GudGroove
Audioengine caught up with GudGroove, an 18-year-old DJ and producer from Louisville, Kentucky, who’s making his mark faster than anyone expected. In less than a year since creating his first track, he’s already opened for Diplo, gone back-to-back with Xandra, played Breakaway Music Festival in Columbus, and will soon open for Illenium in New York City. For someone who was planning to play college baseball a year ago, it’s a sharp pivot, and a story that’s still unfolding.
We started at the beginning. How did this all happen?
GudGroove didn’t hesitate. “My story started when I went down to Western Kentucky University and went to a frat party. They didn’t have a DJ and asked me to be on aux,” he told us. That one moment kicked everything into motion. He followed it up with a story about his mentor, DJ Vice. “He came to Louisville to play a party for my mom, and he told me if I wanted to make it in the industry, I had to make my own music. Ever since then, I’ve loved being in control of the music and making music of my own that inspires other people.”
We asked where his drive to keep creating comes from.
“I feel like I can connect with others through my music and other people’s music,” he said. “I get inspired by every little thing I see. I know other people are always working when I’m not, so that gives me the motivation to always keep making and working on music. In this industry, it’s either all in or you lose. That’s what keeps me inspired.”
When we asked him about his favorite city to play in, he didn’t hesitate.
“Nothing beats home,” he admitted, “but I gotta go with Columbus, Ohio. It’s the first place I’ve ever gone out of state to play, so it was very special to me. I got to see my idols I’ve dreamed of meeting, and also got to network the whole weekend I was there.”
We wanted to know how his tracks come together.
“With electronic music, it’s a little different from making music as an artist or rapper because I produce the beat as well,” he explained. “I usually like to start with my kick and bass because those are the two most important elements of electronic and house music. I like to work on multiple tracks at a time to always keep different ideas flowing.”
Every artist has that one project that stands out. For GudGroove, it’s “You Don’t Know My Name” featuring Russ Guapo.
“That’s my favorite record I’ve made,” he told us. “It was a long, hard, and very creative process. We worked for months coming up with lyrics and trying to get them recorded to sound perfect for the record. Russ and I built a very strong connection over this time. I also directed my own music video for this song and that was so special to me, getting to bring some cool hometown legends into the shoot as cameos as well as my best friends.’”
When we asked who inspires him, his list was as wide-ranging as his sound.
“I’d say some of my biggest inspirations are Disco Lines, Timothée Chalamet, Fred Again, John Summit, Justin Bieber, and Jack Harlow,” he said. “Guys like Disco Lines and John Summit inspire me as DJs and producers. Their sounds are beautiful and the energy they bring is truly inspiring. A guy like Timothée Chalamet inspires me because he’s one of the greatest of my generation at what he does. I’ve watched countless podcasts of him and love to pick apart his brain about what makes him successful and how he approaches things. I love his style, and he’s a big influence to me when it comes to fashion. Guys like Justin Bieber and Fred Again inspire me as true musicians, Fred and Justin have two of the greatest musical minds in the world, and it’s awesome to see how they compose records and build a song. Jack Harlow inspires me in many ways as well. Him being from my hometown, we built a connection when I was in 6th grade, watching him blow up and grow as a person. That really inspired me.”
We asked what music means to him.
“Music is my life,” he said plainly. “A year ago, I did not think I would have fallen in love with music. I was going to play college baseball, then I fell in love with music. It makes me feel a way I can’t explain. The way it brings people together is truly beautiful.”
We got curious about his first setup. Was it as scrappy as some other artists we’ve talked to?
“My first setup is actually the setup I still use right now in my bedroom,” he told us. “Two speakers, a Scarlett interface, and a monitor with my computer.”
We also asked if he prefers wired or wireless headphones when making music, and whether balanced headphones play a role in his process.
“I use the DT 990 Pros and they’re wired, and they’re amazing,” he told us. “They’re my favorite when it comes to mixing. As much as I love mixing on monitors, whenever I’m on the road they always bless my ears with a solid mix.”
If this is your first time hearing his name, GudGroove has a clear message.
“That I’m a hard-working young kid that wants to be one of the greats,” he said. “I want people to hear my name and feel like they can connect to me, not just connect to me through the music, but as a human as well.”
Before we wrapped up, we asked if he had any advice for other young artists trying to get their start.
“Well, as an up-and-coming artist myself, I’d tell them to keep working, anything is possible, and manifestation is real. Speak everything into existence. I would also say while you’re sleeping, someone else is working.”
He’s already looking ahead to what’s next.
Right now, GudGroove is fresh off the release of his new single “Slide City” with SMOKES and EVD, which dropped on August 1. If his first year is any indication, it’s clear this won’t be the last time we hear his name.
You can stream Slide City wherever you listen.
