Today we’d like to introduce you to Grimey L
Hi Grimey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey as a producer started out like many others…as a rapper. I was rapping over jacked beats and decided that instead of spending a few hundred dollars on some legit beats, I would spend that money on the equipment to make my own beats. I immediately fell in love with the process. I bought, sold and traded equipment. I was experimenting with different drum machines, samplers, synthesizers, VSTs, and DAWs trying to find my footing and forge my own sound. I made a ton of wack beats. Finally after a few years of practice, things started to fall into place. I was making beats consistently and linking up with local and underground artists for collabs. I joined a hip-hop collective, Los Feo Faces. I started DJing for a popular local rap-metal band, Animus Divine. Our EP, “Novo” came out May 2014. Unfortunately, I had a major accident the night before our release party show and didn’t get to perform with the band. My accident set me back for a while. It caused me a plethora of problems; mentally, physically and financially. Between healing from my accident and the band falling apart, I decided to take a few years away from music. I was unsure if I would ever return.
Fast forward to 2017. The creative spark returns out of nowhere. I wasted no time capitalizing on it. I opened up Ableton and started some projects. Most were throwaways just to get my juices flowing again. I was just happy to be making beats again! In 2018 I contacted a dear friend of mine, Al Smith, for his musical expertise. I drove up to Phoenix with some .wav files from beats i made around 2011 and he mastered them for me. This project came to be known as CIRCA. It was heavily inspired by Clams Casino, who I had been listening to a lot in 2011. My production style has gone through a metamorphosis over the years. My most recent project “northside.” came out October 2023. It is a showcase of my various production styles, inspired by my hometown. Now in 2024, I have my hands in several projects producing for artists in Arizona, Canada, UK and more. No slated release dates for anything as of yet, we’re just trying to create the best music we can. Stay tuned to my socials for updates.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No not at all. I was DJing in a popular rap-metal band that suddenly fell apart when our drummer stopped showing up for practice.
Many of my older hip-hop projects got abandoned, back burners, or otherwise delayed due to politics.
I’m still learning to reinvent myself while staying true to myself. It’s funny, I just hit my 40s but in some aspects I feel like I’m still in my 20s.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a beat maker/music producer. I specialize in lofi boom bap. I’m currently most proud of my project “northside.” because it showcases a variety of production styles I am capable of. I also did the artwork and layout. I’m also just proud to be from Youngstown, so to be able to do a project that pays tribute to my stomping grounds was a lot of fun. What sets me apart from others is authenticity. I don’t waste time chasing an image trying to be something I’m not. What you see is what you get. I’m just here to make music.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I plan to start painting when I retire my from day job. Also, I enjoy playing craps, haha. (but I rarely have any extra money for it)
Pricing:
- northside. cd $12
- Grimescreamcone tee $20
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/grimeyl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grimeyLmusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/grimeyrepublik
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@grimeylaunderings
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grimeyl
Image Credits
Johnathan Miles
