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