coming years?
My main goal is to reach more people with my music and connect with a wider audience. Along with that, I’d love to start touring more, because I really enjoy playing live. Every time I come back to the studio after a gig, I feel so inspired and happy!
What’s one dream milestone you’d love to achieve, whether that’s a booking, a label, or a collaboration?
For a long time, one of my biggest dreams was to sign a track on Anjuna, and I finally achieved that with my collaboration with Romain. It feels truly amazing to reach such a big milestone, especially by the hand of one of your closest friends. Looking ahead, my next big dream would be to do a US tour. I think that would be an incredible next step in my journey. And I could finally try some new burgers too!
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A big thank you to Pete K for taking the time to share his story and insights with us. From the emotional core of “Belong” to his thoughtful approach to creativity and technology, it’s clear that his music continues to evolve with purpose and passion. With new collaborations on the horizon and a growing presence in the progressive house scene, Pete K’s journey is one we’ll be following closely.
Stay connected with Pete K and keep an eye out for his upcoming projects.