Artist Glimpse: Peter Peres

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Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Peter Peres, began his career behind the lens as a concert photographer before transitioning to the stage. Known for a contemporary country-pop sound, Peter has built a reputation for personal and relatable songwriting. He recently gained wider attention after a viral performance at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern, where he was invited on stage by Keith Urban. With his new album, “What Do I Do With That”, established and a brand-new single just released, we discuss his creative process and his journey within the Canadian music scene.

Rob Aguiar: You just dropped a brand-new single called Could Be Worse. Now that the track is officially out in the world, can you share the meaning behind it?

Peter Peres: "Could Be Worse" is about going through a breakup and realizing that, as painful as it is, there are still so many things in life that could be worse. We all go through moments where it feels like our world is falling apart, but sometimes taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture can really change your perspective. I wanted this song to acknowledge the hurt without staying there. It's meant to be an uplifting reminder that it's okay to move forward, find the positives, and keep looking ahead. I hope people can put it on after a tough day, sing along, and leave feeling just a little bit better than they did before.

RA: Your lyrics often explore the personal trials and emotional stages of past relationships. Is translating these private experiences into a public song daunting for you, or do you find it to be a necessary form of catharsis?

PP: Writing from personal experiences has always felt like the most honest way for me to connect with people. It can definitely feel a little vulnerable knowing that something so personal is out there for everyone to hear, but I've learned that those are usually the songs people relate to the most. Songwriting has become a way for me to process what I'm feeling and make sense of different experiences. If someone hears one of my songs and feels a little less alone because they've been through something similar, then sharing those stories is always worth it.

RA: Songwriting is inherently exposing, but some lines tend to strip things back more than others. If you look closely at your latest project, is there a specific lyric—whether in the new single or another track on the album—that felt particularly heavy or vulnerable to put down on paper?

PP: I'd probably say "What Do I Do With That." That song was one of the most vulnerable I've ever written because it came from trying to move on after a breakup while still being surrounded by all the memories that person left behind. The lyric that stands out the most is, "Cause I loved you, but you didn't love me back, what do I do with that?" It's such a simple line, but it says everything I was feeling at the time. Writing it was difficult because it came from a very real place, but I'm glad I did because I've had so many people tell me they've experienced that exact same feeling too.

RA: When a new idea hits you, do you prefer to flesh out the heart and grit of the story in solitude first, or do you find that the best version of a Peter Peres song only comes together through the energy of a shared co-writing room?

PP: For me, it usually starts on my own. I'll have a title, a melody, or a lyric that I don't want to lose, so I'll get the idea down while it's still fresh. Once I have the heart of the song figured out, I really enjoy bringing it into a co-writing session. That's where the song often takes on a life of its own. Everyone brings a different perspective, and sometimes someone will suggest a lyric or melody that makes the whole song click. I love that balance of starting with something personal and then letting it grow through collaboration.

RA: That night at the Horseshoe Tavern wasn't just a personal milestone; it became a viral sensation across Canada. Beyond the surreal feeling of jamming with Keith Urban, how has that sudden surge of international attention impacted your career momentum and the way you are navigating your artistic growth?

PP: That night was unforgettable. Getting invited on stage with Keith Urban was a dream, but seeing the video take off across Canada and internationally opened unexpected doors. A major highlight was having my single, "Could Be Worse," featured on KX96. It gave me the confidence that I belong here and motivated me to keep growing.

RA: If you could walk into the studio tomorrow to craft a track with any artist, who would be at the top of your list, and what specific vibe would you want to capture in that collaboration?

PP: Without a doubt, it would be Brett Young. I've connected with his storytelling for years. His songs are emotional, honest, and warm. I feel we'd click in a writing room because we love making people feel something. I'd love to write a heartfelt, melodic country song.

RA: With your debut album, “What Do I Do With That”, released a few weeks back, you now have a full-length body of work. Is there a specific track on this record that you feel is the most definitive representation of your sound, and what does the rest of 2026 and beyond look like for you?

PP: "What Do I Do With That" represents who I am, blending storytelling, pop melodies, and country sound. For the rest of 2026, I'm promoting "Could Be Worse," performing at Gussapalooza in August, and recording new music. There's a lot more on the way, and I can't wait to share what's next.

Peter Peres continues to carve out a space in the country-pop landscape with a commitment to authentic storytelling. From his early days at open mics to sharing the stage with legends, his growth reflects a steady dedication to his craft. We thank Peter for sharing a Glimpse into his world—his debut album, “What Do I Do With That” and his new single Could Be Worse is available on all streaming platforms now.