Harry Peat

If dance music is too often accused of being a slave to the DJ-cum-producer, banging out formulaic “meat and two veg” electronic standards, then Harry Peat may be the man to save the day. Classically trained, Harry has become known for his skilfully orchestrated arrangements, intensely textured sounds, and pristine production skills. Mixing dark beats, with innovative sound design and rich harmonies, Harry Peat has a level of depth and musicality not often seen in the dance world.
Harry’s musical journey started with his first piano lesson at the age of 7. Five inspired years later and with a notebook brimming with his own musical etchings he came into contact with his very first synthesiser. Armed with a medium that could do justice to his musical imaginings he spent his teens weaned on a diet of 80’s pop, Vangelis and Jean Michelle Jarre. At 18, with the rumblings of a nascent dance movement in the London clubs around him, Harry enrolled to study Commercial Music at the Royal Academy of Music.
It was while at music college that he landed his first single release on Test Pressing Records under his pseudonym “HP Source”. Entitled “Pressure”, it got plays on Brandon Block and Alex P’s Kiss FM drivetime show, and Harry’s step onto the first rung of the ladder was secured. He was soon taken on by Red Parrot and released two singles through their label, the first a double-A side featuring “Slide” and “Jupiter Rising”, and a second one “Fligthpath”, with support from Sasha, Paul van Dyk and Ashley Casselle to name but a few. More recently, his groundbreaking track "Affrodizziac" found a home in the capable hands of Alternative Route, and a couple of cheeky bootlegs inspired by Fleetwood Mac and Good Charlotte have ensured a consistent profile.
Taking inspiration from a vast spectrum of music, from the haunting work of avante-garde composer Arvo Part through to the ambient sounds of Ulrich Schnauss, his range of influences are as diverse as the elements that constitute his music. His rigorous production values have been compared to those of BT, and combined with a sound that somehow always ends up being ‘summery’, his grooves and melodies are the perfect accompaniment to the sun-drenched dance-floors and chillout spots of Ibiza.
Harry’s remix output has been ticking over, most recently turning in an excellent rework of Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren's "Light The Skies" (Baroque). Other notable efforts include Duran Duran “What Happens Tomorrow” (Epic), Mendoza “Nothing Without Me” (club chart number 2), Seventh Sun “Melody” (A&G), Triple-X “Come Closer” (Kamoflage) and Izdatso “Western Nights” (Nettwerk US), featured on Hernan Cattaneo’s South America comp.
Reluctant to be hostage to any one genre, Harry seems to have his fingers in a number of different pies. His down-tempo work has found its way onto numerous compilations such as Café del Mar (as Nimbus) and Chilled Ibiza, with remix duties including Riva “Time Is The Healer” (London). His writing and production skills are also in demand from TV companies and ad agencies, where he finds the opportunity to work in diverse styles ranging from cutting-edge sound-design to orchestral scores. In addition Harry has programmed on tracks for the likes of Goldfrapp, Loose Cannons and Dave Gahan.
Despite the busy in-tray, an album project is in the pipeline, and Harry is always on the lookout for new vocalists and musicians with which to collaborate.