From Lockdown Lessons to Label Leadership with Barking Mad Music
Toronto-based producer and label owner Peter Mac has built a remarkable career in the world of house music, not by following trends but by staying true to the soulful, deep and Latin-infused sounds that first inspired him. Speaking recently on The DJ Sessions, Peter shared how a global shutdown turned into an unexpected rebirth for his artistic journey. Watch the full interview here:
Reinvention Through Music
Before founding his label Barking Mad Music in 2022, Peter ran an events and booking agency for a decade. When the pandemic brought the live entertainment industry to a halt, he found himself with time and motivation to explore a long-held passion for music production. “I sat and watched about 300 tutorials on YouTube,” he laughs. “I’m not a technical guy, but I am musical. Once I learned how all the buttons worked, it came naturally.” His dedication quickly paid off. Within two years, his demos were being picked up by respected labels, and his name began appearing alongside imprints like Quantize Recordings, Category One, and Soul & Pepper. The logical next step was to create a home for his own vision, and Barking Mad Music was born.
Building Barking Mad Music
Though much of the label’s output features Peter’s own productions, he regularly welcomes other artists, particularly up-and-coming Latin and soulful house producers. “Every third or fourth release, I bring someone new on,” he explains. “There’s so much great talent coming from Mexico and Latin America right now.” Originally rooted in deep house, Barking Mad has expanded into soulful and Latin house sounds. “Those three styles define who I am as a producer and DJ,” says Peter. “It’s the kind of music that moves people, not necessarily hands-in-the-air music, but music that makes you feel.”
A Label Powered by MN2S
Peter works closely with MN2S Label Services, who handle distribution for Barking Mad. “They’re incredible,” he says. “They have great relationships with Spotify, Beatport and Traxsource, and they really push to get your music featured on the front line. That kind of support is essential for independent artists.” Through MN2S, his music now reaches global audiences, appearing in playlists and digital storefronts that cater to discerning house heads. For Peter, that visibility helps sustain the authentic side of electronic music and provides a counterbalance to what he calls the “visual spectacle” of the mainstream EDM world.
The Art and Discipline of Production
Peter’s process blends creativity with discipline. While he once churned out tracks weekly, he has since shifted toward quality over quantity. “Now it’s one or two releases a month. It’s about refining your sound and learning from every track you make.”
He produces primarily in Reason, a choice inspired by his love of vintage studio gear and a recommendation from friend and producer Funk D’Void. “It has that old-school rack setup. I love it. It feels hands-on, musical.” Like many producers, Peter spends long hours in the studio. “It’s addictive in a good way,” he admits. “But you have to balance it. I keep a treadmill in my studio. That’s how I stay sane.”
Collaboration and Creative Flow
His latest collaboration, Distant Lovers was released on Quantize Recordings, home to legendary soulful house figure DJ Spen. The track features South African vocalist Earl W. Green, whose warm, Chicago-inspired voice immediately caught Peter’s attention. “I sent him the track, and he just killed it,” Peter says. “When Spen heard it, he replied immediately and said, ‘This is hot, man. I want to sign it.’” The single has already climbed the Traxsource charts and received a remix from LA-based producer ReelSoul, solidifying Peter’s growing reputation in the soulful house community.
“Distant Lovers” has soared to the top of the charts, landing Number 1 on the Soulful House Chart and Number 2 overall, with featured banners across the main page and Soulful House sections! This captivating release from Peter Mac & Earl W. Green, released on Quantize Recordings, is written, produced, arranged, and mixed by Peter Mac, with vocals written and recorded by Earl W. Green. Additional mixing and mastering come courtesy of the legendary DJ Spen, with DJ Spen, Thommy Davis, and Kelly Spencer serving as Executive Producers. “Distant Lovers” is a stunning collaboration, as Earl’s soulful, commanding vocals blend seamlessly with Peter’s elegant composition, creating a timeless track built for the dance floor. The package also includes an exceptional DJ Spen & Reelsoul Remix, delivering uplifting underground house energy that perfectly complements the Original Mix featured on Quantize’s summer sampler. Full release will be on the 14th of November on Beatport, Spotify etc….
Keeping the Culture Alive
While Peter embraces digital tools, he is critical of how technology has changed club culture. “People are filming instead of dancing. It kills the vibe,” he says. He praises clubs that have begun implementing no-phone policies to help audiences reconnect with the experience. “Buy a drink, dance, talk to your friends, have a good time. That’s what it’s about.”
For Peter, the future of house music depends on preserving its roots. “Good music is good music,” he says. “You just have to search for it. Platforms like Traxsource keep that underground spirit alive.”
Looking Ahead
As Barking Mad Music continues to grow with MN2S, Peter remains focused on developing his sound and supporting emerging artists who share his love for authentic, soulful house. “I just want people to listen to the music and feel something real,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about.”