We asked DJ and producer Grum to answer our quick-fire questions.
Why music?
Nothing else quite keeps me happy like making music does.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Probably developing music software or hardware.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Listen to your gut.
What inspires you?
People who work hard and succeed, despite the odds.
What’s the next big thing?
Progressive house!
Best club experience?
Orbital, Warehouse Project 2012.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Never had a terrible job, but have worked in Greggs and a Tesco bakery.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When there’s nothing left to be done.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
I was lucky – straight to full-time music after university.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Underworld, ‘Jumbo’.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Work hard, be nice and stay true to yourself.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
‘Fashion’ from my Heartbeats album. Can’t stand it.
Recommend us a film.
Recommend us a book.
Dan Carlin, ‘The End is Always Near’.
What or who is underrated?
Kane. We just released an EP by him on Deep State.
What or who is overrated?
Many of the big touring DJs.
What are you addicted to?
Toasties.
What do you lust over?
Toasties.
What is your greatest regret?
Not being more decisive about certain things.
What one thing would most improve your life?
The world being all on one time zone.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
Turkey two weeks ago. Six flights altogether and it was cancelled just when I landed.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Depends who you collaborate with…
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Great track selection, smooth mixing, maybe the odd surprise.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Whitesnake, ‘Here I Go Again’.
How do you relax?
Movies are a great way to switch off.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
TAL Juno plugin, an integral part of my sound.
Art or money?
Both, ideally.
Ronaldo or Messi?
Who?
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
Several have been put together as demos on aeroplanes.
Must-visit record store?
Haven’t been to one in years… Beatport?
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Self-absorbed DJs on social media.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Anjunabeats of course. They let me do what I do.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
It requires switching off and disconnecting from the world – which is becoming harder and harder to do.
What’s your motto?
Listen to your gut!
Name something timeless
Star Wars.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Concentrate on writing and feeling, before messing with compressors and EQs.
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a frustrated …
Introvert.
Can music change the world?
No, but it’s nice to think so.
What are you listening to right now?
Kölsch, ‘Time’.
What should you do before you die?
Do everything you always wanted to do!
Follow Grum on Instagram, Twitter & Soundcloud.