This past week, I had the privilege to interview a young man by the name of Peter Takis. Peter hails from Winnipeg and at the age of 21 he has started many business ventures and ohh btw did I tell you that he’s also a DJ ? Peter spoke to me about his career and what has changed in his life since his A Day In The Life of Peter Takis YouTube video last year, and so much more.
Ladale The Fashionisto: You’re 21 years old and outside of your career as a DJ, you are also an entrepreneur, tell us about your clothing boutique “Blacklist” How did that come about ? and how do you balance all of your different responsibilities ?
Peter Takis: First off I’d like to say thanks for reaching out. I deeply respect what you guys do. There is a certain authenticity you’re whole team radiates. It’s incredible. As a DJ/ Music Producer I eat, sleep & breathe the culture. That may include going to concerts, fashion shows, living out of a recording studio or frequently refreshing blogs eager for new content. Creating my boutique is a direct reflection of what I want to be around daily. You walk in & immediately see barbers cutting hair & talking about the latest album that dropped, sometimes we have DJ’s playing in store, ect. My boutique wasn’t a “strategic” business idea, it was a way to create what I wanted to be surrounded by. In terms of balance, I’m still very much figuring it all out. Lot’s of coffee. Red Bull just started sponsoring me so I’m always charged up haha !
LTF: I recently checked out your YouTube video. “A Day In The Life of Peter Takis” you had numerous projects underway at that point in time, such as “The List”, how has your life changed since that video and what projects are you currently working on ?
PT: Yeah, that interview was right at the peak of building my restaurant/ lounge “The List”. The project was 6 months late & over budget. A direct reflection of my lack of experience in the restaurant industry. Today, we’re open & thriving. It’s amazing looking back on those past interviews & remember how real things were during those renovations. Keeps me grateful that things balanced themselves out & that business finally has stability.
LTF: Since 2008 many artist from Justin Bieber, Drake, The Weeknd, and now emerging talents such as PARTYNEXTDOOR and now Tory Lanez, as a DJ in Canada, what is the music culture like out there ? and do you feel that Canada doesn’t get as much respect in urban culture as places such as NY, Cali, and the Southern states ?
PT: I’m not sure. From my perspective everyone is always so proud. I’m doing this interview from a condo in Downtown Toronto & I feel an energy in this city that is hard to explain. It feels like everyone feels momentum so they support each other. Maybe down south they don’t see it, but every night I DJ, when I’m looking through my library I constantly see an abundance of amazing Canadian records, so I’m content.
LTF: We usually don’t see many individuals your age, with as much things going on such as yourself, where did that drive come from ? and at one point in time, did you ever fear that perhaps some of these business ventures would fail ?
PT: I’m pretty weird man. I’m not sure where it comes from, but since like age 15, I’ve always felt it was important to push myself to my personal limits as much as possible. It’s worked at times but also caused serious stress. In terms of fear of failure, I have failed. Many times! From The List, to Blacklist Boutique, to my career in radio & even in music I’ve failed at all of these ventures in someway but I just refuse to quit. Like I said, I’m pretty weird lol.
LTF: What gives you the most joy out of life ?
PT: Forsure seeing a creative vision come to life. I feel the most depressed when a project is stalled or a song gets delayed, ect. I’m all about momentum. I base my life on trying to feel positive momentum. My greatest joy is having an idea & seeing it come to life in the real world.
LTF: What is the best club you ever DJ’ed at ? and what qualified it as the best experience for you ?
PT: I’ve been blessed to DJ parties in Hawaii & LA which was incredible but the most impactful show was playing at WeDay. It’s basically an arena or stadium of kids trying to inspire positive change. The WeDay shows I got to play felt special.
LTF: How can ppl that want to check out your music and support your business ventures be able to reach you ? (Social Media )
PT: @petertakis on Twitter/ IG! I would love to push a remix we just put out that’s getting some viral traction.
Check it out here:
All Photos Courtesy of Peter Takis
