PETE SANTOS
Instagram: @petesantosofficial | @m1ara.sa | @beratcimili | @rp_films_media
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MC/singer/songwriter Pete Santos presents the RP Films Media-directed music video for "Last Night People", his new B.Cimili-produced single featuring Miara. A New York City native currently residing in Finland, Pete grew up all over the world, a life journey which heavily influenced his blend of hip-hop, pop, R&B, afro-rhythms, and soul music. The clip for "Last Night People" follows on the heels of visuals for his last single "We Emotional" (Youtube). Pete says his new single is about "the next day of a newly-married couple who wed the night before in Las Vegas. The newlywed couple tells their story about their love for each other and the beauty of that love."
How have you been navigating the weirdness that is 2020, personally and professionally?
I’ve been trying to stay healthy physically and mentally, keeping in mind that 2020 will pass. I wanted to make the most of this year despite all that has been happening with the pandemic, job losses, and the overall feeling that many folk have that this 2020 was a bad year. On the professional front, 2020 has had many highlights. I’ve developed as an artist and overall creative by leaps in bounds. I know that sounds like it makes sense that every year an artist should improve on their craft but this year has been exceptional for me. Like an athlete who practices their game in the offseason and comes back the next season a different player, I’ve been working on my music game. This year I have grown not only from the standpoint of creating music, writing and recording but my overall understanding of the business of music. The best plus of this year has been the music I’m making. The music is the best so far in my career.
Do you come from a musical background? What inspired you to make music your life?
I come from a partly musical family. My brother sings and actually studied music in school. He sings professionally but currently he’s not a music artist. I do have folk in my family who have either worked or been affiliated to the music industry, some as DJ’s and some on the business side. My ma and many of my cousins have worked in fashion so I can say I come from a family of creatives. I’ll give the short answer — A DJ in Amsterdam approached me one night when I was out partying and asked me if I was a rapper. This happened while I was going to school in the Netherlands. I looked at him dead in his face and said, “I am. What did you have in mind?” Something triggered me that a DJ would think I made music. The answer I gave him wasn’t from left field. I had dabbled in the studio from time to time but never took it seriously. Music was always a love of mine and when the opportunity presented itself, I just took advantage of it and never looked back.
Describe a day in the life of Pete Santos.
The times during the year when I’m pressed to be creative, a day looks like this. The morning starts relatively early, 7am. I eat a breakfast of champions because I have to champion the day! Yes, I do eat breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day. Then after I check my emails, texts, and SoMe for a while. In the late morning I get ready to go to the studio to either have a creativity session that involves hearing beats and writing or I’m in a recording session, recording my vocals to a song. I have many artist friends who work in the night or through the night but I prefer to work in the studio during the morning/day. After several hours in the studio, I come home, eat, check emails, texts, and SoMe again. Then it’s time to kick back and relax from the day. Days can be predictive some months but I don’t mind. I’m doing what I love to do, which is making music that I want to impact the world.
How did the collaboration with Miara come about? What is the recording process like in the pandemic era?
I’ve known Miara for a few years now. Her voice and persona behind her voice is amazing. Originally, “Last Night People” did not have a feature. As the song morphed in the creative process that took a few years it became evident I needed a feature with me. My producer for “Last Night People”, Berat “B.Cimili” Cimili and I prayed one day like we do many days when we’re in the studio and had the idea to have a woman on the song with me. Miara and I were communicating maybe a week before and B.Cimili and I knew she had to be on it. Her voice is strong and sexy, and the song is about a couple getting married expressing their love for each other. She was the best fit and I’m thankful we were inspired to pursue her for the song. She performed well and added so much to the song. The recording process hasn’t really differed much from the pre-pandemic era. The only difference is the producers and artists I work with use more precaution when we get sick or someone close to us: family, close friends get sick. I just have to be more understanding with everyone involved in the music production process. Sessions are canceled real quick more often when folks feel like they’re feeling sick. In a practical way, I’m always wiping down the mic screens, headphones, seats, and handles on doors in the studio when I have a session. Last year this would have been weird using disinfectant wipes on everything so often but this year it’s about safety and the norm for me.
What can we expect from you next?
I’m currently working on my 4th studio album, which I don’t have a solid release date for yet. I’m also in the process of working on several features with different artists in different parts of the world. I want to have an international presence and I’m moving in that direction. Expect a more improved and refined Pete Santos, enjoying God’s gift of life, making his best music.