Leeds-based duo Elijah & Grundy have carved out a distinctive niche in the underground house music scene with their sophisticated blend of minimal grooves, expert sampling, and rolling basslines.
Photo credit: Elijah & Grundy – Official
From their beginnings in the musically rich landscape of Leeds to achieving a coveted Number 1 spot on Beatport, the pair has consistently pushed boundaries in electronic music.
Their distinct sound has caught the attention of industry heavyweights, earning them releases on labels like Repopulate Mars, Snatch! & Solid Grooves, while garnering support from influential figures such as Michael Bibi, Marco Carola, and Idris Elba.
Fresh off their international performances from Mexico to Amsterdam, and with their upcoming tour on the horizon, we sat down with the duo to discuss their musical journey, creative process, and what lies ahead. In this candid conversation, they share insights into their hip-hop-influenced roots, their perspective on technology in music, and their mission to create unique experiences on the dancefloor.
EG: Hi guys, it’s a pleasure to chat with you today. Where are you right now?
Elijah & Grundy: We’re currently in our hometown of Leeds, working hard on our production and networking, pushing the Elijah & Grundy brand to new audiences.
EG: Your upcoming tour is coming soon! What are you most excited about as you prepare to share your music with audiences around the world?
Elijah & Grundy: Being able to share our unreleased tracks and exclusive music is something we’re always excited about, to do this worldwide is a dream come true. We’ll be over in the States and Central America from February 22nd–15th March 2025 and we can’t wait. We love to travel and see new places, soaking up the local culture and immersing ourselves in the varied approaches to clubbing and the celebration of house music.
EG: For those who haven’t heard your tracks yet, how would you describe your signature sound in just three words?
Elijah & Grundy: Sophisticated, sexy, and gangsta.
EG: Leeds has a rich and diverse musical landscape. How has growing up there influenced your musical style and career?
Elijah & Grundy: Leeds is a hotspot for musical talent and innovation, growing up here we witnessed the birth and development of multiple sub-genres and were able to see world-renowned talent performing on a weekly basis. The experiences of our early clubbing days and the musical landscape we grew up around definitely influences our productions and DJ performances.
EG: You’ve achieved a Number 1 spot on Beatport and released music on prestigious labels like Repopulate Mars and Solid Grooves. What do you think sets your music apart in the underground house scene?
Elijah & Grundy: It’s generally the non-conformity aspect and trying not to just replicate the same thing that everyone else is doing. With such a varied set of influences from multiple genres, we are able to create music that appeals to multiple people and is genuinely unique.
“With such a varied set of influences from multiple genres, we are able to create music that appeals to multiple people and is genuinely unique”
EG: You’ve performed internationally from Mexico to Amsterdam. Is there a standout moment or unforgettable experience from your live shows that you’d like to share?
Elijah & Grundy: Mexico was amazing, the locals are so passionate about the music and their energy is unmatched. Whilst being open to new sounds and styles, there’s also a really positive atmosphere amongst the clubbers, reminiscent of the early days here in the UK. Our five-hour set at Bar Americas, Guadalajara, was a standout moment for us as we felt the crowd were truly receptive to the musical journey we presented to them, captivated from start to finish.
EG: As a duo, how do you collaborate in the studio and on stage? Do you each bring different strengths to the table?
Elijah & Grundy: We’re both strong producers individually and are very passionate about it, so when we come together this produces great results. Having someone else to bounce ideas off is a blessing, it keeps us both razor-sharp and really helps in turning those initial loops and ideas into fully fledged songs.
EG: Technology is rapidly changing the music industry. How do you incorporate new tech into your music production or live performances?
Elijah & Grundy: Staying up to date with the latest tech is key to staying relevant in the current musical landscape. We’re always on the lookout for the latest plug-ins and technology to aid in our musical creations both in DJing and production.
EG: Outside of music, what passions or hobbies inspire you and possibly influence your artistry?
Elijah & Grundy: Aside from music, we’re both really passionate about art and have been involved in the graffiti scene since a young age. Hip-hop culture was a big influence during our formative years and has definitely had an influence on our sound and general aesthetic.
“Music is unparalleled in its ability to bring people together and the atmosphere created in the club when a DJ is really connecting with the crowd can almost be a transcendent experience”
EG: In today’s digital age, how do you see music as a way to bring people together in a world that often feels divided?
Elijah & Grundy: Music is unparalleled in its ability to bring people together and the atmosphere created in the club when a DJ is really connecting with the crowd can almost be a transcendent experience. The feeling of unity you have amongst fellow clubbers moving in unison to the same beat is almost tribal and allows for a positive collective experience. This is extremely important in today’s world of increasing divisiveness and is truly unique in nature.
EG: Finally, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring artists looking to make their mark in the music world, and what do you hope fans take away from your performances on this tour?
Elijah & Grundy: Originality is key to any form of art, and while it can take a while for people to feel comfortable with something new, allowing yourself to do so can be extremely rewarding. Too much of today’s music sounds the same, so a unique take on the classic sound we all know and love will always be our most valuable asset. We always aim to bring something to an audience that they can’t find elsewhere and we hope they will leave hungry for more. In our sets we like to take the crowd on a journey of emotions, from dark groovers to more ‘hands in the air’ moments and everything in between.
EG: Thanks for the time and all the best!
Elijah & Grundy: Many thanks for having us, it has been a pleasure speaking with you. Hope to see you on a dancefloor sometime soon!
Elijah & Grundy ‘Daydream’ EP is now available on CUFF. Stream and download here.
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