We recently connected with Grimey L and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Grimey with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
It’s really all in how I was brought up. Being born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio I acquired a “Midwestern Work Ethic.” We believe that hard work and perseverance pays off. We’re an industrious people. If you’re not willing to work hard, the next guy will out work you. My mom and dad taught me anything worth doing, is worth doing right.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a sampled based (mostly) music producer that focuses on a mixture of lofi and boom bap, with elements of jazz, soul and funk. I also dabble into drum n’ bass and other genres. I feel my art is exciting because it is in an almost constant state of metamorphosis, as I learn new techniques and experiment with different equipment. I’m not stuck to one specific genre or style. I create with Koala Sampler, Ableton, MPC One, SP 202 and SP 404. My main focus is creating a solid body of work, both as a solo artist and as a producer for other talented artists. Leaving my legacy for later generations to enjoy (hopefully) is important to me. I’m currently in the middle of several projects with artists from the United States and the UK. A yearly project that I am involved with that is important to me is the Fat Hippy Records Anniversary Compilation. The proceeds from this project are donated to keep music and arts education in schools. Looking forward into 2025, I’m planning to have more releases and if all goes well, they will be available in multiple physical formats.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Curiosity. I have a genuine eagerness to learn, so asking questions and learning as I go has been something that I’ve always applied no matter what is in front of me.
Passion. Getting up early and/or staying up late. Having the energy to get up and go at a moments notice. Sometimes thats what it takes to make a new connection or snag a deal on a piece of equipment.
People skills. Navigating different social circles, collaborating with other artists and getting booked for shows all require good people skills. Being able to communicate with other artists, promoters, record shop owners are all different languages.
Ask questions. Research things. Use the tools in front of you. There is infinite knowledge at the tip of our fingertips, don’t take it for granted. Link up with people in your area and trade learning sessions or some other type of work trade off. Be available for yourself. You can’t make things happen for yourself if you don’t show up. Don’t be too cool. Life is short, don’t waste it trying to impress people.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Trying to balance work, family and creative life. Working a full time job, being fully present at home as a partner and a father figure, and finding time to be creative is definitely not without its challenges. I’m constantly writing and re-writing lists of things that need to be accomplished in the upcoming days/weeks/month. Sometimes I need a major reset so I try to get out into nature for some fresh air to clear my head before I can get back to the grind.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/grimeyl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grimeyLmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/grimeyrepublik
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/grimeylaunderings
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grimeyl
Image Credits
Paul Serroka
Mary Daniels
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