Those who believe that DJ’ing is a dying art have a strong argument. In the era of the “DJ/Producer”, the DJ is often an afterthought. Today’s most explosive artists are known for their original productions, and if their sets wreak havoc on the dance floor, it is seen as little more than collateral damage. Many young artists view live sets as an opportunity to push their tunes, dismissing the finesse required to masterfully work a crowd. For dance music enthusiasts, the trend is heartbreaking.
Still, in the realm of underground dubstep, the DJ’s craft isn’t completely forgotten. UK artist The Greys refuses to be part of the cultural epidemic. More than a “DJ/Producer”, The Greys is better described as a DJ and a producer. Not only does he respect the art – he compensates for those who don’t with an emphatic passion. The Greys brings a contagious energy to his sets and mixes that is exponentially more powerful than any banger alone. He possesses an ear for tension and a touch for double drops: combined with an insane collection of tracks from today’s brightest producers as well as his own productions, the rare talents have a lethal effect. This is the kind of conductor that can be counted on to pop off any party.
There is more to DJ’ing than simply playing good tunes. Good DJs ride the energy of a room – great DJs expand on it to guide the audience on a sonic adventure. Technical skills play a large part in this, but even more important is a knack for playing the right track(s) at the right time. Special moments call for special songs, and for artists like The Greys, the only way to guarantee that the right track is always handy is to make it themselves. In his productions, The Greys encapsulates the very vibe he unleashes onto the dance floor. He’s a master of the not-so-secret that too many “DJ/Producers” have yet to figure out: if you want an audience to eat up your tunes, play them out with pizzazz.
Given his gritty, aggressive, sub-anchored sound and heavy arsenal of both familiar bangers and lesser-known (and unreleased!) gems, its no surprise that The Greys’ following continues to grow, both stateside and abroad. Check out his debut album, Notions of Emotions, available now on Beatport. Follow The Greys on SoundCloud and Facebook, and check out his agency page for tour dates, booking information, and more. Plus, grab his newest Sub.mission podcast and this free download of his "Forgot About Dre" bootleg, available exclusively from Sub.mission.