DNVR Up & Comers II - Gorillaphant
- aAron aUx
- May 26, 2017
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 20, 2019
One of the best things about the #DNVR bass music scene is how deep and diverse it is. There's always a new class of fresh, hungry talent on the come up, looking to change the game and take the scene to the next level. On top of that, there's never a shortage of creativity or enthusiasm and that keeps our scene on the cutting edge. It's a big part of why DJ's from all over love to come and play here and the main reason why there is never a shortage of #bass coming out of the #basscapital. I recently came across a local cat who embodies this perfectly; Gorillaphant.
His musical roots are embedded in heavy metal going back to his high school days when he was in a metal band. He pulls inspiration from some of the greats like Metallica, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden. His roots as a bassist in a heavy metal band shine through in the music he puts out today as he puts live bass in his tracks and mixes which is something you don't see elsewhere. You'll probably be hearing it (and feeling it) on a dance floor near you soon. He'll be dropping a live set at the Black Box in Denver next month!
What struck me about Gorillaphant though, is his passion for the purity of the scene. He's not just some dirt-head looking for drugs and half naked chicks, pressing play on his decks to get his 15 minutes of shame. He genuinely wants to share his sounds with the people who are in it for the music. You definitely see that through the efforts he puts forth working with local crews like Beat Sniperz Productions. He's tired of the people that come out just to get faded and wants to bring back the good vibes and positivity that made us all fall in love with the scene. Check out the interview below to get some deeper insight on that and don't forget, BOOK GORILLAPHANT NOW!
Bass'D Out DNVR: Do you like bass music?
Gorillaphant: Hell yeah! Music is the epitome of love. Without it, my body would be lifeless. It's what you feel in the music that really matters and that's all the bass. What I listen to varies greatly on what frequencies are hitting, the lower the better.
BOD: What made you fall in love with dance music?
G: I fell in love with dance music the moment I felt the love and respect within the community. It's amazing to go to a place where nobody will judge you on how you look, what you're wearing, or how you move. I dealt with too much hate growing up in a small town in the bible belt of America.
BOD: What inspired you to start DJ-ing? Who are your biggest musical influences?
G: My musical inspirations are deeply rooted in heavy metal. I grew up listening to Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and a handful of hair metal bands. Metallica is hands down my all time favorite. I had a thrash metal band in high school, Contracou, which got me started in the music industry. I had only dabbled with dance music a little bit in my early teenage years with artists such as DJ Splash, DJ Zany, and Basshunter to name a few. It wasn't until around the age of 17 that I started listening to heavier, bass driven music. The first artists that really got me into the electronic scene of today were Bassnectar, Skrillex, Pretty Lights, Excision, and Datsik. These guys will always have a place close to my heart. Once I discovered these treasures, I wanted to become one of my own. I wasn't heavily into the scene until I wanted to dj and produce myself.
BOD: How involved in the scene were you before you started DJ-ing? What types of events did you go to?
G: I had only gone to a small handful of shows; Skrillex before he blew up, and one of the first Lights All Night shows put on in Dallas. Since then I have gone to shows and festivals all across the nation, I can't stop!
BOD: What do you love about the Denver music scene? What do you hate?
G: I love the Denver scene because there is something for everybody. Whether you listen to trance, house, bass, or worldly music, you will always be pleased. What I don't like are the people that come out just to get faded. You don't have to be rolling to have a good time. I work with Beat Sniperz Productions in Colorado Springs and we are trying to recreate the scene that is all about the music not the drugs. Too many people out there are tied up with the drug aspect of electronic music and stray away from the good vibes that come from the music itself.
BOD: How did you come up with the idea to include live bass in your sets?
G: I incorporate live bass into my sets because it is something I haven't seen done yet. Some artists play guitar, saxophone, drums, etc. in their sets but I have yet to see someone play the bass, the key player in what you actually feel. I have full control of what you're feeling when I'm playing my bass. It's a new element that I think will turn heads.
BOD: What do you like most about performing live?
G: The best part of being a DJ is getting people to move to the music I love. Seeing all their happy faces is a huge inspiration.
BOD: What goals do you currently have for your DJ career?
G: I hope to get to a point that my music will take care of myself and my loved ones. I'm not trying to be the biggest artist out there. I want to have fun and get by while doing it.
BOD: Outside of music what are your passions?
G: Music is my passion. Outside of that, I just want to show love to the world and to make as many people as happy as can be.
BOD: Any shout-outs? Comments? Upcoming projects?
G: Definitely want to give a huge shout-out to both Couch Land Collective and Beat Sniperz Productions. These two groups of guys are giving me the opportunity to live life the way I want to. Big things are to come for us all! Also, a huge shout-out to you guys at AK Productions for the support you guys are giving to all upcoming artists in the Denver scene! But most importantly, I'd like to thank my fiance, Jennie Parker, for all the love and support she has given me throughout my journey.
~ Gorillaphant ~
Much love to Gorillaphant for checking in with us. It's always great to see a hungry new comer making waves and doing what he loves. Check out the guest mix he did for the B.O.D. Podcast below, also available on our Mixcloud. Follow him at these links:
Upcoming Gigs:
May 25th - Tektonik Thursdays Vol. #15 - Tremors Nightclub - Colorado Springs, CO
May 27th & 28th - Mayday Music Festival - Tremors Nightclub - Colorado Springs, CO
June 3rd - Couch Land Presents: Couch Treasures - Spectra Art Space - Denver, CO
June 6th - Electronic Tuesdays - The Black Box - Denver, CO
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