Q/A With Gromo
GROMO gets real with us about his journey as a musical producer, songwriter, and DJ, as well as the future of the music industry and New York City after the pandemic.
Brae Gromek, known professionally as Gromo, is a NYC based songwriter/producer/ dj and a student at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recording Music. He started his career organizing and performing at under 18 parties in some of New York’s hottest night clubs including Pacha, Lavo and Riff Raffs. Through those experiences, he gained an entree into the EDM festival scene. Gromo, at age 16, was the youngest DJ to play at the Miami Ultra Music Festival followed by multiple international events in Europe and Asia.
Adopted from Guatemala, Gromo is keenly aware that his life could have been dramatically different. He’s reflective when saying “I’m privileged and lucky to have the life I currently have; I don’t take that for granted.
Gromo’s natural interest and curiosity in music developed into a passion. Growing up he listened to his father’s eclectic music collection and would analyze songs, breaking them down to their most basic elements: rhythm, melody, and harmony. He picked up the guitar and became immersed in the world of heavy metal. As time progressed, he began to outgrow metal’s boundaries and attitudes and found himself intrigued by electronic music. After attending his first electronic music festival Gromo says, “It brought out the same reaction as when I first saw Metallica in concert, but on a whole new level. Without this exposure, I wouldn’t be as open to merging all of my musical influences.”
Influenced by hip-hop, heavy metal, electronic music and pop, Gromo molded his own sound. He believes he can learn from all genres making his music more compelling. “Song ideas can come from anywhere. I’m inspired by people, places, and cultures.” When writing music, his philosophy is to keep songs simple, not be predictable and always add an element of surprise. While working with different vocalists Gromo’s releases ( Nuke, Hurry, Don’t Care, Slowly, Wake Up and The Weekend) reflect his individual style. These and other releases are all on streaming platforms
Q: What got you into DJing?
B: I got into DJing hearing Skrillex’s Scary Monster Nice Sprites EP. That was the real game changer for me that made me want to produce and DJ. Before then I knew nothing about music production and DJing. I was focused on becoming a heavy metal guitarist like my heroes Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammett, and Slash. I gravitated to Skrillex because of his heavy and melodic music which at the time related to my music preferences.
Q: What type of music projects are you currently working on?
B: I am currently working on songwriting sessions with people from NY, LA, Nashville,Montana and Sweden. All have their own unique style (pop, rap,) which keeps the production process interesting.
Q: What have been some of the biggest struggles you’ve faced during your journey?
B: My biggest struggle through my journey has been finding myself and growing as a person. Since I’ve started creating music I’ve changed a lot. This is over the course of nine years spending every day learning how to produce music. I still have some things I personally do that gets in the way of myself but over the years I’ve been able to be more open and learn from my mistakes and grow.
Q: What was it like to perform at Ultra at such a young age?
B: Performing at Ultra was a massive eye opening experience. At a young age I learned the in’s and outs of the industry as well as the networking process with other artists and producers. For me the experience was less about playing on stage but more about the journey traveling to Japan, Bali, Korea, Croatia, and Miami. I quickly learned how important it is to read the crowd and be flexible with my sets. I enjoyed taking inspiration from all these different places and channel it into my music.
Q: What did you learn from performing at Ultra?
B: Funny enough, I learned what I thought I wanted for so long was not what I wanted to do, DJ full time! The DJing touring life was not for me at that moment. I was also in high school carrying a full course load which made life a bit challenging. I came to realize I had a natural connection to music production. DJing is still something I enjoy and hope to get out there again but producing is the career path I’m most passionate about.
Q: Most creative pursuits require alone time. Why do you believe this is the case?
B: Many people like to create alone because they need to channel their deepest emotions and thoughts to create their best art. I know for myself I prefer to be alone when I work, unless I'm with other creative people who understand those emotions. It is great when you are able to lock in with an artist and create a vibe in a studio session.
Q: Why do you believe music is so important to our culture?
B: Music is a way to decompress. It can help reduce life’s day to day stress. Music is an ongoing soundtrack in our lives. When you listen to a song it can transport you back to a different moment in time. It’s a reflection of memories, both positive or negative.
Q: What does music mean to you?
B: Music is everything to me. I know it sounds cliche, but music kept and continues to keep me going when things get tough. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression and channeling these issues into doing something I’m passionate about has been a positive force. Clearly my relationship to music is very personal. This is where the beauty of music comes into play for people who really care about it. It resonates with you in ways that are personal and meaningful.
Q: How would you describe the culture of music today?
B: I think music is in another state of discovery. With all the hype around streaming and social media apps, the industry is trying to figure out the best way to commoditize within these vehicles in order to make a living. Currently for many musicians/artists it’s difficult to make money as the value of music decreases. Music value is being decreased by streaming as artists are making so little money off of their play count. I think the idea of paying money for music is considered more “radical” today than it was when you had to buy full albums. I’m not sure what is going to create more financial value for music, but that’s why for myself I worry about creating timeless music. The way a great song makes you feel emotionally is what I focus on.
Q: Where do you see the evolution of EDM progressing towards?
B: To be honest, for the last couple of years I have been working on other genres of music and spent less time focused on the EDM scene. I recently read a post from DJ Carnage where he said he felt like the scene was in a difficult uninspired place. I do believe inspiration is out there brewing. There are so many incredibly talented EDM artists. Many of them are crossing over genres and my sense is there will be a lot of innovative music out there.
Q: How has the music been affected by the pandemic?
B: It’s been a mixed bag doing Zoom sessions vs. in person sessions. You don’t have that same personal interactive connection that you have when you are in the room creating together. On a positive note so many artists/musicians are finding innovative ways to perform, produce and release new music. Live streamings popularity has increased over quarantine giving fans access to seeing their first artists perform, produce, and DJ on platforms such as Twitch. It’s been cool seeing artists careers expanding through live streaming in 2020.
Q: How has the pandemic affected you personally?
B: This year has been a wake up call and a reality check on what’s important in life. So many lives have been devastated. I’ve learned to try and not sweat the small stuff. I left the city for the first 4 months and when returning it was a surreal experience. The new norm is nothing is normal. Life will go on differently. We all need to be flexible and try to adapt to whatever else is thrown our way.
Q: Do you believe online festivals will continue to be popular once the pandemic is over?
B: I’m sure online festivals will serve a purpose as some people will not feel comfortable being in large crowds or traveling internationally. But let’s face it, there is nothing like the energy of live festivals.
Q: Is there anything you would like to see change for the better in the music industry?
B: I would hope that new artists don’t feel obligated to be on every platform in order to be successful. I hope each artist can find his or her own way to be themselves through good storytelling and creating great art.
Q: How has living in New York City influenced you as not only an artist, but as a person?
B: NYC is a melting pot of cultures whether its art, fashion , food, and most importantly music. The landscape of the city is forever changing yet its history plays a dominant role influencing all things music and arts related.
Q: Do you believe New York City will rebound after the pandemic?
B: Absolutely NYC will rebound! There’s no question about it. Undeniably, New York has a pulse that’s unbeatable. When things begin to loosen up, music and the arts will once again drive the city’s energy.
Q: Why is New York City important to the music scene?
B: NYC has been the launch pad for many musical revolutions and became the hub for disco, punk, hip hop, and also jazz.
Q: What are three (FOUR) words to describe yourself?
B: Passionate, Loyal, Creative, Ambitious.
Q: What are you hoping your music will achieve when others listen?
B: I hope my music resonates and hits deep with listeners, reflects who I am personally and has longevity.
Q: What does happiness mean to you?
B: Having a positive state of mind and feeling content both personally and professionally. Life is a balancing act.
Q: What does success mean to you?
B: It relates back to happiness. Being able to balance both my personal and professional life. Sure I need to pay my rent but for me success is not solely about the money.
What’s your story?