Hip-Hop Producer GAWVI Reveals His Dance Music Roots [Exclusive Interview]

GAWVI, a name behind Grammy nominated hip-hop album, Anomaly by Lecrae, as well as on Andy Mineo’s Billboard 200 album, Uncomfortable has spent years honing his craft working under names such as Pharrell and Rodney Jerkins while unknowingly, to many, applying his skill to today’s very popular dance music. This artist while well known has stepped into the spotlight as a solo producer with his first EP Lost in Hue. Featuring four tracks, the EP combines GAWVI unmistakable ability to combine years of hip-hop, pop, dance and culturally significant music into his creations. The debut single, “Late Nights” was a perfect choice for first release giving new and old fans a taste of Gawvi’s hip-hop roots while pulling them in with that upbeat dance tempo.

The EP follows “Late Night” with “You are” a pop/dance mix featuring strong vocals from Stan Johnson and a euphoric melody. Up next, Gawvi brings us “Out of My Mind” perfectly deemed as a summer anthem and finally “In The Water,” a perfect example of his aptitude in creating a diverse range of music with its deeper house vibe.

I got the chance to speak with GAWVI about his transition, EP, inspiration and more, check out the interview below and stream the full EP below.

You are a first generation American, how has your heritage shaped you to become who you are today?Have you faced any obstacles relating to your heritage when it comes to working in music?

I truly believe identity is something everyone starts looking for at a young age. My parents really poured their culture into my life with things they grew up on, and that really helped shape me and allowed me to walk with confidence.

You were introduced to Latin-Caribbean rhythms and bachata, what were you introduced to that moved you into hip-hop and pop and now dance music?

I remember being in elementary school in the mid-90s and hearing music blast from my neighbor’s window. I was so intrigued by the rhythm and the words the artist was singing. Little did I know my first introduction to Hip Hop was a Biggie song. Ever since that day I was hooked on hip hop and needed to know everything. That grew my love for music and lead me to want to know what samples were being used for these Hip Hop songs. I believe finding all the original samples made me fall in love with Pop music. I just loved everything. 

Working with artists such as Pharrell and Rodney Jerkin’s must have been incredible, what would you say was the greatest thing you learned from them? What principals did they teach you that you still apply today to your music?

Greatest thing I learned from those guys was diversity in sounds. They were able to produce any style of music with excellence. Learning the difference between a beat maker and an actual music producer. 

What was the moment that made you say, “I’m going to start producing dance music?” What have been some struggles in making the transition?

I’ve been producing dance music for about 7 years now. People just haven’t known about it because I’ve been producing music for a Hip Hop label. I’m excited at the opportunity I have now to release Pop/dance! Since the moment I started producing I wanted to create every style possible, I didn’t want to be known as the guy that can only do one style. 

What it is like to go from mostly behind the scenes to now becoming front and center?

It’s been an interesting season becoming an artist and getting more known as time keeps passing. I am honored and want to make sure I stay humble as much as possible. It’s still a little strange to me when people walk up and know my music and know a little about my life but I love every moment I get to engage with a fan. It’s super awesome being able to see people’s reaction to the music at shows instead of being locked up in a studio room and not knowing if people like it lol. I think I’m getting addicted to performing, I just love the crowd’s energy!

You did a great job at combining dance, hip-hop and pop with Late Nights, what about that track are you most proud of?

That’s a tough question, I love the song as a whole. Felt like it was an art piece with a lot to enjoy all at once.

Your sound is distinct off the bat, what are some tips you’d give to upcoming producers on establishing their sound and keeping to their roots?

As long as people are working hard at their craft daily and truly have a burning passion within them for the music, I can see them going far in whatever lane they choose.

Was the EP something you’d been working on, kind of secretly for a long time, or did it come to fruition recently?

I worked on EP 1 and EP 2 within 9 months. This happened when I signed as an artist with Reach Records.

The EP has a great variety, “In the water” has a much deeper vibe than the other tracks. Is it safe to say you won’t only be sticking to up tempo dance beats all the time?

I just want to create great music, whether it’s up-tempo or a beautiful ballad, I just want to create.

Which track on the EP would you say was the hardest to create?

The one that took the most time was Late Nights. I wanted it to be perfect to my ears.

Who do you pull inspiration from when it comes to dance music? And what was the first dance music you ever listened to?

I get inspiration from 90s dance music a lot. I grew up on that.

What is one piece of advice you wish you could tell your younger self?

Haha man, I wish I didn’t waste time hanging out with the wrong people to try and fit in. I would tell my younger self to focus on music and stay in your lane.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming tours or shows?

Yes! You can check out gawvi.com/tour-dates there you will see all my upcoming shows. Also, my second EP “Holding Hue” releases everywhere 9/9/16! Thank you for this amazing interview!

Connect with GAWVI:
https://www.facebook.com/Gawvi
https://twitter.com/GAWVI
https://soundcloud.com/gawvi
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0oPd8f0W82Tgrazx2PYNab

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