A conversation with Peter Napoli.
Peter Napoli is a true artist, homegrown in New York City, and part of the UltraMaroon fam. With more than fifteen years behind the decks, he has built a sound that respects the history of NYC’s legendary clubbing eras and continues pushing it forward. Napoli takes crowds on a journey with a blend of all genres of dance music at venues across all of North and South America, and continues to build his music production skills with labels including Aviance Records, Swishcraft Music, and Whore House Recordings. Join us this Sunday, Jan. 7, at Blue Midtown as Peter Napoli launches us into 2024 with resident Someone From Berlin and an opening set by another member of our UM fam, Bomba Zeen!
DXD: You stand among a proud ensemble of native New Yorker DJs that have practiced an utmost respect for the artform and helped shape NYC nightlife over the years. How does it feel to have contributed your talents back to the community where you were raised?
PN: I’m beyond grateful to call NY home and to have been exposed to such immense talent. I owe a great deal to the legends who paved the way for me and influenced my sound, and I hope my contribution makes a great impact as well.
DXD: How do you feel your sound/perspective has changed over the years from your start as a DJ in Mexico City?
PN: It’s a constant evolution. I think the range of what I play and my love for various house genres has grown immensely, which has allowed me to play in many different settings. In addition to house, I also find inspiration from many, many genres of music in general.
DXD: You’re often described as a voyage DJ. What does that voyage mean for you?
PN: I love long sets so that I can take people on a ride. It creates space for me to share more of what I love. Being able to tell a story throughout the night also gives me the opportunity to display the lineage of house music in a way.
DXD: Adding to that, where do you feel your sound lands under the umbrella of house music as you blend all the genres that create the Peter Napoli experience?
PN: It’s hard for me to categorize. I typically say I play New York City house or I do house and techno with the hopes that people see that I move between genres. Fluid is a good word that comes to mind. It really depends on where and what time I’m playing. I always play the room no matter what. Gotta keep the floor moving.
DXD: As you’ve been playing across the US this year, what do you feel has been resonating most on dance floors musically as we’ve experienced a shift in genres?
PN: That’s a tricky question. Quality grooves always work for me, which in turn works for the dance floor. Music I personally resonate with will also resonate with the audience. Although my sound has evolved, I’ve stuck to what I love and always will.
DXD: How do your travels outside the US inspire you as an artist?
PN: I love to experience music from other cultures – the instruments, the people, the street noise. Even the food inspires the music. It’s funny how it’s all intertwined. I’m always discovering new sounds on my travels, which I try to incorporate in what I do.
DXD: What is a city/party/place you have not played yet that is on your list and why?
PN: Panorama Bar, Berlin is one of my favorite dance floors and a major goal of mine. The vibe in that room is like nothing I’ve experienced anywhere else. There is a depth and authenticity to the sound coming out of that place that is addictive.
DXD: You recently celebrated your 40th with an excellent evening of music in Brooklyn, featuring Quentin Harris, Manny Ward, and Benny Soto as well as a dance floor full of so many talents of NYC nightlife. How did it feel to ring in this milestone surrounded by your friends and peers?
PN: Nothing but gratitude for everyone who celebrated with me for my community.
DXD: What do you feel as a DJ and event producer that NYC queer nightlife is doing well currently and/or could use a push in a different direction?
PN: There’s been a shift in what’s being heard in the clubs, which is great. The variety of people on the dance floor seems to be opening up too. I think the focus on music and dance floor etiquette are most important and should be pushed more. Putting away the cell phones and interacting with who’s around you needs to be prioritized. I’m all about a sexy dance floor, but I do think people push the limits of those around them and that could be looked at more closely. It all depends on the party of course. Again, dance floor etiquette is vital.
DXD: In my first interview with you in 2019, you described a career highlight as: “Getting my first track on a label. It was a track I did with a buddy of mine and we were accepted onto a great Miami label called Freakin909.”
What do you feel is another career highlight since then?
PN: Playing the Pines Party Beach Party was for sure a major highlight. It was my first time playing for 3500 people. I look forward to being back one day!
DXD: Speaking of tracks, what has been another project that has been special to you as you’ve grown as a producer?
PN: My last remix of EPIC! was really special. I love Inaya Day so working on that project was such a pleasure.
DXD: What can we expect next from Peter Napoli as a DJ and producer?
PN: This year’s major focus is music production. I have a new studio setup that I’m very excited about! There are new collaborations with other artists on track releases and nightlife projects. “Long Time Comin’,” is an original mix that I will be releasing early next year, so keep an eye out!
DXD: Is there an artist/track/set that has been inspiring you lately?
PN: Artist: Pinto has been releasing some excellent house tracks that really get the floor moving. Track: Exit (The Hacker Remix) by Dubfire feat. Miss Kitten. Set: Jason Kendig - EOS Radio: November 2022.
DXD: What are you looking forward to most this Sunday at UltraMaroon?
PN: Playing for my friends and community!
Thank you Peter Napoli! Keep up with him on Instagram and Soundcloud. You can hear him live this Sunday, Jan. 7, along with resident Someone From Berlin and an opening set by Bomba Zeen. Doors open at 5pm at Blue Midtown with our 2-4-1 Happy Hour until 6pm. Get your tickets here!
Xx,
DavidXDaisy