Upcoming producer GrrTell from Milwaukee, WI tells all in this interview and reveals a unique perspective on background and how that plays in the role in one’s music. From rock bands like AC/DC to his first Justice CD, GrrTell describes what it’s like growing up in the scene. He’s now producing music full time, focusing on melodic genre blending rhythms with a turntablist twist.
What is your background and how did you get started producing music?
I grew up watching rock bands like AC/DC tear it up on guitar and I started playing at about 10 years old. It just really moved me and I wanted to do the same thing with my own original music. I continued playing myself, then joined several bands in high school where I then discovered my interest in recording and production. I became determined to find out what it takes to create a pleasing recording that people would play over and over again. The technology, at that point, had progressed enough for me to pursue this passion. I then began taking piano lessons and my tastes slowly moved into electronic as I entered college. It was at that point where I began to delve into the electronic format.
Coming from Milwaukee, WI where did you first hear about EDM? Who was your first show?
My first real exposure to the scene came from when my friend bought me a copy of ‘Cross’ by Justice in high school. ‘Cross’ had this experimental bliss that still contained a high level of musical integrity. The rhythms and instrumentation on that album inspire me to this very day. My first real EDM exposure was at Lollapalooza 2009. Seeing acts like MSTRKRFT and Simian Mobile Disco really brought me into this scene and appreciating its beauty. From then on, I went to every show I could.
What role do your influencers play in your music? Is it something that you try to imitate and re-create as your own or is it more like you just look up to them?
So many of the artists out there inspire me to create my own style as they have themselves. I look up to them as they innovate and and move people with an ever-dynamic format like Electronic. But, there has never been one way to do it. When I started DJing, I learned so on the classic hip hop battle setup, where I guess I looked up to the greats like DJ AM and Grandmaster Flash in their performance style. In my production, I always try to build on, or experiment, with the styles that peak my interest.
What do you use to produce music?
At the heart of my studio is a Mac with Logic Pro. I find inspiration in the simplest beat and I have fun taking it to the next level when I can manipulate it. There are no bounds or limits. I often cross software instruments with real instruments. Sometimes I’ll pick up the guitar, get on the piano, or even manipulate my vocals like I did on Trapopera.
A lot of artists like Avicii are using more and more live instrumentation and expanding into other genres, as a new producer in the scene do you think it’s important to explore other sounds?
Yeah, I think it is important, but you can’t limit yourself to what is out there and what is popular. Peoples’ tastes tend to change and you want to keep things interesting. With the amazing tools currently available to producers, the ways in which sound is created and sequenced is endless. I love using live instruments in my production when possible because it adds a human element back into the surreality of EDM.
What does a live Grrtell set sound like? Where did your name come from?
You’ll hear lot’s of scratching, many of my original tracks, some popular stuff, and the really hip stuff I add in last minute. A GrrTell set is like a listening party for my own tracks mixed with the beats people love to dance to. As far as the name goes, GrrTell is simply a play on my last name, Gertel. I wanted to keep things simple, while creating a performance alias.
What type of live instrumentation do you use in your production? Does this conform to any certain type of style of music?
I like using electric and acoustic guitars if I can fit them in. I also find that the piano lays a good foundation for a lot of my tracks. I wouldn’t say that it conforms to any style, as we live in an age where you can combine any styles you want. So long as it pleases the ear, I would say that it is acceptable. By varying instrumentation, I feel like it does the exact opposite of conforming to a certain style.
Do you think that having a background in other forms of music is helpful as a producer?
Absolutely. I believe everyone’s musical experiences help build upon their creative subconscious. The more you experience, the more you have to offer.
As a new artist on the scene, what have you learned so far that most people have no idea about? How hard is it to get people to listen to your music?
I’d say that those two questions tie together for me. I’ve been learning the ups and downs of promoting music digitally and what it means to build a genuine audience. I feel the response has been good, thus far though. It has been incredibly satisfying to know that people from around the world are streaming my music. Today’s social media has allowed me to reach a large amount of people. While I’m proud to release my own music, my remixes have really helped me to reach new listeners too.
Are you producing music full-time? What did your friends and family say about the decision?
I do produce full time. My passion for music composition and audio production have driven me to pursue them professionally. My family has been highly supportive, for which I am grateful. While some of my friends see a musical career as a dream, most of them share in my enthusiasm.
What’s the plan going forward? What can we expect from you for the rest of 2013 and into next year?
I will continue releasing my own music, more remixes, and definitely a further-developed live show. I want to continue connecting with listeners and building an excited audience.
Connect with GrrTell on Facebook & Soundcloud for new music and updates.
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