Peter Mudge, the Pittsburgh producer who prefers to stay out of the limelight, has made significant contributions to the music world. His work can be heard on tracks from national acts like Wiz Khalifa, the late Mac Miller, and J.I.D, as well as local talents. His unique musical journey started in the late '90s and has evolved over the years.

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Early Influences and Musical Beginnings

Peter Mudge was inspired by the likes of The Notorious B.I.G. and Nas. He bought his first CD, "The Chronic," and began teaching himself to use turntables and records. As a teenager, he explored various aspects of hip hop, including graffiti, breakdancing, and rapping. But he eventually settled on DJing, realizing it was his true passion.His love for DJ culture led him to dive into the scene without formal training. During his teens at the University of Pittsburgh, he started experimenting with beat-making using a pirated version of FruityLoops (now FL Studio). He collected vintage keyboards and synthesizers to expand his sound-creating abilities. His local music scene connections also grew, shaping his approach to music composition.

From Solo to Collaborative Work

Initially, Mudge adhered to a "do-it-alone" philosophy. But he later embraced working with others. He started making short song ideas that were a minute long and giving them to other producers to finish. This shift opened up new opportunities and led to some of his biggest contributions.He credits peers like DJ Bonix and E. Dan for helping him land his first credit on "No Limit" on Wiz Khalifa's album. Since then, he has built a worldwide network of artists through mutual acquaintances and communal studio spaces.

Notable Collaborations

One of his notable collaborations was on Mac Miller's 2018 album "Swimming." Through E. Dan, Miller and Mudge connected. Mudge added dynamic synthesizer lines and background vocals to "Self Care" and "Ladders." He didn't expect these songs to become favorites, but they did.Another track, "151 Rum" by J.I.D, was created with Christo at a rented house in L.A. It has been featured in hit shows and films.Mudge also works with independent Pittsburgh musicians like Mars Jackson and Cam Chambers, producing entire albums for them.

Future Aspirations and Inspirations

Looking ahead, Mudge is excited about upcoming collaborations with Pittsburgh artists like My Favorite Color. He is also working on a unique folk album with musician Jessica Pratt, showcasing his versatility.Beyond his professional aspirations, he hopes to inspire the next generation of musicians. He encourages them to embrace their ideas and not compare themselves to others.Mudge's story represents the heart of Pittsburgh's musical landscape and the unyielding spirit of artists who push boundaries and share their voices.