After a fourteen-year hiatus, Grant, the seasoned producer and former label head behind Union Jack Records, has made a resounding return to the dance music scene. His latest release, ‘Sidefoot Step,’ quickly landed on Traxsource’s Weekend Weapons, signaling a powerful new chapter for an artist who’s spent years meticulously refining his craft from the sidelines.
We caught up with Grant to discuss his journey from behind-the-scenes label work to stepping back into the artist spotlight, the inspirations behind his distinct sound, and how his New York roots and a mentor’s guidance have shaped his approach. Join us as we dive into a candid conversation with an artist who proves that passion, patience, and self-discovery are the ultimate ingredients for a remarkable comeback.
EG: Grant, welcome to EG! It’s fantastic to have you back. Where in the world are we catching you right now, and what’s on your agenda today?
Grant: Hey guys! It’s been a minute! Currently in the sunny Pacific Beach of Ensenada, Baja, Mexico. I’m currently sending demos to labels I’d like to become associated with and working on a collaborative project with various agencies to launch California Connection, a promotion and events company that began in NYC, and I’m launching soon on this side of the globe.
EG: That sounds like a lot of exciting things happening! Let’s talk about ‘Sidefoot Step.’ When you were working on it, what was the very first spark that told you, “This is the direction for this track”?
Grant: Quite frankly, each bit was like a puzzle that starts taking shape once you put the pieces together. Once the bass and the kick had the correlation I was looking for, the percussions and the leads came through quite naturally. The bit that really gives that energy is the vocal re-sampling. I have a very unique way of resampling stuff and incorporating it into my workflow that I would love to share with you anytime soon.
EG: Fourteen years away is a lifetime in dance music. You mentioned you “studied the scene from the sidelines” during that time. What single realization from that period reshaped the way you approach creating tracks now?
Grant: It was mainly understanding what really moved me and where to go creatively. I was fixated on the idea that I “needed” to make music similar to what I listen to personally. (Huge Sasha fan here, by the way!) But in the studio, the music that I liked listening to didn’t click. I spent countless—not hours, but YEARS—fighting against this very same idea. Then it shone on me, something so simple, so basic: “Why not make music that incorporates the sounds I grew up with?” That defined me? A simple nod is what I needed; ‘Sidefoot Step’ is a nod to Sander Kleinenberg’s ‘Everybody’ in my own particular way and perception of that album. Each track that I make has a very particular feel.
“It’s a whole different ball game. Before, I was the one pushing the artists and an organization; today, it’s about trying to put myself out there, using all of the details I picked up about the business and incorporating them as an artist.”
EG: That’s a powerful realization. Speaking of ‘Sidefoot Step,’ landing straight onto Traxsource’s Weekend Weapons and soon the Hype Chart is no small feat! How do you measure success in 2025 compared with the blog-buzz era of 2010?
Grant: It’s a whole different ball game. Before, I was the one pushing the artists and an organization; today, it’s about trying to put myself out there, using all of the details I picked up about the business and incorporating them as an artist. And oh boy, let me tell you, it feels amazing to call myself an artist and say I’ve started my career as one.
EG: It must be incredibly rewarding to step into that artist role yourself now. You’ve traded New York for Mexico. How has life in New York, and perhaps the scene there, influenced your studio decisions or the vibe you aim to capture on a dance floor, even from afar?
Grant: New York is so vibrant. You have access to every single big performance you can think of, which really pushes your inspiration; however, I don’t intend to capture or replicate the sound from the scene there; I love it, though! But I try to keep my ideas as original as possible. I do get influenced by what I’m playing when I DJ.
EG: Back in 2010, you launched Union Jack Records, and we definitely remember those days! Looking at that chapter from today’s vantage point, what did being on the business side teach you that still guides you as an artist?
Grant: It really clicks, receiving music from artists, the approach, the networking; I’m really using that as a motor to replicate the best practices from artists I met along the way.
EG: Can you take us inside your current production setup? Is there one piece of hardware or software you absolutely can’t finish a track without, and why?
Grant: RME Fireface UFX III, the voice of my setup. RME has such a particular neutral sound I love. I always wanted to have an RME audio interface, but was unable to get one until now, as they’re quite pricey (but worth it). Second would be my Genelec speakers, love those things.
“I definitely see the minimal deep tech house scene gaining relevance.”
EG: It’s great when you finally get those dream pieces of gear! Many producers wrestle with doubt after a long break. Was there a specific moment, or maybe a trusted friend, who convinced you the new material was truly ready for release after all those years?
Grant: I want to give a big, big shout-out to Russ Yallop here. I met Russ back in 2010 and was a big-time follower of his work in Crosstown Rebels; he’s been my mentor for the past year and helped me shift my paradigm about my relationship with music, my approach, and understanding of releasing music as an artist.
EG: That’s an incredible testament to the power of mentorship. The house and techno ecosystem has really splintered into micro-genres and algorithm-driven niches. What corner of the scene excites you most right now, and where do you see untapped potential?
Grant: I love this question. I saw the tech house scene across various genres making a comeback. I’d never been into tech house and, quite frankly, I don’t consider myself a tech-house artist, even though I make variants of tech house. I definitely see the minimal deep tech house scene gaining relevance. Artists like Parallelle, Serge Devant, and Audio Junkies are releasing that sound I love, so definitely a very particular niche there.
EG: So, looking ahead, is ‘Sidefoot Step’ a one-off statement, or is it the opening track of a larger story – perhaps an EP, an album, live sets, or collaborations?
Grant: ‘Sidefoot Step’ was part of an EP with another track called ‘Simone.’ Unfortunately, it didn’t cut it as it is a very particular sound. ‘Sidefoot Step’ is a personal statement and my first step as an artist. Just as we speak, there are conversations with a label from NY about signing ‘Simone’ and ‘See You Rockin’—a DC10 vibe type-track that I hope you like as much as I do.
EG: Outside the studio, what hobby or daily ritual keeps your mind clear enough to dive back into production with fresh ears?
Grant: Definitely pausing. I multi-task during my day to keep productive, and if I feel ear fatigued, I move onto the next task and get back to it. I’ve found that doing other tasks related to your work (networking, creating a video, looking for ideas to incorporate into your work) really keep the flame going.
EG: That’s a smart approach to avoid burnout. If you could send a single sentence back to 2011-era Grant, just after your last release, what would it say?
Grant: You didn’t have to fear anything; the music was always in you.
EG: That’s a beautiful message to your past self. Thanks for your time and all the best!
Grant: Thank you!
‘Sidefoot Step’ is available now via Beatport and Traxsource.
Follow Grant: Soundcloud
