Alternative rock singer-songwriter Peter Landi unveils his latest single, “Turn Back Now“—a driving, atmospheric track that blends nostalgic storytelling with compelling simplicity. Built around just three repeating chords, the song manages to evolve dynamically, keeping listeners engaged through subtle shifts in rhythm and phrasing.
“Turn Back Now” was a labour of persistence in the studio. Co-producer Tyler Semrick-Palmateer and Landi wrestled with two key elements: the snare drum and the vocals. Taking inspiration from Steve Ferrone’s work on Tom Petty’s Wildflowers, they opted for an unusually high snare tuning that initially felt out of place but ultimately sat perfectly within the mix. Meanwhile, despite re-recording vocals on a high-end microphone, nothing matched the raw emotion of Landi‘s original demo take—so they kept it, preserving the authenticity that makes the song shine.
Sometimes, as a songwriter, if you’re tapped in at the right moment, you get lucky and a song comes to you fully formed. You’re not exactly sure what it’s about or where it came from, but over time it starts to make sense and reveal its meaning. “Turn Back Now” is one of those songs for me. – Peter Landi
With influences ranging from Tom Petty and Oasis to Queens of the Stone Age, Landi crafts songs that feel both timeless and fresh. “Turn Back Now” continues his streak of hook-laden, melody-driven releases, further establishing his unique voice in the alternative rock scene.
Peter Landi is a multi-instrumentalist hailing from the East End of Long Island, New York. Now based in Toronto, he has spent nearly a decade immersing himself in the Canadian music scene. Shortly after relocating, he joined the punk outfit Single Mothers and has since become a sought-after touring and studio drummer for artists like Julianna Riolino, Nicolette & The Nobodies, Espanola, Eamon McGrath, and The Drew Thomson Foundation.
During the pandemic, Landi revisited old demos, unlocking a new phase in his songwriting. His first single, “High,” was featured in the critically acclaimed IFC Canadian slasher film In A Violent Nature.
