Local Legends

Winnipeg’s own PRICE & TAKIS have humble beginnings, but their rise to the top has been an intense and incredible ride. From running his own online T-shirt business at age 16 in his parents’ home to playing international concerts and having millions of streams online, Peter Takis is no stranger to hard work. We caught up with Takis to talk about the importance of passion and honesty. PRICE & TAKIS are living proof that anything is possible for those who have heart.

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AS: How did Price & Takis start?
PT: I’ve been DJing since I was 17, and putting out songs since 18 or 19. Being a local club DJ was fun but I knew I needed songs to connect with markets around the world to be able to tour and build a fan base outside of Canada.  About two years ago, my barber knew I was falling back from the club scene and that I wanted to focus on releasing dance music. He knew [Mike] Price from high-school, connected us and we decided to try to make a single together. Honestly, I expected nothing more than a song. That record sounded great, so, we decided to keep working together and release a remix. That eventually became our “Never Forget You” remix, which, by today has probably been streamed 200 Million+ times. That remix went further than we could ever imagine.  It led us to our management, our agents, our first out-of-country shows and some record labels. At that point Price & Takis was our full focus.

AS: What do you want people to take away from your music?
PT: Our new music is very personal. It’s very honest. I hope people start to feel like they can connect with our stories more personally. Our past songs streamed well but I don’t think people really understood our story and that sucks as an artist. The new music this spring will change all that.  Lyrically, it’s as honest as we could be.

AS: Who are your greatest influences?
PT: I’m a huge fan of the vibe San Holo, Ekali and Illenium create. Hip-hop wise, Kid Cudi is my all time favorite. Kendrick Lamar, Kanye, Jay-Z, of course. When it comes to innovating in pop music, I’m a massive fan of Major Lazer.

AS: What motivates you?
PT: The first year we started all we wanted was for a hundred people to listen, it always felt so hard to break out of the local scene and have fans in other countries. After we accomplished that, 2017’s motivation shifted and we wanted to have the opportunity to travel and tour off our music.  Today, we have a solid base and have played shows all over so our motivation shifted to make impactful songs. We’re experimenting this year, like wildly experimenting. We’re writing every lyric in-house, drawing from deeply personal stories – super emotional records. So, 2018 is about taking risks musically and being more honest; not chasing radio or “hits” at all.

AS: What’s the biggest show you’ve ever played?
PT: Our biggest shows are usually when we play at Marquee in Vegas. We love playing out there, but we’ve had amazing moments in Montreal, New York, Houston, etc. On February 24th we’re playing mainstage EDC Mexico, so that one will be super special.

AS: What’s next for you in the world of music?
PT: Friday, April 6th we release the first single off of our upcoming album. It’s by far our most experimental song, and it is much darker than our past records. I’m excited for April in general. 50% chance the world goes crazy and loves it. 50% chance it’s too weird and they hate it. But it’s an honest and creative song so we’re proud and ready for the world to finally hear it.

Stay up-to-date with Price & Takis through Facebook.com/PriceAndTakis, and through twitter and instagram @priceandtakis.