Under the guidance of legendary progressive artists Deadmau5 and his label mau5trap, the Los Angeles based producer Iman Marouf, better known as BlackGummy, has proven himself to be one of the brightest stars in the progressive house scene. Since his first appearance three years ago, BlackGummy has risen through the ranks with stellar progressive/electronic tracks and has just finished his third EP ‘Monolith’ on mau5trap Records. Now embarked on his first headlining Mesophase tour, it seems like nothing can stop Ian from bringing the icon known as BlackGummy to the world. We were fortunate enough to get a chance to sit down with Ian before the Mesophase tour began to dig a little deeper behind the meaning of BlackGummy and the person behind it. Check out the full interview below!
RR: Your Mesophase tour is just about to get started! First off congrats about the headlining tour, can you describe the feelings you are experiencing?
Iman: Thank you, I’m super excited about this tour. Really glad to have my Attlas, Monstergetdown, Rinzen, Notaker and Electrocado join me on these dates. It’s always really fun to be around all the other mau5trap artists.
RR: Do you have a specific show you are most excited to be playing at?
Iman: It’s hard to narrow it down to one show, they’re all special. If I had to choose one, Electric Forrest would be at the top end of my list. I love playing at all of Insomniac’s festivals. They’re really well-run and they prioritize the fans’ experience, which makes for a more fun and engaged audience to play in front of.
RR: Your three EPs that have been released these past couple of years all have a personal time, can you describe to us in your words what was the approach to making your music?
Iman: Definitely, I never really had a single approach to making music. One song could start by hearing a quote in the middle of a movie and another could start after hours of sitting behind a synthesizer. Staying open to creativity/inspiration and not limiting yourself is key to coming up with something original. it’s good to limit yourself sometimes down the road, otherwise you’ll find yourself going down deep rabbit holes, but not when first planting that initial seed of creativity.
RR:How did you settle on the name BlackGummy? Is there a hidden meaning behind the icon?
Iman: I first discovered the BlackGummy idol a few years ago while travelling across the middle-east and asia. I think there are a lot of hidden meanings, but even I’m still trying to figure them out.
RR: I know it can be daunting to work for one of the greatest labels out there but how has the experience working with Mau5trap been?
Iman: The experience of working with mau5trap has been one of a kind. It has been an honor to be constantly surrounded by such great music and artists I respect. Been a fan of Joel’s for a long time too and touring with him has definitely taken my respect for his talent to another level.
RR: Which artists were the biggest inspiration for you?
Iman: Deadmau5, Eric Prydz, Gessafelstein, Richie Hawtin, Carl Cox and Chemical Brothers are some just to name a few. Although the artists I mentioned mostly produce electronic music, I’m open to all forms of art when in search for inspiration, including movies and architecture.
RR: Did you always know you wanted to be in music or did you have other plans as you were growing up?
Iman: I always knew that I had an insane love for music and that no matter what direction my life would go in, I would want to stay involved in the world of sound/music no matter what. I’m lucky that I get to do it as an artist.
RR: Other than the tour, do you have any other big plans for 2018?
Iman: Yes. There are a lot of big announcements that I wish I could reveal right now but are going to have to wait.
Don’t forget that BlackGummy is currently on the Mesophase tour! If you haven’t had a chance to see him perform, now is the time. Tickets are available here and check out the dates below to find a show near you.
Photo Credit: Jaime Sloane – Rephlektor Ink
Connect with BlackGummy:
https://www.facebook.com/blackgummy
https://twitter.com/TheBlackGummy
https://soundcloud.com/blackgummy
https://www.instagram.com/blackgummy
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