Explore the Sound of Hungary's Underground Scene with Peter Makto
Peter Makto
Aug 21, 2024
Ahead of his performance at Miller & Beatport's 'Miller Mix' show in Budapest on August 31st, Hungary's veteran underground house music DJ/producer Peter Makto introduces us to some of his home country's grooviest and most talented dance floor players.
This summer was very busy, and as a wonderful close to the season, I will be performing at a very special event that will bring Beatport (filming & presenting an event) to my country and our beautiful capital. On this occasion, I was honored to have the task of compiling this Beatportal Playlist to showcase the Hungarian scene and share my sound with the world!
Honestly, I would be very happy if Hungarian labels were more active because many talented producers live and create here. I promise to bring you exciting music, so trust me, you won't be disappointed when you click the links below. It was an honorable task, and I hope you enjoy the selections as much as I do!
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On August 31st, Peter Makto will perform alongside Gregory S and Giolì & Assia at the Budapest edition of The Miller Mix World Tour — presented by Beatport & Miller! Taking place at the idyllic and romantic Vajdahunyad Castle in the City Park of Budapest, it is guaranteed to be a night like no other! Buy tickets here.
Check out Peter Makto's 'Miller Mix' chart on Beatport
SouveQ, o.ode.o - Soir (Original) [My Choice Recordings]
Souveq has been an active figure in the Hungarian electronic music scene for nearly 20 years. For him, the guiding principle has always been 'quality over quantity.' His own label, My Choice Recordings, may keep its audience waiting, but it always delivers reliably. If you're looking for current and trendy music, this is the right place for you. Among the many Afro House tracks, this one has been my personal favorite for a long time!
Peter Makto - Shaman Dance (Original) [Truesounds Music]
Although not the oldest, Truesounds Music has been operating continuously for 11 years, and it's where one of my most exciting tracks, "Shaman Dance," was released. I'm not a trend-following artist at all; I prefer to express my current feelings through music. Since I consider myself more of a DJ and selector, my own tracks are a mix of everything I love. "Shaman Dance" is particularly exciting because it became a hybrid track that blends organic, progressive, and melodic house, making it very DJ friendly!
Peter Makto - Chakra Boogie [Zenebona Records]
Zenebona Records is the youngest label under my hands. This is my passion project. I've already run three labels, but Zenebona is where I can fully indulge my passion. "Chakra Boogie" falls into the organic house category, but due to its strong groove and bass, it also qualifies as a dark progressive house track. Its melodies and main themes reflect the changes in my life. People love it when I play it. It transports them to another world!
Gregory S - New Cycle [Perihelion]
Gregory S, compared to me, belongs to a newer generation of DJs and producers. He founded his own label, Perihelion, a few years ago, which has become a stronghold for the best melodic house & techno music. I'm sure that if this label were not based in Hungary, it would have already achieved worldwide success in the genre along with the others. Gregory S's tracks are constantly featured in the sets of top DJs like Solomun, Eelke Kleijn, and Miss Monique. "New Cycle" is also a real party banger.
Veeco - Inner Circles [Ribelle Blue]
The Hungarian scene is extremely diverse, thanks to the period from the late 1990s to 2010 when quality progressive house left a deep impression on many and remains one of the favorite genres for partygoers. We love to party to cheerful, light, and emotional music. Veeco and his track "Circles" — released via his Ribelle Blue imprint — are perfect choices for dancing with a happy smile, whether at a daytime party or a nightclub.
Mulya - Dark Idols [Complaint Kulture]
The most underground Hungarian label under the house umbrella is Complain Kulture — even though the guys love to venture into the indie world and towards melodic sounds. The label's secret wizard is, in my opinion, one of the best producers in the world, MULYA. For years, we've heard all of his tracks in DIXON and ÂME's sets, and the list of who plays these tracks could go on forever. They rarely appear in my sets, but I am a huge fan of MULYA; I love the meticulous detail in his music!
P1lgr1ms - Running (Original) [Stellar Fountain]
Stellar Fountain is also a prominent Hungarian label, beloved by fans of organic house and uplifting progressive house. They always benefit from the releases here. I've brought an interesting one from them; after a long time, we finally have a domestic formation, P1lgr1ms, who think a bit outside the box. I have many tracks from them featured in podcasts and radio shows. I hope the guys will be successful!
Thirsty Eyes - Zero Clarity [Acrylic On Canvas]
This time, the label is based in England, but I can't and shouldn't leave out a local character who also refuses to conform and has always honed and experimented with his unique sound. I play a lot of Thirsty Eyes' music, and these tracks are always guaranteed to be successful and can really surprise the audience. Zero Clarity is also a big favorite! You should test it out, too!
Locati - Sosulite (Secret Factory Axid Remix) [Secret Fusion]
The Secret Factory formation also draws from the underground scene and has been successfully managing their label, Secret Fusion, for several years. These guys don't hesitate when it comes to creating something you won't easily find on the market. The Secret Factory DJ and producer duo are characterized by their quality and their distance from commercial directions. I played this remix of theirs at a special party once. At 46, I've encountered a lot of acid house in my youth. I love seeing the faces of the younger generation when this music plays.
Angelo Ferreri - Translate (James Cole Remix) [Alliwant Music]
One of the senior DJs and producers in the Hungarian scene is James Cole, whose mission is classic deep house and proper house music. Also local, more precisely James Cole's label, is Alliwant Music, where many tracks have been released that later appeared in the sets of Marco Carola or other great house magicians. James Cole's "Translate" remix is very close to my heart. It's a cheerful, booty-shaking, true summer treat.
Faktor X - Kabitoszer [Lavalava Budapest]
"Kabitoszer" is a true satire about what happens in clubs. The vocal sample is taken from a documentary where a DJ talks about how, during communal experiences, the ecstasy induced by drugs can lead to various things happening to people, providing many good social experiences and an escape from everyday life. The label Lavalava Budapest also moves away from more popular sounds, heading towards deep house and deep tech directions.
Metha - Ugly Cowboy [BeMassive]
And last but not least, a hot and sexy breakbeat track. Naturally, it's from a Hungarian label. Metha, the founder and head of BeMassive Records, is a versatile DJ and producer. I especially love those tracks where he truly expresses himself, and I know that breakbeat holds a special place in his heart. Good breakbeat is rare these days, especially such powerful, smashing peak-time bangers. "Ugly Cowboy" is one of those! Give it a try!
