Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Hanaman.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
In 5th grade, I had to learn an instrument for school. I chose bass because it was the biggest, lowest, and “coolest” instrument in the classroom. I came up playing jazz and soul in high school on both guitar and bass. I spent most of my high school commuting sometimes 400 miles/week for rehearsals and gigs. During these drives, I started listening to new music including dance and hip-hop. After graduating and coming to Berklee, I discovered a different side of music. I discovered beat making, recording, and mixing. This has molded into who I have become as an artist, producer, and DJ.
Please tell us about your art.
I am an artist, producer, and DJ. My overall goal is to affect someone with music. This starts in the songwriting stage. I sit down with vocalists and writers and build ideas, beats, or just a sound that inspires us. Once we have a demo idea, I’ll start to build a full track. Once we have that, I move to vocal production. I will get in the studio with a vocalist and spend time getting the right performance, doing background vocals, and improvisations to give the vocals more energy and a fuller mix. Once I mix and master the song, it all becomes about the audience. I want the song to affect the audience as much as possible. I want the listener to go to the place or experience the song is about. I want the instrumental to support this message. I’m all about creating an experience. When it comes down to the live aspect, I like to engage with the audience. During a DJ performance, being on the microphone, talking to the audience, hearing them respond and getting as close to them as I can is what makes it special. There is something unique about an artist presenting their art and vulnerability. I look to create that experience as much as possible.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I personally try to remove myself from politics as an artist. I think music and artists have a lot of power to confront political issues but I like to think of music as a safe haven from the politics of today. No matter your stance on an issue or your overall political leaning, I want you to be able to enjoy my music and remove yourself from the problems in your life and the world in general.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my work on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Tidal… really anywhere you stream music. There is also extra content on my SoundCloud. My artist name is Petey on all platforms. My latest release is ‘Corona & Lime’ with Fraser Watt.
My side project West Coast Lawn Club with longtime friend, Jack Parke, is also available on all streaming platforms.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4356476712
- Email: phhanaman@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterondabeat/
Image Credit:
Toshio Matsuoka
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