Project Description
Gren, DeCoda S
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Interview with
GREN
(22nd November 2021)
Interview by Dave Bruce
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About “GREN”
GREN, is an emerging Rap artist based in Adelaide, Australia. For years GREN has been a drummer in hardcore bands and touring the country playing some huge shows with artists like Parkway Drive, Northlane and Uber Jakd – just to name a few.
This is GREN’s fourth single release in 6 months, GREN has been consistently showing up and stepping into Australia’s Rap scene. In just a few months GREN has made his imprint with spins on national radio and thousands of streams on Spotify, this is just the beginning for this boom bap legend.
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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the song writing bug?
I actually started playing drums in year 9 of high school, and as I kept playing and jamming with mates, my passion for music grew.
When I started my first band with those friends in high school, I started to write drum parts and some lyrics and it all picked up from there.
How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
I’m a big fan of old-school hip-hop beats/ boom bap so that influences my sound in a big way.
I love real hip hop lyricism and energy so I try to bring that to each song I write, and also being a drummer, I love real live drums so I try to incorporate that as much as I can.
I’d say the combo of good beats, relatable lyrics and energy I try to bring to each track resonates with people.
Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
Eminem and Dr.Dre have a massive influence on my music, NF, Nerve and tonnes of other artists I’ve listened to over the years all have influence on how I write.
Your new single “Crash” has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution.
I wanted to do a song with DeCoda S and had a beat in mind, so we booked a studio session and played with some ideas before landing with the hook. I then went away and wrote my verses once we had the theme and hook down.
“Crash” is about frustrations in life and trying to make a way in the music industry. I’ve done a lot of projects over the years that have fallen short of where I’d like, with band members quitting etc, which is one of the reasons I decided to so some solo work.
Is there an EP or Album on the drawing board?
I haven’t put too much thought into what the future holds as I hadn’t really ever planned to be a solo artist, but now that I’m starting to rack up a few tunes, I dare say an EP is on the way.
Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I’m kinda waiting for all the covid bullshit to be over and done before making any big plans, so I’d say for now It’ll mostly be studio work, releasing more singles and starting to build some momentum.
About “CRASH”
Crash is a collaboration between GREN & DeCoda S and has major elements of boom bap Aus rap with a melodic and edgy hook. GREN is an experienced drummer and all of his songs include real drumming tracks played GREN himself.
If you’re in Adelaide you can
catch GREN and DeCoda S performing ‘Crash’ at Adelaide UniBar on November 27th at the ‘Renegade Release Party’
Add “Crash” to your playlists on Spotify and Apple Music
How has COVID affected you to date? What have you introduced to balance the losses from missed events?
I run a business so it has affected me a lot, I’m just so over it all. I’m just focusing on writing, drum practise and recording atm.
If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
I’d say Eminem. He’s the goat and any song with him on it always blows up.
Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist?
I’d love to tour and have music be my main source of income. I just love making music, it helps me release creativity and have a voice.
What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
It’s just fun playing music with friends, and if people enjoy what you’ve made and can relate, you can have a positive influence on their life which is awesome.
Best show I’ve done would be opening for Parkway Drive with my band Valley of Bones.
That was such a sick show and a big step up for us, biggest show I’ve played so far.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Underoath –Lost in the sound of separation
Artist – Eminem
Movie – Warrior
Place to visit – Noosa
Venue to play – One with good sound lol
Food – Burgers + Hot Chips
Drink – Water
Person in History – Gideon
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) Not sure
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Listen here – Spotify – Apple Music
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Follow GREN
YouTube – Spotify – Instagram
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Gren, DeCoda S
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