Words by Mitch Strashnov
Live Photos by HiFi Cartel
Dancefloor antics have evolved from the subtle head bop to the ultimate power trip that is the fist pump. However, it could be hard to bring all the elements of a successful night of tunes together onto one floor. Enter Graeme Shepherd, the 20-something producer/DJ known by the music world as GRUM. His music goes between classic nods to unforgettable ’80s new-wave melodies and thumping 21st Century Disco House bass kicks; while bringing crowds together into a collective ball of musical fury. Originally from the Scottish city of Edinburgh but now residing in Leeds in the United Kingdom, GRUM has travelled far and wide to share his sounds to universal acclaim. In an exclusive interview with ‘SUP, he talks influences, his origins in music and the obligatory discussion of Lady Gaga.
What is the GRUM sound, what brought upon these specific melodies, synths and other bits?
The GRUM sound is really just fun, warm and positive vibes, mostly. It’s a sound I’ve crafted to suit myself and for everyone to relate to. If it’s warm and welcoming, it’s got to make you feel good and that’s totally the vibe people should get out of it.
Because of that, do you feel like your sound is universal in a way?
There’s definitely aspects that are universal. I think the reach for that is because it touches from music that has influenced me and touched me the way same way it has touched others.
Which tunes were they?
Off the top of my head? *laughs* Lots of the 90s house from France; labels like Roule and Crydamoure. That stuff was relentless and always great to listen to.
From what is around the “scene” that is this sort-of-revival of disco/filter house, I see you take yourself out and consider yourself individualistic. How so?
Well, I don’t like being associated to anything because I feel like that’s just lumping music in a group that might not be exactly the same thing. I want people to catch glimpses of other influences like ’80s new wave tunes, especially from The Human League. I could listen to Dare! non-stop for pretty much the rest of my life.
What was your “ah-ha” moment, the time you thought “maybe I should get into music gig…”?
*laughs* Don’t judge me, but cheese trance and cheese house. Stuff like ATB, I guess. Hearing it around and then finally going to a club and seeing the power of these tunes take over so many people, I was like “OK, I want that power!”
Did you start with bands or just go into it on your own?
Well, I don’t really play musical instruments, besides a trumpet when I was about 8 or 9 years young. Other than that, just banging out on a keyboard since then.
The Lady Gaga remix, it had to be mentioned…how did that even happen and what there any blowback from it?
Honestly it was a lot of fun and I just have a great group of people around who got that done. Making it was cool and I feel like I’ve made that tune a bit more…tolerable to some. People were mostly supportive, but there was definitely some “what the fuck?” comments to be said.
