Grum
Grum
You may not have heard of Grum, yet… but you will very soon. Grum is one of the hottest new producers in the world right now! Lady Gaga hand picked him to remix her single Bad Romance, which is now ripping up dance floors worldwide. David Guetta, the most prominent dance producer in the world right now chose young Grum to remix his next single. As did Axwell, and as did Goldfrapp.
Grum's rise to prominence has been one of Justice-style proportions. Since tracks such as Heartbeats first started appearing on blogs like Discodust, Grum's music has been in such demand that Hype Machine recently calculated he was the second most blogged act in the world, behind Radiohead.
His epic French disco laced productions and remixes demonstrate an accomplished maturity beyond his years. He has been bubbling like a burning cauldron in blogosphere for an age now. His phenomena is set to spill over into mainstream media around the world right about now.
His single Runaway was noticed and heavily supported by radio gentry Annie Mac, Peter Tong and Zane Lowe. His latest single Heartbeats is set to accelerate his journey and emulate the success of fellow Scottish producers Milo and Calvin Harris onto the airwaves of commercial radio across the globe.
His status as one of the most in demand producers in the world was confirmed when Lady Ga Ga nominated young Grum to remix her latest chart topping offering 'Bad Romance'.
Grum performed at Pacha Ivy NYE, for his first time in Australia from the UK.
Interview with Grum
Tell us about your performance at Pacha?
Graeme Shephard: It was great. I had an amazing time slot, 10-midnight. The last tune of '09 was a brilliant re-edit I found of Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere.
How did it feel to hear your song played?
Graeme Shephard: It was great being over in Australia and playing my stuff to an audience that perhaps hadn't heard much of me before. Seemed to go down pretty well!
Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?
Graeme Shephard: It was great being over in Australia and playing my stuff to an audience that perhaps hadn't heard much of me before. Seemed to go down pretty well!
What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?
Graeme Shephard: I have quite eclectic tastes really, but have a passion for older and obscure pop and disco. I'm really into Imagination right now. For dance music, I'm really liking Tensnake.
What's next? Tour/Album/Single?
Graeme Shephard: The next single is called 'Cant Shake this Feeling' and should be promoting soon. I'm in the very final stages of finishing my album right now, and then when that's complete I'll be working on my live show which I'm hoping will be ready to coincide with the album launch in March/April; so definitely lots to look forward too.
Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?
Graeme Shephard: I tend to do an awful lot of travelling as part of the job, which can obviously be susceptible to delays etc. This sometimes irritates but I try and keep things in perspective; this is definitely the best job in the world and there's no way I'm throwing the towel in just yet!
Do you prefer performing live or recording?
Graeme Shephard: I really enjoy both equally, for different reasons. Recording can be great fun and very rewarding. Playing my own music in clubs is also great and it's amazing seeing people's reactions (when they're good!).
What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Graeme Shephard: There wasn't really a specific inspiration to do this in terms of the 'industry'. I've been writing music for years and just ended up lucky that people were into what I was doing around about when I finished University. So I decided to work on my music full-time and really go for it.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Graeme Shephard: I think balancing time for working on music with everything else in life is a big deal for a lot of artists. Music tends to be all encompassing and can take over your life, so I think its good to keep things in perspective.
What's a typical day like?
Graeme Shephard: I wake up around 10am and instantly check emails...there's usually a few small jobs to do like sending music to people or doing interviews... then the rest of the day is usually taken up with either working on remixes, or as is the case right now, finishing my album!
What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?
Graeme Shephard: I think the travel opportunities have been incredible. Its been great for going all over the place and meeting new people.
If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Graeme Shephard: I'd love to work with some classic 80s pop producers like Jam & Spoon (they produced the Human League's comeback album 'Crash', and some older Janet Jackson).
Do you have a website fans can visit?
Graeme Shephard: The best source of info is my myspace;
www.myspace.com/grummusic. I tend to keep it pretty well updated with new music.
Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?
Graeme Shephard: Good music
Good food
Friends
Laughter
An uninterrupted supply of alcohol
What message would you like to say to your fans?
Graeme Shephard: Thanks for your support? That's boring I know…
What is the story behind Grum?
Graeme Shephard: It started out as a nickname people called me at University and ended up just sticking!
60 Second Quiz
Full Name: Graeme Shepherd
Nickname(s): Grum
Star Sign: Taurus
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Film: Big
Favorite Actor: Tom Hanks
Pet: Frog
Best Feature: I've been told I have a 'sturdy nose'.
Worst Feature: Irritable when tired.
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Calvin Harris.
Hobbies/Interests: Music obviously, I've not much time for anything else just now.
First Job: Packing rolls in Tesco bakery.
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Depends what mood I'm in... usually like ending up in a club though!
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Keys so I get back in. Haha.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: 'Its cold'.
For more information:
www.girl.com.au/pacha-at-the-ivy-new-years-eve.htm
