Written by: Sam Wolloch
Progressive house fans received a real treat when the Scottish musician and producer GRUM finally released his long awaited and highly anticipated album Deep State this past November, over a year after he first teased “Never Have to Be Alone” in September 2018. November also saw the start of GRUM’s monthly Deep State Radio series, and this 80s baby fell head over heels for the mixes after hearing him throw it back to the visionary New Order to close out episode one. But little did we know what the ten-year house music vet had in store for us in 2020.
Following on the success of his 2019 album, GRUM began the new decade with an even bigger project, founding his own imprint Deep State Recordings. Focused on developing a unique sound within progressive house, GRUM aims to unite a growing family of talented artists with a passion for making quality music. “All killer, no filler” he proclaims!
And GRUM stuck to his guns, looking across the pond and turning to his friend Kane for the label’s first release on January 28th. As a host of the podcast “In Conversation” and a writer for Magnetic Mag, Kane has shown a passion and commitment to dance music which GRUM believes epitomizes Deep State Recordings, sharing “[Kane] initially sent over ‘Days Like These’ and I felt it would be the perfect, bold track to kick off the label in style.” Kane’s killer 2-song EP also includes the techno inspired track “Forgive Me Forget You.”
With five Deep State Radio episodes already in the library and an awesome EP to get things going, GRUM is excited about the future of the label. For now he has his sights set on having one release per month by passionate producers dedicated to immersive music experiences. But looking at the long view, GRUM envisions Deep State events lined with artists from his label playing the progressive house we’ve all come to know and love. I have true faith in the drive and direction of Deep State and eagerly await all the goodies in store for us in 2020 and beyond.
You can check out GRUM’s newest record here: GRUM – Tomorrow (Future Bass) and catch him in March at Fabric in London on the 6th and in Manchester at the Kable Club on the 7th!
These events featurE GRUM, Trance Wax, Genix, Anden, Stereo Underground & others and it’s shaping up to be a big couple of events right at the forefront of the Progressive and Trance resurgence. Deep State as a label are fighting to shape the future of Progressive and take it in an exciting new direction and the events have some of the best artists who are pushing the scene on.
