Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Grem We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Grem, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I started DJing at 16, always dreaming of being in a metal band. For years, I tried to get my friends together for practice, but it rarely worked out. The drummer would forget his sticks, the bassist would overdo it and forget how to play, and other mishaps would pop up. It was frustrating, so I turned to DJing—it was a solo gig, and if I failed, it was on me, not a mismanaged group.
I began writing music in 2009, but I never took it seriously enough to really progress. Being self-taught made it a slow journey. Then, during the pandemic, I decided to dive in completely. I spent time connecting with artists I admired, discussing production techniques, and investing in masterclasses and mentorship. That’s when I really started to grow.
If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to take it seriously from the start. The experiences I had during that time shaped who I am as an artist today, and while I don’t regret the path I took, I sometimes feel like I’m in a young man’s game.
Grem, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I cut my teeth in the desert valley of Phoenix, Arizona, during the mid-2000s. I was deeply immersed in the underground rave scene, and over time, I built a reputation as the young hotshot booking EDM acts from the UK, Netherlands, Australia, and Italy for large-scale themed events. This work opened doors for me, connecting me with event promoters in other states, and soon I was traveling to share my music with new crowds.
However, by the mid-2010s, I developed a bit of a rockstar complex, and it took a toll on me. For years, I struggled to find my footing again. It wasn’t until 2019, when I moved to Charleston, South Carolina, that I truly began to turn things around. I committed myself to becoming a better person, friend, and artist. Since moving to Charleston, I’ve played events across the region and had the privilege of supporting some of the hardest-working artists in the bass music community. I even earned a residency at Trio nightclub in downtown Charleston and launched my own record label, Shadow Syndicate.
On stage, I feel most at home with industry-standard Pioneer hardware, and I rely on Ableton in the studio to craft my music. I’m known for my heavier, more aggressive sound, and my fans can always expect a high-energy, engaging performance whenever I step into the spotlight.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
When I’m on stage, my main goal is to create a space where my audience can let their deepest emotions flow on the dance floor. Whether it’s longing, aggression, exuberance, or grief, I want to help them tap into those feelings and give them a moment to unleash without judgment. The connection I feel with my audience in real time, witnessing those emotions come alive, is always the highlight of this journey for me. After the show, when I get a chance to talk to them and see the joy they feel in that moment, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I struggled with substance abuse disorder for nearly a decade, and it nearly cost me everything. I pushed away friends and family, lost countless jobs, homes, and relationships. My addiction consumed me, and I turned my back on creating music, sacrificing years that could have been spent writing and building my brand. Starting over is tough, no matter the context, but it’s especially challenging for me in the bass music scene because it’s mostly dominated by young men. I often wrestle with the feeling that I might have missed my chance. There were times I tried to quit making music altogether, but I found that giving up only brought me more pain. The simple act of creation drives me forward. Sharing my music with fans who appreciate it is incredibly fulfilling. I’ve had to rebuild my life in every conceivable way, and through that process, my music has evolved into something much deeper and more emotionally resonant than it ever was before. My connection to my audience has grown into something powerful, far beyond anything I experienced before getting sober. Recovering from my addiction has shaped me into a better man, a better son, and surprisingly, a better artist. It’s helped me live my life more responsibly and has given me a rich well of experiential knowledge to draw from in my music. Today, I’m grateful for my struggles because I can use them to help others and hopefully spare them the pain I endured.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsgrem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heyitsgrem
- Twitter: https://x.com/heyitsgrem
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/heyitsgrem
- Other: https://linktr.ee/heyitsgrem
Image Credits
Fonzie Procopio