01Profile
A GRAMN. Photo
GRAMN.
Musician — London
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Awkward or Aux if you're cool, and I'm from East London.
Describe your style in three words?
Ha, that's pretty difficult. I guess I would have to say Dark, Gritty and Honest.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Best gig I've ever been to would have to be, Beyonce on the Beyonce Tour @ the o2. The execution was serious, the vibe was so nice, and then we get to the band! The band was so tight and everything was just right. When JayZ came out, I lost all my composure. That was the icing on the cake for sure. But I also have to mention when I saw Flying Lotus at Bestival my life was officially changed forever.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
I don't even know if I could answer this accurately. Earth, Wind & Fire without a doubt, they are literally my favourite band ever, I've been listening and in love, since I was a kid, the musicality is insane and the vocals make me emotional, every single time. The second would have to be Kendrick Lamar, he's been a big inspiration for GRAMN. as a whole and he is literally one of my favourite artists of all time.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
I don't know I'm only 26 years old, everything is a subculture now.
For example in music, I feel like the blueprint for so many genres have already been laid and everything is a new fruit from the same tree, sub-genres just make more sub-genres. I am the type of person that takes in small bits of influence and inspiration from all around me, piecing it together as I go so I can be creative and push my artistic perspective. I'm annoying but I literally don't think I can answer that question.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
James Baldwin. A lot of what he speaks about resonates with me deeply. He often addresses subjects that relate to my day to day existence, and affect my family and my peers. His work is so relevant to this day and referenced often by many activism organisations.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
I'm gonna be biased and say Hackney Empire, I went see my sister sing there when I was a kid with my Mum so I have nostalgia and fond memories of that place. Plus it's beautiful inside and in my home borough.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I feel like people don't pay enough attention to Versailles the Everything, she's a US-based vocalist/rapper and I'm such a fan of hers, and I just don't hear about her enough as I'd like.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'All I Do' by Stevie Wonder. My mum was in the hospital and that was the only CD in the recreational room and it turns out I loved it so I played it repeatedly, for the whole day. I must have been about 6 or 7 at the time.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'I Wish I Didn't Miss You' by Angie Stone. I was studying in music college and my friends and I loved singing it in 3 part harmony. LOL
One record you would keep forever?
'After The Love Has Gone' by Earth, Wind & Fire. Hands down one of my favourite songs ever.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Take nothing less, than the second best
Do not obey, you must keep your say
You can pass the test
Just move on up, to a greater day
With just a little faith
If you put your mind to it you can surely do it"
From 'Move On Up' by Curtis Mayfield.
A song you wished you had written?
'King Kunta' by Kendrick Lamar. The lyricism is so complex and creative, it just connects.
Best song to turn up loud?
'I Don't Need' by Jerome Thomas and Blue Lab Beats. This tune bangs, every time and I'm not tired of it at all. It's the song I play to warm up before my workout and it helps get me motivated.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?'
'Nessun Dorma' sung by Pavorotti. Makes me cry, literally.
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Let's Get Blown' by Pharrell, Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Golden' by Jill Scott or 'Mister Chameleon' by KING.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
I don't know how new they are but I've been listening to a lot of Moonchild, their song 'The List' is on repeat a lot, Tank and the Bangas are pretty amazing. I've listened to Chika a lot recently and Kano's 'Hoodies All Summer'.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Awkward or Aux if you're cool, and I'm from East London.
Describe your style in three words?
Ha, that's pretty difficult. I guess I would have to say Dark, Gritty and Honest.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Best gig I've ever been to would have to be, Beyonce on the Beyonce Tour @ the o2. The execution was serious, the vibe was so nice, and then we get to the band! The band was so tight and everything was just right. When JayZ came out, I lost all my composure. That was the icing on the cake for sure. But I also have to mention when I saw Flying Lotus at Bestival my life was officially changed forever.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
I don't even know if I could answer this accurately. Earth, Wind & Fire without a doubt, they are literally my favourite band ever, I've been listening and in love, since I was a kid, the musicality is insane and the vocals make me emotional, every single time. The second would have to be Kendrick Lamar, he's been a big inspiration for GRAMN. as a whole and he is literally one of my favourite artists of all time.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
I don't know I'm only 26 years old, everything is a subculture now.
For example in music, I feel like the blueprint for so many genres have already been laid and everything is a new fruit from the same tree, sub-genres just make more sub-genres. I am the type of person that takes in small bits of influence and inspiration from all around me, piecing it together as I go so I can be creative and push my artistic perspective. I'm annoying but I literally don't think I can answer that question.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
James Baldwin. A lot of what he speaks about resonates with me deeply. He often addresses subjects that relate to my day to day existence, and affect my family and my peers. His work is so relevant to this day and referenced often by many activism organisations.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
I'm gonna be biased and say Hackney Empire, I went see my sister sing there when I was a kid with my Mum so I have nostalgia and fond memories of that place. Plus it's beautiful inside and in my home borough.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I feel like people don't pay enough attention to Versailles the Everything, she's a US-based vocalist/rapper and I'm such a fan of hers, and I just don't hear about her enough as I'd like.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'All I Do' by Stevie Wonder. My mum was in the hospital and that was the only CD in the recreational room and it turns out I loved it so I played it repeatedly, for the whole day. I must have been about 6 or 7 at the time.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'I Wish I Didn't Miss You' by Angie Stone. I was studying in music college and my friends and I loved singing it in 3 part harmony. LOL
One record you would keep forever?
'After The Love Has Gone' by Earth, Wind & Fire. Hands down one of my favourite songs ever.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Take nothing less, than the second best
Do not obey, you must keep your say
You can pass the test
Just move on up, to a greater day
With just a little faith
If you put your mind to it you can surely do it"
From 'Move On Up' by Curtis Mayfield.
A song you wished you had written?
'King Kunta' by Kendrick Lamar. The lyricism is so complex and creative, it just connects.
Best song to turn up loud?
'I Don't Need' by Jerome Thomas and Blue Lab Beats. This tune bangs, every time and I'm not tired of it at all. It's the song I play to warm up before my workout and it helps get me motivated.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?'
'Nessun Dorma' sung by Pavorotti. Makes me cry, literally.
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Let's Get Blown' by Pharrell, Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Golden' by Jill Scott or 'Mister Chameleon' by KING.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
I don't know how new they are but I've been listening to a lot of Moonchild, their song 'The List' is on repeat a lot, Tank and the Bangas are pretty amazing. I've listened to Chika a lot recently and Kano's 'Hoodies All Summer'.