What is your name?
Grimzlee.
What is your genre of music?
Alternative, Alternative Rock, Electronic
Give us a little bio about you.
From the cicada-singing summers of Hartsville, South Carolina, to the rolling hills of Nashville, Tennessee, Grimzlee is breaking the traditional genre box associated with Music City. Grimzlee brings electro-punk beats with haunting melodies, crossing multiple genres with his unique sound. This “melancholy but hopeful” sound master grew up on the heavy bass lines of Metallica, Van Halen, and Asking Alexandra, and is highly influenced by Foo Fighters and Bring Me The Horizon. Fans find themselves headbanging along to tracks as they cross boundaries between alternative rock/pop, experimental post-hardcore and metal with pop punk homages.
Music’s newest madman hit the ground running, playing in the metal band Atrial for four years before launching his solo project in April of 2022. In just over a year, Grimzlee has passed the 150,000 monthly Spotify listener milestone, a notable accomplishment for independent acts. To create a “nostalgic feeling that’s new,” Grimzlee self-produces to secure the perfect soundscape for every song.
What made you go into music?
Honestly, I would say guitar hero really influenced me when I was a kid and had a big impact on me wanting to play music. It opened my world to so much rock music from artists I came to fall in love with, like Slipknot for example. The emotional aggression that I heard when playing them made me want to create music.
Who are your influences?
Bring Me the Horizon, Deftones, Linkin Park, Lil Peep, Slipknot and countless others.
Are you signed?
No, I have been an independent artist from the beginning and really enjoy the flexibility and creative freedom I have with my music.
You released single ‘Smile’, tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the song.
“Smile” is about looking back on a past relationship and hoping they’re doing well, but also wondering if they still think about you too. Instrumentally, it has a bit of a Deftones meets pop punk feel. If you’re looking for a song that will introduce you to my artistry, “Smile” has the signature Grimzlee sound of melancholy yet hopeful.
Describe the track in two words.
Heavy & Passionate.
What was the writing and recording process like?
“Smile” is a track that I kept coming back to. I wrote the instrumental a year ago and could never find the words to put with it. I record in my walk-in closet that I’ve transformed into my little studio, which works for me. I went through many versions of the song lyrically. After about 20 drafts, this version finally felt perfect. I write, record, mix and master all of my music. Some tracks take a day while others can take months to finish. This one felt special, so I took my time with it.
Who did you work with on the single?
Me, myself and I. Once I was ready to finish it, I had a strong vision for what I wanted it to be.
Who did you work with on the single?
Like all of my music so far, this was all written and produced by me!
We will also see your next single ‘Time To Prey’ coming soon, give us a teaser of what to expect.
Time to Prey is a fast-paced electronic rock song that’s about being a Prey to the passing of time. It talks from the perspective of the Grim Reaper coming after you. You can run and hide but none of us can escape our fate, the promise of life also coming with a promise of death. I like to explore these concepts in my work.
Who did you work with on the single?
Like all of my music so far, this was all written and produced by me!
Will we see visuals for the new single and if so what can we expect from the creative process?
Yes, I will share an exclusive sneak peek of the single artwork and Spotify canvas for your audience. And keep an eye on my socials in the next few weeks for details on Time to Prey music video.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can expect from the creative process?
I am working on an album! You can expect each song to target a different emotion. I always write about whatever is affecting me at the moment. Grimzlee is my outlet for letting things go and processing. The album will be titled “A Tale Quite Grim.”
Do you have any live shows coming up?
Yes! My next show will be on August 27th at Café Coco in Nashville!
Let us know where we can get tickets if so.
Grimzlee Tickets link: https://www.grimzlee.com/upcomingshows
What else can we expect in 2023?
The rest of 2023 will be filled with new music videos, a new single (or album) every six weeks, more shows to be announced and maybe some awesome features and collaborations!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I see myself playing bigger shows with people singing every word back to me. That’s the hope at least.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Memento Mori” (Remember you must die). I live by this because I know I won’t be around forever, but I hope my music will be. I’m driven by my mission to leave a legacy behind when I go.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
When I’m playing a gig, I have to have cough drops (helps the voice), my laptop for tracks, my awesome cherry red PRS Custom 24 guitar, Black Converses that I wear on stage, and my eargasm earplugs.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Of course! I am on all platforms and my handle is @iamgrimzlee. Listed below: Instagram: @iamgrimzlee
Facebook: @iamgrimzlee
TikTok: @iamgrimzlee
YouTube: @grimzlee
Spotify: Grimzlee on Spotify
Bandcamp: Grimzlee on Bandcamp
Website: grimzlee.com
