When I first heard the remix of Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” by Grant Kwiecinski, otherwise known as GRiZ, I knew this kid was on to something. I showed anybody and everybody this brand new musical revelation I had found. And now, only two short years later, it comes as no surprise to me (or anybody else, for that matter) that he’s getting ready to hit the road this fall on his first headlining tour. The highly-anticipated Rebel Era tour includes 30+ stops across the country and boasts an impressive lineup of supporting acts (Pegboard Nerds, Two Fresh, SuperVision, The Floozies or Anvil Smith depending on the date).
Are you among the shrinking demographic that hasn’t jumped on the Griz train? I suggest you fix that immediately. From the very beginning, Kwiecinski has exhibited pure, natural talent for creating heavy-hitting, soul-stirring funk that leaves his audience electrified. Blending the musicality of the saxophone, the innovation of electronic elements and the power of raw emotion, seeing Kwiecinski live is a high-energy experience you won’t soon forget.
As a producer, Griz sets the bar high. He’s worked hard; it’s paid off; and he’s still got his head on his shoulders—always ready to spread gratitude and love to his fans. I admire the way that he’s dedicated himself to his style—his characteristic sound hasn’t changed since he’s blown up, it’s only gotten more sophisticated and multi-faceted. As an artist, he has stayed true to himself—perhaps the most admirable quality you can hope for from an EDM producer these days.
Though most recently he’s been making waves as half of Grizmatik (with fellow electro-soul pioneer Gramatik), Griz’ latest release Mad Liberation is still in standard rotation on my iTunes. From chilled-out anthems (“Where Is The Love?”) to wailing dubstep (“Blastaa”) , Mad Liberation highlights the versatility of Kwiecinski’s talent and ambition both.
Mad Liberation is available to download for free at www.mynameisgriz.com, but also cruise over to his SoundCloud page to hear some of his latest remixes—an art that this man has clearly perfected. I send my humble congratulations to Kwiecinski on starting this new chapter of his career. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll check out the dates below and get your tickets immediately.
GRiZ 2013 Tour Dates
http://mynameisgriz.com
August 23rd: Kaleidoscope Music Festical (Eugene, OR)
August 30th: Antone’s (Austin, TX)
August 31st: MAD DECENT Block Party (Dallas, TX)
September 6th: The Jupiter (Tuscaloosa, AL)
September 7th: Rhythm & Blues (Chattanooga, TN)
September 13th: Dancefestopia Music Festival (Kansas City, MO)
September 14th: The Werk Out Music Festival (Thornville, OH)
October 10th: House of Blues San Diego (San Diego, CA)
October 11th: The Fonda Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)
October 12th: Greer Stadium (Nashville, TN)
October 13th: The Independent (San Francisco, CA)
October 15th: Senator Theater (Chico, CA)
October 16th: Tahoe Biltmore (Crystal Bay, NV)
October 17th: Arcata Theatre Lounge (Arcata, CA)
October 18th: Showbox at the Market (Seattle, WA)
October 19th: Branx PDX (Portland, OR)
October 21st: Stage 112 (Missoula, MT)
October 23rd: Epic Events Center (Minneapolis, MN)
October 24th: Orpheum Theater (Madison, WI)
October 25th: TBA (Chicago, IL)
October 26th: TBA (Detroit, MI)
October 27th: The Canopy Club (Urbana, IL)
October 31st: GRIZMATIK HALLOWEEN, 1st Bank Center (Broomfield, CO)
November 7th: Upstate Concert Hall (Clifton Park, NY)
November 8th: Theatre of Living Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
November 12th: Wescott Theater (Syracuse, NY)
November 14th: Paradise Rock Club (Boston, MA)
November 15th: Terminal 5 (New York, NY)
November 16th: 9:30 Club (Washington, DC)
November 17th: The National (Richmond, VA)
November 22nd: Music Farm (Charleston, SC)
November 23rd: Masquerade (Atlanta, GA)
November 26th: Zydeco (Birmingham, AL)
November 28th: The Vogue (Indianapolis, IL)
November 30th: 2720 Cherokee (St. Louis, MO)
All photos © Molly Gale
