German DJ, producer, and label owner Basti Grub has seen quite his fair share of success over the years, releasing his deep and inviting brand of house music on labels like Hot Creations, Innervisions, and Crosstown Rebels.
He also heads up his own record label in Aprapta Music imprint, where names such as Liro, Davide Squillace, and Cesare vs Disorder have released their tracks in the past.
We caught up with Basti Grub recently to ask him about his new single ‘Whoomp’, what we might expect to hear from both himself and Aprapta Music in the near future, and more. Read the full interview below.
Hi Basti, how are things with you over in the Germany at the moment?
Hi, thanks for having me. Currently, I’m not spending that much time in Germany, but when I’m home, I enjoy playing with my son and surrounding myself with family. Especially now that summer is finally here.
You just returned to your Aprapta Music imprint to release your new single ‘Whoomp’, tell us about the process of making this one in the studio?
The hip hop track that I sampled in ‘Whoomp’ came out when I was only ten, and it was a track that I really liked, as it had an upbeat, feel-good vibe. That was the same year that I decided that I wanted to become a musician, and I started recording famous radio shows to study the elements that make a good track. That hip hop track always stuck with me, and I never forgot about how it made me feel. So, I decided I wanted to make my own version, which I could play in my DJ sets.
When I sat in the studio to work on the track, the arrangement and beat came to me very quickly. I tried to loop in some other sounds, which I ultimately ended up deleting them, because they didn’t sound authentic to the original or my vision. I became obsessed with working on the track, and I spent a good number of days and nights sat in front of the computer before I felt happy with it.
What’s the crowd reaction like when you play the track out?
The track always makes the crowd go nuts, which is why I decided to give it an official release. The overall feedback is great, lots of other DJs have also been dropping it in their sets. Thanks to everyone for all their support!
In the past, you’ve released music with labels such as Crosstown Rebels, Innervisions, Diynamic, and Hot Creations, how do you typically approach getting signed to these kinds of labels?
Often the labels contact me, and I send them a small range of tracks that I think they might like. Other times I finish a track, and I instantly feel like this track would be perfect for a specific label that I like. So, I approach that label, and hope they like what I’ve made.
And which other labels might we see you on soon?
I have a release on PIAS that’s due out in a few weeks. I’ve been trying to get signed to them for a long time, and it finally happened. I also have lots of other things after that, but for now, I want to keep those a surprise.
How about Aprapta Music? Who can we expect to see releasing on there in the coming months?
As you probably noticed, the sound of the label has recently changed, and therefore I can’t tell you much at this point. What I can say, is that there are tons of demos I’m currently listening to, which includes a lot of vocal tracks. I’m looking forward to putting out some new releases and seeing the reaction of the listeners.
What’s one gig or festival you’re really looking forward to playing this summer?
There will be many exciting gigs in the coming months, but I’m most excited about the Ibiza season, as it’s always fun to play at those amazing events.
Thank you for answering our questions, is there anything else you want to bring attention to before we go?
As mentioned, I am stoked about the forthcoming release on PIAS, and I can’t wait for the rest of you guys to hear that track. My inner circle of DJ friends already love it, and they think it could become a summer hit. I can’t wait to play live for my fans, and want to thank everyone for your support and kind words on social media. Stay safe everyone, and thanks for the interview.
Basti Grub – Whoomp is out now on Aprapta Music.