Peter Universe: Bridging Cultures Through Jazz, Funk, and Classical Music
Peter Universe, also known as Piotr Cichocki, is fast becoming a recognizable name on Spanish live scene, while steadily leaving his mark internationally. The Polish pianist, songwriter and composer, now based in Spain, draws audiences with a distinctive blend of piano improvisation, jazz and funk – a sound shaped by Mediterranean light and cross-cultural collaboration. From clubs and festivals in Alicante and beyond to growing attention on global streaming platforms, his trajectory shows how music can bridge places, languages and traditions – building a local following in Spain that echoes outward to the wider world.
Key Milestones in Peter Universe’s Musical Journey
Kids Of Universe: Breakthrough in Spain (2022-2024)
- Performed at the locally famous ‘Alacant Desperta’ festival with Pat Trio
- Formed Kids of Universe band, regularly performing across Spain
- Recorded debut album at Sacramento studio, Alicante (April 2023)
- Album gained international recognition on Spotify and iTunes
Funk Armada: A New Musical Frontier (2024)
- Collaboration with Polish bassist Wojtek Pilichowski
- International band featuring Chilean guitarist and Spanish drummer
- Innovative use of fender pianos, synthesizers, and pads
- Unique fusion of funky elements and ambient soundscapes
Rising Recognition and Notable Performances
- Featured at Jazz Day Festival Alicante alongside flamenco legend Jorge Pardo
- Interviews with Radio Alicante and Radio Benidorm
- Growing fanbase across Europe and streaming platforms
Multimedia Projects and Cultural Initiatives
“Despertar” Music Video Project in Poland
- Collaboration with Polish National Ballet dancers
- Supported by Sokołowski Cultural Center
- Blends music with classical dance, promoting conscious living
Xchange Festival: Bridging Spain and Poland (2023)
- Organized in Gran Alacant, Spain
- Sponsored by Polish National Foundation and Scorpions
- Platform for international artistic collaboration
- Charitable initiative supporting “House of Music” (Dom Muzyki) in Poland
Collaborations
- Worked with Mery Spolsky, Łukasz Drapała, Olena, Pawel Mosiolek, Wojtek Krol, Wojtek Rucinski, Bogdan Wawrzynowicz, Waldemar Ogrodniczak, Rusty Pine, Krzysztof Zagajewski and other Polish artists-expanding his palette while keeping a strong melodic identity
Past Artistic Works
2007 marked an early breakthrough. Peter Universe (then performing as Piotr Cichocki) composed and recorded the single “Shut” in collaboration with Radosław Świderski. That same year, the track carried him to a 9th-place award at the international alternative-music competition Vena Festival 2007. The field was formidable: 700+ submissions from 16 countries, including France, the UK, Lebanon and Australia. “Shut” advanced to the final sixteen, and at the gala concert in Łódź Cichocki appeared with the band SPIRIT, sharing the bill with SOFA (feat. Tomasz Organek), Mika Urbaniak (Miss Mika), Kosmofski (feat. Muniek Staszczyk), Bisquit, and Luiza Staniec.
“Rock outfit Spirit had a loyal pocket of fans, led by a frontman with a powerful, polished voice. Their Vena performance featured a ballad that landed with finesse.”
Michal Boron, muzyka.interia.pl
Collaborations expanded his palette. Working with Mery Spolsky, he co-created a debut EP, layering her songs with synth textures, ambient beds, arpeggiators and experimental FX. The duo recorded several additional tracks that remain unreleased.
In parallel, Cichocki developed a concert partnership with Olena (Olena Szczepaniak). As part of that collaboration he performed support sets for Piasek (Andrzej Piaseczny), including appearances at the amphitheatre in Kętrzyn.
Together, these projects chart the arc of an artist building range and reputation-moving from competition stages to studio experiments and marquee support slots.
Where the NEW story begins: Kaszuby, Poland – 432Hz sessions
The idea for live, improvised sessions started in Kaszuby, a landscape park in northern Poland. Peter lived for months in a quiet house by a lake, far from city noise. There he set up the sound and played one-take performances at the piano.
Over time the archive grew. Ana Voyt designed single covers for each piece, like pages of a diary. From these recordings Peter selected tracks for the album Ad Libitum. The cover idea also took shape there.
After the sessions ended, he felt ready for a change. Therefore, he left Poland and moved south.
From Barcelona to Alicante
First came Barcelona. The city’s pace, museums, and late-night live performances fueled new sketches. However, after a few months, Peter looked for more light and space. He settled near Alicante on Spain’s Mediterranean coast.
The move changed the sound. The music kept its intimacy, yet the harmony opened up. The stereo image felt wider. Often Peter recorded at 432Hz. It is an artistic choice, used for a softer tonal shade and a calmer feel.
Method: composition in real time
- No fixed form at the start. A motif leads the way.
- One take when possible. Keep dynamics. Avoid heavy compression.
- Theme & variations. Ideas return in new registers and rhythms.
- Smooth links. Sections join naturally rather than through hard cuts.
As a result, the pieces stay melodic, human, and easy to live with. They work for deep focus, reading, and late evenings. Yet they still tell a story.
Peter Universe’s Musical Style and Impact
- Characterized by improvisation and genre fusion
- Combines traditional instrumentation with modern electronic sounds
- Focuses on creating distinctive melodies and ambient atmospheres
- Contributes to cultural exchange between Spain, Poland, and beyond
Style markers and influences
- Improvised, emotional piano at the center
- Cinematic ambience with room tone and air
- Flamenco hue and gentle syncopation in the pulse
- 432Hz music on selected sessions for a softer color
- Nature and people as steady sources of inspiration
Why it resonates
Peter’s music does not fight for attention. Instead, it creates space. Listeners often say that time slows down. The tone is warm. The melodies return with small changes. Consequently, the pieces feel familiar yet fresh.
In the band projects the grammar stays similar, but the energy shifts. Funk Armada pushes forward with rhythm. Kids of Universe opens the room for dialogue. Pat Trio brings the camera closer.
Future Prospects and Ongoing Projects
- Continued experimentation with new sounds and collaborations
- Regular performances in Spain, including Alicante and Andalusia
- Expanding international presence through streaming platforms
- Commitment to supporting and connecting musical communities worldwide
Peter Universe (Cichocki Music) stands as a prime example of how contemporary musicians can blend tradition with innovation. His career not only showcases musical talent but also demonstrates the power of music in fostering international understanding and collaboration.
