GRUMBY

Originally hailing from Texas, Grumby is a Brooklyn based electronic duo in their 20s. Their music is strongly influenced by R&B, hip hop of all decades, and spans the genres of electronica. Producing and DJing under the aliases Rajuju and Butterfly, they’re instantly recognizable by the furry, enigmatic gorilla masks they don during their performances. The group’s spirit animal appears in their music videos as well, adding to the drunken, dreamlike feel of their songs.

A quick flip through Grumby’s catalog of mixes and original productions brings to mind Disclosure, not necessarily in style, but in their appreciation for decade-defying music. Their tunes are an unusual juxtaposition of 90s dreamscape of R. Kelly, and Destiny’s Child vibes, and hard hitting hip-hop beats; often paying homage to the past while pushing the envelop of contemporary EDM.

How did you guys end up meeting each other and grow into this collaboration together?

Rajuju: I think it was about 3 years ago – Butterfly played keys with one of my good friends Tristan Chase who performed around the city. I remember Butterfly having a solo gig in the LES near where I lived in Alphabet City so I figured I’d roll through and just connect and support him. From that day we clicked and started producing on a regular basis. And so GRUMBY was born. Like a baby. Like a brand new baby from the womb.

Do you both remember your first gigs in New York? How have you grown as musicians since then process?

Butterfly: Our first [Grumby] shows were parties that we threw at my apartment in Bushwick. At that point we were just starting to experiment with DJing, so it was a good setting to gain some experience and figure out what worked in a live set. Even when we fucked up, it was ok because it was just our friends boozing and enjoying the music.

Rajuju:Our first gig was at a Heavy x Mellow [link] house party in Bushwick and we absolutely crushed it. Since then, I’ve never felt more comfortable doing anything other than being behind my [Akai] MPD and vibing to the mesmerizing tracks we have in our library. Playing live has really expanded our music palettes and in turn has influenced our production behind the mixing boards.

Has New York changed or evolved your music taste, from before you both moved here?

Butterfly: My music taste has changed dramatically since moving to New York. I used to be more of a singer/songwriter, but after going to a few underground electronic shows in Brooklyn, I saw that there was a new musical movement going on and wanted to be a part of it. My taste is always evolving, but I’ll never lose the influence of jazz and experimental music.

Rajuju:Before I moved to New York I was really only into Hip Hop and R&B and a few experimental/instrumentalist artists. Since moving here I’ve been exposed to a variety of different sounds and styles through shows and people I’ve met. The distribution of music online has also evolved since I moved up here and is a huge resource in gathering musical inspiration.

What are your thoughts on the backlash against commercial rap versus more conscious artists like Mos Def and Jean Grae especially in Brooklyn?

Butterfly: I think every genre of music has it’s own place. I love conscious rap and getting chills when some deep lyrical shit inspires me, but I also like to turn up and jump around to some ignorant rap [laughs].

Rajuju:I understand the backlash, especially in Brooklyn. It’s funny because while a lot of people might not like 2Chainz I actually think he is a genius. He’s a hilarious dude and a character when it comes down to it, and he knows that. He uses it to his advantage and I respect that – Riff Raff is the same way. He’s over the top, but the quality of their production is so banging that it’s hard not to like if can appreciate the heaviness.



Do you think it’s possible to fit your songs into a genre, in relation to your influences of past and present?

Butterfly: We’re both 90’s kids, so we like to pay homage, but also try to keep it modern and moving forward.

Rajuju:I’d say at our very core we create electronic music rooted in Jazz and R&B; that’s definitely our foundation. You’ll hear a lot of influences ranging from Johnny Costa and John Coltrane, to R. Kelly and The Dream. We also get a lot of inspiration from the music we hear today: Lido, Cashmere Cat, Ta-Ku, Lakim, Mr. Carmack, Flying Lotus… the list could go on for a while.

You also spearhead a collective of not just musicians, but artists and all creative types, almost like a modern day Warhol house- can you tell me more about that?

Rajuju:Yeah, we started a collective for all types of creative artists called Half Bad. The collective includes musicians, filmmakers, painters, designers, among others. The idea is to use it as a platform to help each other grow as artists and cross promote each other’s work. We’re a family. One big Half Bad family.

We also put together a bi-monthly radio show called “Half Bad Radio.” It’s a two-hour mix put together by Butterfly and features some of the freshest sounds in new music from around the world: http://soundcloud.com/halfbad.

What are some of your guys’ favorite New York City venues?

Rajuju:My favorite venue[s] are the house parties we get to play in Brooklyn. Those shows are so underground, and crowds that come out aren’t the type that want fancy drinks and worry about what other people are thinking about them – they’re just out there to enjoy themselves and dance, so the place always gets popping with good vibes and good people.

In terms of listening, I was a huge fan of 285 Kent. Other than that I usually enjoy myself at Glasslands or Output – the sound system [there] is nuts.

Butterfly: I love any combo of grungy, sweaty, DIY, warehouse spots in Brooklyn; Glasslands, and The Lab are two of my favorites.

Do you have any venues in NYC that you would like to host a residency at? Are there residencies that you’re interested in snagging in the future?

Rajuju:We actually just started a residency at Pianos. We’ve been playing there every Sunday for the past month and will officially start a residency there June 1st. We’re in the middle of working out some more dates with them since people have been enjoying the vibes. It’s an amazing venue and probably one of the only joints in NYC that’s popping literally every single night of the week, so we’re looking forward to that.

Butterfly: I’d like to to set up something at Glasslands, Bembe, or Lit Lounge.

Part of your allure is that you conservatively release tracks, but have produced beautifully shot videos for each one. Are there any independent electronic musicians that inspire you?

Butterfly: In today’s super-tech world, I think people get bored really easily. A good video can be a great way to build hype and to create a deeper, more dynamic piece of art. I’ve always loved Flying Lotus’ videos. They always have spot on experimental visuals, match the vibe of the track, and tell a story.

Rajuju:We’re fortunate to have Key10 in our Half Bad crew. He’s a phenomenal director and producer. So we have these tracks and people enjoy seeing music video so we figured why not? I really can’t take any credit for the videos.

You guys work a lot with the theme of New York City nostalgia in your videos. Where can people find new videos and check out more of your music? (links and promote)

Rajuju:The official music video for Used 2 Want U directed by Key10 will be out exclusively on Earmilk.com this week. We’ll also be dropping a new Joey Dosik remix in a few weeks.

Follow Grumby on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grumby - DAEP NYC

I don't care what anyone says—we are in a golden era of music. We're still close enough to popular music's origins to have an appreciation for the basics, the immediate earnestness of a musician and his guitar. But we've really just begun to scratch the surface of the wild, fantastical sounds we can make thanks to technology's helping hand, and because this wired way of making music is still so new, artists are still excited by the prospects of what they can do. We're not bored—the possibilities are just starting to become apparent.

And that passion is really part of what's so wonderful about Grumby—a Brooklyn-based production duo whose first and foremost goal is enveloping you in their trippy beats out of a drug-induced dream. Trying to actually get their name out is a pretty close second, though. But if the above track, Mt. Fuji, is any indication, getting eager ears shouldn't be too much trouble at all.

This song is the first single of their upcoming debut EP, also named Mt. Fuji. That's later, though. For now, just sit back, shut your eyes, and let the sounds of R&B-cum-hip-hop-cum-EDM-cum-new-wave melt the week away. - Gizmodo

Recently transplanted Brooklyn duo Grumby just sent over its emotive "Mt. Fuji" tune, a production full of clipped vocal samples, pitched wind chimes, and rich organ melodies. Heavy drums bash around the track as fuzzy pads weave in and out of the filtered vocals, effectively plunging the listener into its doe-eyed drift. Grumby also has a dreamy and equally emotive—albeit strange—video for its new single, which can be seen after the jump. - XLR8R

Fusing together IDM sounds with hazy, jazz-filled electronica often found in the production of many UK bass contemporaries, Brooklyn-based duo GRUMBY delivers Mt. Fuji - a mesmerizing single dedicated to the mystical Japanese mountain. Captivating listeners with a sturdy groove and lush sets of synths, the track bursts with raw emotion while sustainng a mellow disposition through the use of obscure samples. The nostalgic breakbeat track is met with an equally compelling music video, whereby a cohort of costumed guerrilla men cavort around the city in a whim. Enjoy the video above and let us know your thoughts below. - HYPETRAK

"Used 2 Want U" is the latest release from Brooklyn-based electronic production duo, GRUMBY. The track has a strong influence from the likes of Cashmere Cat and Trippy Turtle, yet manages to retain the signature hypnotic and hazy sound that GRUMBY is becoming known for.

The track opens with the whisper of a synth and a flowing ostinato harp pattern. The harp is soon accompanied by an alluring vocal sample over pounding drums. It then builds up to a huge drop where the track explodes into a dancy, syncopated groove that is sure to get you hype.

GRUMBY has the uncanny ability to produce tracks that draw you in from the start and take you on intricate journeys of sound. With three meticulously produced singles and two videos out in the past few months, 2014 is sure to be a breakout year for the duo. - Earmilk

After building up much anticipation with their first single release and video promo for "Mt. Fuji", Brooklyn-based duo GRUMBY is quickly proving they are worthy of our ears and eyes. Directed and edited by KEY10, the music video depicts a stunning visual correlation to the mesmerizingly organic and hazy soundscapes of Mt. Fuji.

Combining displaced grooves, evolving synthesizers, and virtuosic jazz chops, GRUMBY’s multifaceted production, complemented by the allure of the music video, is set to bring about buzz in the electronic music scene. The creativity of these guys really shines through in their video and its correlation to themes in the song. Check out the music video premiere of GRUMBY’s title track off their debut EP, MT. FUJI, exclusively on Earmilk. - Earmilk

Just a month after their debut video and premiere onto the blogosphere (thanks to EARMILK ), the Brooklyn based GRUMBY boys have returned! This time around they have remixed Genuine's "So Anxious" and paired it with a stunningly shot visual. Spanning the concrete jungles of Brooklyn to the desert of New Mexico.

The duo take you on another charged journey exploring the depths of the frequency spectrum with sweeping synth pads, washed out vocals, and pounding toms. EARMILK is debuting the premiere of the official music video and they’ve also released the remix for free download to the public. The guys have received very positive reviews from their previous video and this will exceed that by far. They have yet to play a live set; but they're currently working on it and could be touring sooner than you know it. Watch the video for "So Anxious" below. - Earmilk

Brooklyn-based production duo GRUMBY fuses the sounds of IDM, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and R&B into an assortment of mesmerizingly organic and hazy soundscapes. Combining displaced grooves, evolving synthesizers, and virtuosic jazz chops, GRUMBY’s multifaceted production routinely locks you in for a passionately captivating experience. Their tracks burst with raw emotion at their highest peaks but are quick to ground you with carefully stripped down passages as they masterfully navigate through the frequency spectrum.

Blending alluring organic voices and exotic keyboard instruments, "Mt. Fuji" imparts a dark and mystical tone. In the first few seconds, the listener is transported to a sunset view from the hot springs of the Japanese mountain giving the track its name.

As a recent addition to the Heavy x Mellow squad, GRUMBY brings fresh sounds to the table evidently inspired by the likes of Lapalux and Shlohmo. Their jazz and R&B roots provide the perfect canvas for electronic experimentation. Lose yourself to GRUMBY’s "Mt. Fuji", the title track off of their forthcoming debut EP. A video to this track is set to release in a few days listen and watch the trailer below. - Earmilk

There’s a type of electronica that works well at a pre-gaming session; during that unexpected-but-much-needed one night stand and throughout a party aftermath the next day. A perfect example is “Refuse”—a new silky soultronic single from NYC-based duo Grumby that features sensual vocals from Hari Mint. Grumby (or Raj and Andrew) are currently working on more breezy bangers and promise to drop a new EP on April 5, but right now you can relax to their latest effort, “Changes”, and read our interview with these smooth operators.

Hometown: Texas

Homebase: NYC

How did you two meet?

We met through a mutual friend. He was like “Raj, meet Andrew; Andrew, meet Raj”. The rest is history.

Where does the name Grumby come from? Any connections to Grumpy cat?

It’s a hilarious and crazy story, too. Quite unexpected. We made a list of name ideas and chose the best one. The rest is history. Isn’t that a wild story? No connection to Grumpy cat. He’s tight though.

How do you describe your sound?

It’s a mix of all sorts of influences, the main ones coming from the jazz, r&b, soul, and electronic music we grew up with.

There’s a bit of everything in your music: r&b, jazz, electro, hip-hop. So it’s safe to assume you both have a pretty deep knowledge of music and have big music collections. Am I right?

That’s true. We were exposed to different types of music by our parents growing up ranging from rock, pop and jazz to classical Indian music and bhangra. We were also all over Kazaa and Limewire and all those dope illegal programs back in the day downloading whatever we could get our hands on. Since then, our palettes have broadened and you can hear the different influences seep into our music. Being in New York City has also expanded our music knowledge as there are so many unique sounds that come together here.

Considering your sound is incredibly smooth, it makes a perfect soundtrack for a make out session. Do you have people walking up to you and confess they made love to your music?

No, that’s so gross… who makes love?! Disgusting. Just kidding. Yes. We’ve had a few people tell us that. And then we give them a fist bump and say, “niiiice.”

You’re known for your striking music videos. What’s your favorite music video of all time?

We’re known for that? We didn’t know that. That’s cool… thank you!

Rajuju: Soul IV Real - Candy Rain


Andrew: David Hasselhoff - Hooked on a Feeling

What’s your trick to making your music work live as well as it does in the studio?

We were both performers before we started producing music, so it helps to already have the experience of playing in a group and reading the vibe of the room. When we put the full band together for shows, it’s basically us just jamming with our friends, so that makes it feel really organic and natural. We were surprised at how many people came up to us after our EP release show and complemented us on how well we translated our sound into a live setting.

The perfect party is…

The party with the pants. Brick showed it to us.

What’s the weirdest place you ever had to record or write a song at?

Andrew: I used to do cruise ship gigs with a jazz quartet, and I would always set up a little keyboard and mic in the crew library. It was kind of surreal because you could hear the waves hitting the hull of the ship.

Raj: I sometimes record at Andrew’s mom's house. Haha, got him. In his face!

Andrew: Mannn.

Your game plan for 2016?

We’re working on our next EP at the moment. It will have a wider palette of sound exploring electronic influences and textures while maintaining the vibe of our original EP with roots in jazz & r&b. Our main goal is to stay creative and to continue collaborating with all of the talented musicians we’ve met here in New York.

We will be playing more live once the new music comes out. Soon enough we’ll be touring and hopefully we can bring all the talented cats with us to create some memorable experiences for our fans.

5 fast fun facts about Grumby. Go!

1) We grew up 30 minutes from each other in Texas, but didn’t meet or become friends until we moved to NYC. Now when we visit our families in Texas, we always meet up and try to work on the road.

2) Our song “Refuse” with Hari Mint is on rotation at BBC Radio One.

3) Danny Trejo once tweeted at us: https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/20pz21/danny_trejo_heard_our_music_at_sxsw_and_then/

4) We are co-founders of Half Bad Radio, a satirical music podcast: soundcloud.com/halfbad

5) Brick killed a guy. - Myspace

Nothing is better than when you’re listening to an artist and their music instantly triggers bits of nostalgia. Our guest blogger Olivia, the powerhouse behind Wolvereen and who is spending the summer discovering new music with us, is obsessed with Brooklyn-based electronic duo Grumby for their mix of 90’s vibes with a contemporary twist. Read on to find out why you should have Grumby on repeat.

Texas natives turned Brooklyn residents, Grumby is composed of two twenty-something DJs, Rajuju and Butterfly. These guys, like the rest of us 90’s kids, love to pay tribute to the smooth R&B/ jazzy hip-hop beats they grew up jamming to. However, Grumby makes us feel the nostalgia of the 90’s with an undeniable contemporary, electronica twist. They certainly have their foot in the door of the Brooklyn music scene with regular appearances at Pianos, and their contributions to the mecca of the new up-and-coming electronic music collection, Half Bad Society. Not only do they create beautifully engineered tracks, they also have extremely well-crafted videos to go along with them. You do not want to miss out on this duo. - Reverb Nation

With the upcoming release of their new EP on the horizon, GRUMBY are making a name for themselves with their vast mix of R&B and Jazz-infused anthems. They’ve already worked with Hari Mint. Not to mention found a fan across the pond in BBC Radio 1 producer, Annie Mac. Local Wolves spoke to them about their forthcoming offering and the artists that influence their songs.

For our readers who haven’t heard about GRUMBY, could you tell us a little bit about your music? How would you best describe it?

Our music is really a journey through what’s going through our minds and what inspires us during any period of time. When you listen to our catalog some of our older releases range stylistically from future boom-bap to more upbeat dance joints, but every one of our tracks is rooted in Jazz and R&B since that’s what we grew up on. Our first EP, Changes, was a switch up from previous works as we developed some dope relationships with talented singers/songwriters here in NYC. Organically, the album progressed in a really soulful direction and Changes ended up blossoming into a composition of future soul and R&B. Our upcoming EP incorporates those organic elements heard in Changes and takes it up a notch featuring more vocalists and more electronic flare.

You released your debut EP back in September. What’s the response been like?

It’s been cool and people seem to be about it. We’ve alway had our local fan base here in New York City, but our single, "Refuse" with Hari Mint is getting love around the globe which has been awesome to see.

That song got some play with Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 as well and that was very humbling.

What was it like working with Hari Mint on Refuse?

It was a very organic experience. We met Hari doing backup vocals for an artist that did a show with us here in the Lower East Side. As soon as we heard his chops we were having a conversation about getting in the studio together. We played back the track for him and he did his thing. It was one of those sessions where we were really inspired and everything flowed beautifully. Hari writes and sings from a place of passion and he takes his craft just as seriously. That attention to detail from everyone involved creates a quality working environment.

Could you tell us a little bit about the recording process of the record?

We’re always cranking out new beats. Sometimes they’re real bad. Other times they range on a scale from average to not-as-bad-as-some-other-pretty-good-shit-out-there-so-it-could-be-good-right? That’s how it goes down usually. Once we get an instrumental in a good place we’ll bring in a vocalist or two to get some top line melodies. After we track vocals and have our arrangement we get back on the production end and polish the doo-doo out of it. A lot of times producers start with the topline and work around it, but we usually end up working the other way around.

And the artwork? What inspired that?

We liked the multiple facets of Changes. Changes in weather, mood, seasons, relationships, and especially in relation to chord changes in jazz. We wanted the art to reflect all these different facets of change going in our lives, including our music.

The EP seems to be blowing up in the UK and the Netherlands. Why do you think it’s so popular over there?

Getting radio play from Annie Mac helped get our sound out to a market of people we wouldn’t have thought of reaching otherwise and there’s generally more love for the type of vibe our music carries over there. Spotify also included Grumby in some of their Discover playlists, so it’s really with the help of some bigger players who recognize that we have something brewing here.

What bands or artists would you consider your main influences?

We’re influenced by a lot of the current electronic/future producers out right now like Ta-Ku, Sam Gelliatry, Cashmere, Lido, FlyLo. We’re also inspired by old jazz records and players like Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, and John and Alice Coltrane. On the R&B tip we pay homage to Prince and the rising queen, Kelela.

What records are you listening to at the minute?

Kelela - Hallucinogen EP, Mr Carmack - White EP, Majid Jordan - Majid Jordan, and Louis Mattrs - Slow Waves EP.

Have you thought about what’s next for GRUMBY? What can fans expect?

We’re in the final stage of our sophomore EP dropping February 2017, so be on the lookout for that. The album name is a secret because we haven’t figured it out yet. Just kidding, we actually know what it is and are keeping it a secret. Just kidding again, we have no idea what we’re calling it. Or do we? This project will venture more into our electronic side and will have a wider array of textures and features than our first release.

Finally, what advice would you give to people wanting to release an EP?

Don’t rush. Don’t rush to release anything you don’t feel reaches your full potential, especially if you know that if you give it a little more time and love, it could sound super fresh. It’s important to be comfortable and proud of what you release. - Local Wolves