Originally hailing from Portoroz, Slovenia, Denis Jašarević, commonly known as “Gramatik” has been producing hip-hop beats since the ripe age o
Originally hailing from Portoroz, Slovenia, Denis Jašarević, commonly known as “Gramatik” has been producing hip-hop beats since the ripe age of 13, and has yet to stop evolving. Throughout his childhood he developed a taste for R&B, Hip Hop, and Funk, which is clearly exemplified in his recordings.
His professional career took off in 2008 after releasing his album Street Bangerz Vol.1 on Beatport. He was contacted by an agent and brought Stateside to open for Pretty Lights, whose label he later signed onto.
In 2014, Gramatik cordially left the Pretty Lights label to start his own, Lowtemp, through which he reissued his first seven albums. Since then, he has doubled the amount of albums to his name, with Epigram being his most recent. Gramatik continues to promote his philosophy “freeing music, by making it free”. Consequently, you can access every recording digitally, through online music meccas such as Soundcloud. In order to truly absorb his musical brilliance, however, attending a show is a must.
I was left euphoric after catching Gramatik’s Epigram Tour last Thursday at The National.
I didn’t get a chance to hear the opener, Jenaux, but I later sampled his diverse mixes/remixes on Beatport.
Upon entering the venue, I was enveloped in a tangible haze of excitement.
Like a moth to a flame, I danced my way to the sound and lights of Brasstracks, unable to resist the hype of the crowd. Brooklynites, Ivan (trumpet) and Conor (drums), bring something much needed to EDM — the organic chemistry of live instruments and mixing. Occasionally throwing in originals, they performed a wide range of covers. Drake’s “Hotline Bling” was a particular crowd pleaser, and their closing performance of TNGHT’s “Higher Ground”, left me aching for more. Ivan replaced the heavy bassline with his intoxicating brass. Their covers and originals can be found here.
During the final setbreak, I caught up with some friends. We mutually came to the conclusion that Brasstracks was one of the best openers we’ve heard. One of those moments when you find yourself asking, “Can it really get better than this?” However, our conversation was cut short by the screaming crowd, announcing Gramatik’s entrance.
Joined by guitarist Andrew Block, the duo began to gently play, accompanied by simple white lights. I let out a laugh of anticipation thinking, “Typical. DJs love to tease.” As if he read my mind, the bass hit me hard, and the theater was awashed in red. As Gramatik progressed through his tour list the lights followed with the entire spectrum. A slight nod to Nikola Tesla, an idol of his whom he paid homage to by projecting his face on the trio of screens. Gramatik kept his funk and dubstep going hard until 1 A.M., even bringing out Ivan from Brasstracks to jam.
Before he left the stage, he gave us some parting advice. The words “learn about something” looped to an eclectic beat, and sprawled across all three screens. For Gramatik, what he does is more than just a performance. It’s his ideal classroom, using music as his voice, and inspiring his “pupils” to learn and evolve. Well done.
