RECLAIMING LATIN SOUNDS IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC


While global electronic music often samples Latin rhythms, few artists place them at the heart of their sound the way PETERBLUE does. His approach isn’t simply about aesthetics — it’s a political and cultural stance.


“I once heard someone say that Latin America is just a picturesque ‘destination’ somewhere in the south of the world — a place the so-called ‘first world’ visits, but never really understands. The truth is, Latin America isn’t a destination; it’s the result of countless cultures, each with their own unique stories. Sadly, we’ve always dealt with some form of colonization — even in the way our music is perceived. People label it as ‘vulgar’ or say it ‘doesn’t sound right.’ To me, music is a powerful way to challenge that. My work is about contributing to that process of decolonization. Not just by sharing my music globally, but by making it clear that our musical richness stands on its own. It doesn’t need anyone else’s approval.”


For PETERBLUE, this reclamation is deeply tied to history and memory. By weaving genres like salsa, reggaetón, and cumbia into techno and hard groove, he creates a sonic narrative that challenges the idea that innovation and tradition are at odds.


“Being independent gave me the freedom to be myself. It let me create like a kid would — freely and fearlessly.”


“My work is definitely shaped by the post-pan- demic wave. After 2020,


there was a big


influx of European rave culture across Latin America. In countries that already had strong clubbing traditions, it felt natural for both worlds to start merging. I see what I do as a continuation of something that already existed. Look back 25 years — you had genres like merengue house,


raptor house,


or guaracha. These were already fusions of native sounds and electronic beats. In all those cases, the traditional ‘balance’ was broken — and that’s where new possibilities came alive. That’s where real innovation happens.”


It’s clear that PETERBLUE is doing something truly unique. His approach is more than just making music; he’s creating a space for himself, his roots, his people, and a new electronic language that doesn’t seek external validation. In a world where trends tend to flatten cultures, his work reminds us that rhythm can be resistance, and sound can reclaim what was stolen.


The idea that “rhythm can be resistance” strikes me as especially powerful. He’s not just making people dance; he’s using music as a tool to tell stories and challenge structures that often silence authentic


mixmagcaribbean.com Photo: @ie.gato (On IG) - mixmagcaribbean.com


BREAKING RULES AND BUILDING SOUNDS


For an artist like PETERBLUE, the creative process is as much about unlearning as it is about constructing. His journey toward sonic originality was born out of defiance and self-discovery.


“At first, it was tough. I was influenced by things people said were ‘bad taste,’ and I kept my ideas to myself, working in secret from my room. But what I was making connected deeply with who I am — with my childhood, my purest years, and the place I grew up in. I didn’t even think of it as innovative; it just felt genuine. Then I played one of those tracks live for the first time — and that’s when it clicked. Whether people loved it or not, it connected. That moment taught me that my number one rule is to enjoy what I do. If I’m having fun, the rest will follow.”


His evolving sound has a recognizable signature, yet refuses confinement.


“I’ve always considered myself a very open artist, and my guiding principle has always been simple: my music should feel like an amusement park. It should radiate energy and joy. My roots and traditional sounds definitely shape my style — but I think the real signature of PETERBLUE is that sense of fun. I want my music to make people dance and smile.”


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