Hot on the heels of his disco filled debut album Heartbeats, Grum is heading to Perth. One of the most sought after remixers around he’s given his musical touch to tracks from artist including Lady Gaga and Groove Armada. OUTinPerth caught up with Grum.
Since releasing your album Heartbeats last year you’ve been all over the world, how’ve all the trips around the globe influenced new music you’re making?
I think all the time spent DJing to different crowds and understanding how tunes work has pushed my arrangements and production to become more club oriented. Before I was just sort of doing my thing but I’m enjoying making more powerful music now. I don’t tend to get much time to soak up local culture and sounds so that hasn’t changed so much…although you do tend to understand that different areas like slightly different things musically.
There is a definite sound of the ’80s in your music, what were you doing in the ’80s?
In the ’80s I was wearing nappies, watching cartoons and playing with toys…not much has changed then. George Michael was number one when I was born!
You’ve undertaken heaps of remixes for other people, what do you look for in someone else’s song before giving it the Grum treatment?
I like to just look for some element that inspires me or I think I could do something with. I generally end up using the vocal and writing a completely new song to go with it therefore taking the song to a different place.
What makes a great night out?
On a night off for me, a great night out would involve an amazing meal with friends, followed by getting incredibly drunk in an old skool pub. Maybe a club after depending on who was playing, and if we could still walk.
One of your remixes is of West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys, are they a band that have had much musical influence on you?
The early Pet Shop Boys production is definitely inspirational. I think you can hear that sort of sound quite prominently in the album and some older remixes.
What’s your upcoming show in Perth likely to include?
I’m going to be testing out a few new original tracks, plus some new remixes and things…and of course the big tracks like Heartbeats. Its gonna be fun, jetlag permitting!
Grum plays at Ambar on July 22
Graeme Watson
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