Interviewing Gramatik

Here is our interview with Denis Jasarevic, or, Gramatik. Make sure to catch his dope show this weekend at the Fillmore in Denver.

What were some of your highlights from 2012?

Red Rocks was a highlight, that was a great day. Digital Freedom dropped in April and had really great response. It’s hard to say, I can never be objective about my stuff, but Red Rocks and Digital Freedom were definitely highlights. Electric Forest, too. It’s a magical place; there for three days with Big Gigantic. 

What do you prefer: festivals or a stop on a tour?

Festivals are a different experience than headlining your own show. Most of the festivals I’ve played have been more or less on point. Electric Forest was properly organized with positive energy. I meet a lot of people and artists at festivals and that’s the cool thing about festivals. We get to meet and talk about collaborating.

What inspires you as an artist?

For me, I get inspired by a lot of things that aren’t necessarily musical. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, political satire, inspires me to be good in my heart. I’m a huge, huge comedy buff.

On that note, who’s your favorite comedian?

George Carlin. Definitely George Carlin. He was the father of comedy and a genius all around; he inspires me. I religiously watch his stand-up.

In the future, do you see yourself producing or performing more?

It’s all abut trying to balance life and art, you know. Once you dedicate your life to creating art you very quickly become a socially awkward person. It consumes you. You have to feed your creative impulses and when they come around, you have to grab them and act on them and that definitely makes you a socially awkward person. 

Do you have any projects coming up as a producer?

I’m working on my next EP and I’m working on a project called Extraordinary Magnitude. We just recorded an album that should come out early next year and it’s an album that’s completely it’s own. 

What about Colorado shows do you love?

The energy and vibe of the shows and the fact that the scene is booming hard; it’s on a whole different level. In general, it’s just a great, great state.

Why is Pretty Lights Music label so passionate about free music for the fans?

Derek and I really shared that. Music should be free, primarily. People have to have it available at all times and not every person can buy every album they want/ We prefer to give it away so they can have it anywhere they are and they don’t have to be pirate criminals. It’s inevitable. They will donate when they have money. Why make them a cyber criminal? 

What is on the horizon for Gramatik? What do we have to look forward to?

Definitely my album which will be out next year that will be on my own label. I’m starting my own thing, like Derek did, but we will always be family. The upcoming Colorado show will be the biggest to date. I’m premiering my new set design, which is still in beta.

Castro & Amanda

Pretty Lights Music Afterparty | The Gothic | August 18th

As if getting to see the whole Pretty Lights Music lineup at Red Rocks wasn't enough, word comes in that the PLM crew will be throwing down at The Gothic next Saturday for an after party. The lineup includes some of the finest in the biz; be sure to get your tickets here. Scheduled to perform are Michal Menert, Gramatik, Break Science, Paul Basic, Supervision and Eliot Lipp. 

Porter Robinson | The Ogden Theatre | July 7th

Webster defines ethereal as heavenly, celestial, of or relating to the regions beyond the earth.  The sounds that feel upon my ears this past Saturday at The Ogden were nothing but; it was the closest I’ve ever felt to a religious experience at a live show. Porter Robinson was holding mass, and though not holy, the spirit was definitely moving people.
Porter wasn’t alone in delivering his electric gospel. The M Machine set the stage and got the crowd on their feet. A giant LED M hung behind the trio, lighting up the stage in sync with the smooth sounds and silky synth vocals. If Porter Robinson was the savior, than Mat Zo was his disciple, coming before to preach the good news. Hailing from jolly old England, Matan Zohar brought big noise and even bigger drops.  The faithful in attendance raised their hands to the sky in praise as the bass shook the floor and shot through their chests.
Shortly after 11 p.m. Porter took control of his house. Beats were dropped, sweat was shared, and as Mr.Robinson’s heavens opened, the ground shook beneath our feet. Souls cleansed, made pure, 100% in the Bitch.

Justin