Behind the Music: An Exclusive Interview with DJ Gryzzler
Welcome to this special interview! Today, we’re delighted to speak with a talented DJ and electronic music producer who’s made a unique mark in the industry. I’m Danny Tape, and in this conversation, we’ll explore their journey, inspirations, and future projects. Without further ado, let’s welcome DJ Gryzzler.
Presentation of the DJ: a. Stage name b. Professional background (career highlights, experience)
I started spinning my first records at the age of 14.
Over the years, I’ve traveled across Portugal from north to south, sharing DJ booths with big names in the national music scene such as: DIEGO MIRANDA, RUI ESTEVÃO (ANTENA3), THE FOX, TOZÉ DIOGO, ANTÓNIO FREITAS (ANTENA3), HENRI JOSH, NUNO CALADO (ANTENA3), ANDRE HENRIQUES (CIDADE FM), WILSON HONRADO (COMERCIAL), BLINDS, GUILLAZ (Da Weasel), among many others.
I’ve performed not only at parties but also at brand launches for companies like BMW, MINI, GUESS, and others. I’ve also been involved in many events related to wine and chef presentations.
In 2022, I began my international career with my first gigs in Norway.
How did your career in electronic music begin?
My passion for “gigs” started very early through a neighbor and friend, DJ DANNY.l (currently a member of DOUBLE REAKTION), who taught me the art of DJ’ing.
In 2000, I bought my first vinyl turntables, and over the years, I refined my technique. Research, repertoire, technique, and musical knowledge led to the creation of a “journey-like” and engaging set with groovy sounds. By learning vinyl techniques right from the start and having a keen sense for reading the crowd, I began making a name for myself in national clubs and events, always in “vinyl mode.” This is how I traveled across the country, sharing booths with significant figures from our music scene.
b. What were your early influences, and how did they shape your musical style?
Without a doubt, DJ Danny.l had a huge influence with house and tribal house.
Back then, access to music wasn’t as easy as it is now with the internet and MP3s.
House music is the very foundation of my sound. Being eclectic, I easily explore other derivatives of house, such as jackin house, deep house, tech house, and even melodic house.
Career and Experience:
Professional Development
a. What were the most significant challenges you faced during your career?
At the beginning of my career, the biggest challenge was getting new music.
There weren’t many stores available in my area. I remember going with my mom to buy records in Mangualde and later starting to buy them in Coimbra.
b. Highlight a memorable collaboration or event that marked your career.
Over my 25-year career, I’ve had many memorable moments, so it’s hard for me to pick just one. But I’d probably say what I’ve managed to build in Nelas at the Dão Wine Fair is very special, where I invite my friend DJ and broadcaster Wilson Honrado from Rádio COMERCIAL every year.
This came about through my friend Chef Diogo Rocha and then-councilwoman Sofia Relvas, who invited me to contribute to the fair and gave me the freedom to put my ideas into practice.
Musical Style and Evolution:
How would you describe your unique musical style?
This is actually a funny question since I’m known for being eclectic. People who listen to me say my DJ sets are like a journey, where it’s important for me to create a story and narrative through music.
That’s why I started adopting the name “THE JOURNEY.” Now I’m simply known as GRYZZLER-THE JOURNEY. It’s a kind of trademark in my sets—I enjoy making the audience travel with me so that after the set, they leave with smiles on their faces and wanting more.
How do you think electronic music has evolved over the years, and what was your role in that evolution?
Unfortunately, particularly in Portugal, I feel electronic music has regressed significantly (I know it’s a controversial topic), especially in Viseu. For example, the THE DAY AFTER nightclub used to bring in big names while being mindful of musical selection, something that doesn’t happen these days.
The internet made music more accessible, but it also led to the proliferation of commercial and pop music in clubs.
I’ve never been one to follow trends—I respect it, but it’s not my thing.
I care more about music than fame (laughs). DJs today just want to be famous, forgetting the main thing, which is the music.
They’re preoccupied with social media and being recognized on the street.
My role since I started until now is to connect people through music—that’s what music is for, to connect.
I can say I’m addicted to music; I listen to 3–4 hours of new music daily and always try to bring something new to the dance floor. That’s how I learned, and I believe it’s the main role of the DJ—to energize the dance floor and introduce new tracks.
Musical Production:
a. What is your creative process when producing a new track?
At the moment, I have some ideas and am actively learning.
This is largely due to the encouragement of my Norwegian friend Simon Field and the Greek DBD BEATS, who have motivated me to begin producing.
I know this will be my next step, and it will happen naturally.
b. What tools or software do you use for musical production?
Personally, without a doubt, Ableton Live.
Live Performance:
a. What is your approach to performing live?
I usually arrive a little earlier to assess the energy of the dancefloor and connect with people.
I never bring a structured set, as I only decide in the moment what the dancefloor calls for and where I want to take it. That’s the journey in my sets.
I know what’s in my “bag” when I embark on a journey. I know the destination, but the most important thing for me is the trip to get there.
b. Can you share a remarkable experience from a concert or festival?
I have a funny one from many years ago at an academic week festival where I was supposed to perform from 12:00 to 2:00 AM, with another DJ performing from 2:00 to 4:00 AM, when the event ended.
I did my set, and the other DJ asked me to continue until the end of the event, as he would also perform the following day.
Around 4:00 AM, I started lowering the music volume because I was told the party ended at that time.
The problem was the venue was still packed, and the organizers asked if I wouldn’t mind continuing.
I kept going until daylight, with the venue still full. That night, I completed a marathon of playing music for 9 hours straight.
Relationship with the Audience:
a. *How do you interact with the audience during your performances?*
It all depends on the size of the event, but I enjoy playing with the crowd and even surprising them with my remixes.
b. How important is the audience’s response to you?
Undoubtedly, audience feedback is very important, but those who come to listen to me already know what to expect.
They can’t expect me to play pop or commercial tracks, knowing I’m a house music DJ.
Trends and Opinions:
a. How do you view current trends in electronic music?
Current trends, like those before them, are like waves—they come and go.
For example, there’s a growth in afro house, but I believe it’s temporary. What endures is always house music and the so-called underground, which goes through phases but is always alive.
b. Is there any subgenre or movement that you think will have significant future impact?
From what I sense here in Norway, minimal/deep tech has seen astronomical growth, and it’s a subgenre with considerable interest among the new generation of DJs.
Challenges and Opportunities:
a. What are the main challenges faced by electronic music DJs today?
Honestly, I don’t feel there are significant challenges as long as you follow what you feel and play the music you like.
It depends on what you want from music. For me, music is about the energy it gives me and the freedom it provides to share it with others.
b. Are there emerging opportunities you are exploring or see as promising?
Without a doubt, afterwork events are growing significantly.
Here in Norway, it’s already common for people to go out after work to socialize and listen to music.
Social media will have an even greater impact, with DJs now playing in bakeries or cafés.
I remember playing at a vegetable market one morning in 2007 (laughs).
The point is not to chase trends but to create what you believe in, no matter how difficult it might seem.
For many years, I’ve been doing DJ sets with renowned chefs while they host showcookings.
Advice for New DJs:
a. What advice would you give to someone starting their career as an electronic music DJ?
Definitely research new music and practice a lot.
But the main advice is to remain humble.
I’ve seen many talented DJs lose themselves to their ego.
When ego grows, the essence tends to fade.
b. What are the most important qualities for success in this industry?
Without a doubt, humility and a personal touch while staying true to your style—not chasing trends just because it’s cool to be a DJ.
Conclusion:
Future Projects:
a. Can you share some of your future projects or goals?
Without a doubt, production will be the next step and my focus.
After achieving internationalization, I now want to further
