We spoke with soulful songwriter and drummer Péter Kászas, who released his latest single ‘Turn Back’ on October 11, 2024. He has garnered support from Jazz FM and notable publications like Fame Magazine UK and Music News. Kászas was part of Grammy-winning guitarist Al Di Meola’s band, touring globally and sharing stages with artists like Gonzalo Rubalcaba. He has collaborated with Steve Hackett (Genesis) and contributed to Di Meola’s Latin Grammy-nominated album The Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody. A member of a prominent Hungarian pop band, he has performed at Hungary’s Sziget Festival and international events like the Marciac Jazz Festival and the Curacao Jazz Festival. Beginning classical percussion studies at age six, Kászas earned a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, studying under Terry Lyne Carrington and Dave Samuels. His music, reminiscent of Stevie Wonder and Brian McKnight, weaves themes of hope, loneliness, and desire.
Listen to ‘Turn Back’ while you read our interview with Péter below.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
From an early age I’ve been surrounded by music, and I was addicted to playing the drums.
So self expression through music was natural to me, it was not a choice. As an artist this is the only way I can express myself fully.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
It depends, each song is a different story. Many times a melody just hit me out of the blue. Sometimes as it is in the question, it is starting from a sound or a groove. I rarely write lyrics, I start the songs with the music.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Most of the time I only write music, I have collabs with lyricists, one of my main co-writers is Szandra Szoke, she is a great singer/songwriter, she wrote most of the lyrics.
Also I have a longtime friendship/collab with Zoltan Bubenyak, he is a great keyboard player/producer.
What’s on your current playlist?
Dirty Loops, Sting, Richard Marx, Kurt Elling, Jacob Collier, Maddison Cunningham…
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
I believe my music connects well with my fans who love my songs and singing and drumming. The fans are quite open to the music and the solos as well.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
My music is between pop/jazz/indie so it has a unique vibe, which is both an advantage and disadvantage because the audience might find this music too complex. Since I am a drummer/singer-songwriter I hope I have a unique sound. I write my songs on the keyboard so it is important to me that a song should be alive with just the piano and the voice, but it is super inspiring to tweak sounds and look for out-of-the-box arrangements.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
Before the studio I write the songs in my cave, then we finish the arrangement, and then we record the track. These days the musicians record the instruments at their home studio (unfortunately). Usually, we record the drums/bass and the vocals are the last one.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Well, as I mentioned before, I never made this choice, I should say music chose me. This is so natural to me, there was nothing else that I wanted to do full-time.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
My drumset, and my lyric sheets.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Maddison Cunningham, Jacob Collier and Matteo Mancuso.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Well, that could be anything! Obviously these days there are so many impulses, you can hear an interesting groove or a sound which can turn you on. In my case, starting with an unusual groove one day is always a chance, while starting a song with only piano and voice the next day.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
I am working with Pro Tools as my DAW, I am using mostly Audio-Technica mics.
I am working on to become a Yamaha artist, I got a beautiful Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid Oak drum set from the company.
Any side projects you’re working on?
I am the drummer of a very popular band called Margaret Island.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
As a session drummer I think I saw everything and I was lucky to work with great musicians. Especially those 9 years on the road with guitar legend Al di Meola. We played all the great jazz festivals, recorded a few records, and one of them was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award.
As an artist I am still learning everyday how to find the best way to express myself.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
After this single release I am focusing on working on the full EP which is going to be released next year.\
Famous last words?
I am looking forward to showing the world my new track!
Follow Péter Kászas:
Facebook – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
