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The music producer Reto Peter, who was born in Aargau, was awarded one of the highest music prizes.
In addition to the singer Beyoncé with four awards, 90 other artists were honored at the Grammy Awards. A prize from the US music industry was also won by an Aargau native: the music producer Reto Peter.
Peter grew up in Aarau, but has been living in the USA for around 30 years, now in Oakland, California. He won a Grammy for the kid hip-hop group’s album ‘Alphabet Rockers». In doing so, he has succeeded in what only a few Swiss have managed to do.
SRF News: Only a handful of Swiss people have achieved what you have now achieved. How does that feel?
Reto Peter: I feel very honored. It’s unique that I was able to attend the celebration and receive a Grammy. It will be a while before I receive it. I still don’t fully realize it.
The Grammy is one of the most important awards in the international music business. What does this prize mean for your work?
First of all, it’s a great honor. And if someone knows that I’ve won a Grammy, then people have the feeling: they know what they’re doing. But only time will tell what it means exactly.
The Grammy Awards are a big deal with a lot of celebrity and pomp. How did you experience this hustle and bustle?
it was crazy In the afternoon was the ceremony where the genre-specific Grammys are awarded. The award was also given in the category “Best Children’s Album”. In the evening was the big show with the stars. This took place in a large stadium with 30,000 people. It was great to be there and see it up close – a once in a lifetime experience.
They won the Grammy for Best Children’s Album with the children’s hip-hop group Alphabet Rockers. What kind of project is this and how did you get involved?
It’s a group from Oakland – two adults and three teenagers. They do hip hop, mostly about racism, social justice, diversity and inclusion. They also give workshops and concerts in schools and are very active. We’re a bit in the same “cake”.
I was lucky to be on this album.
The Oakland scene is relatively small, so I already knew a little bit about it. I was asked to mix their latest album. The group has already been nominated for a Grammy three times, this year it was enough. I was lucky to be on this album.
Or is it your fault for mixing it?
I would not say that. Their other albums sound good too. But of course I’m proud of my work.
You have been living in the USA for around 30 years, but you still have contact with Switzerland. You can be found regularly in the Aarau region, where you work with Swiss musicians. What does the contact to the Swiss music scene mean to you?
I grew up in the Aarau region and went to the canton school there. I had a band there too. I never really lost contact with the Aarau scene because all my colleagues are still there and making music. I come to Aarau at least once a year and visit my parents and colleagues. And there is an opportunity to take on projects. The Aarau region simply has good music.
Stefan Brand conducted the interview.