Griz at the Middle East - Show Preview

Among the wave of artists who have exploded onto the electronic dance scene over the past year, few are as innovative and soulful as Grant Kwiecinski, better known by his stage name, Griz. A native of Detroit, Griz has found a home in the budding music scene coming out of Boulder, CO, with artists such as Dominic Lalli of Big Gigantic and Derek Vincent Smith, aka Pretty Lights serving as mentors.

Set to bring his talent to The Middle East in Cambridge this Saturday, April 6, Griz gives Bostonians a lot to look forward to with his incredibly unique sound. Something of a cross between the funky, soulful tunes of Pretty Lights and the heavier dubstep brought by artists such as Bassnectar or the aforementioned Big Gigantic, Griz masterfully combines live music with the synths and sampling of electronic music. As live acts continue to soar in popularity, artists such as Griz allow us to hush-hush the "just push play" mentality of many EDM detractors.

As Griz puts it I don’t have fancy recording equipment, amazing speakers, crazy keyboards, complicated sample packs, etc. What I do have is an endless imagination of the future/now, unrelenting will, constant fascination, and a heart that has no capacity to stop loving and trying." Although this statement is perhaps a tad overly humble (he has performed as support for huge acts such as Bassnectar and Big Gigantic, Pretty Lights, and more), it gives a sense of his fresh approach to the music he makes. 

This sense of innovation and excitement for art, combined with the small-scale, underground feel of the Middle East is sure to provide fans with a truly unique concert experience. Having seen him several times before a supporting act, I could not be more excited to see what he has in store for his first headlining tour!

Stay tuned to EDM Boston for our show review when all is said and done!