Gryffin is performing his debut album in New Orleans tonight! Read our interview with the artist below, or get your tickets to tonight’s show here.
Gryffin’s premiere studio album has been long-awaited. The 32-year-old producer from California has been pumping out singles and remixes for the last 4 years, gearing up for his first full-length.
Gravity debuted at number one in the U.S. dance charts and includes some seriously high-profile collaborations (AlunaGeorge, Aloe Blacc and Carly Rae Jepsen are just a few.)
Tonight, the artist brings his infectious sound to the Joy Theatre. As his first headlining performance in the city, we’re excited to see what his new tour has to offer.
We got a chance to chat with Dan Griffith – better know as Gryffin – before his show in New Orleans.
Check out the River Beats Interview below.
Welcome to New Orleans, dude! We’re so excited to have you here. Is this your first time visiting or playing the Joy Theatre?
“Thanks so much! Very excited to be playing in New Orleans. I’ve actually been to New Orleans to play both Buku and Voodoo in the past, so I’m very excited to be back. It is my first time doing a headline show however which I’m super stoked about.”
Congrats on your first full-length album! Can you tell us a little bit about what it feels like to finally have your first album out there for the world to hear?
“It feels amazing. This album has been two years in the making and I’m honestly very proud of it. I was able to work with a lot of amazing artists that I’ve been a fan of for a long time. I’m just really happy it’s out, in the world, and very grateful for the amazing responses from fans.”
How would you say your background in classical piano and guitar performance influences your production style?
“I think that it heavily influenced my production style. Dance/electronic artists can have a wide array of talents, but I think being classically trained helped me find my sonic identity melodically. I really try to make sure all of my records have a Gryffin “sound.” I think that comes from the years I spent playing piano and guitar.”
You do a lot of collaboration in your music, what does that process of working with other artists look like in the production phase?
“It’s very dependent on the situation. For example, I was in the studio with Oh Wonder when we wrote “Nothing Like You.” Then I took it in to a studio session I had with Vincent from DROELOE, and we finalized the production. From there, we went out to HANA because we were both big fans to have her be the vocalist.”
That was one of my favorite processes finishing a track yet. Other times like with “Bye Bye,” Ivy Adara’s team sent my team the original demo and I fell in love with it. So in a matter of days, I produced it out and we then released it.
What can fans look forward to on the upcoming Gravity II tour?
“The Gravity II Tour is my biggest tour yet and also my biggest show. It’s a live band so it’s me, Spencer (drummer), and Will (guitars/keys) who all play together. We tried to create a really unique experience, and this is also the first time that my set is almost entirely comprised of my own music. I’m really excited for you all to see it!”
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