GNRØ

Ph: @ontheshoots - https://www.instagram.com/ontheshoots/

Originally from Málaga, Spain, Guille aka GNRØ is a prominent figure in the Hard Techno world, known for his productions and DJ sets that evoke the Hard Techno/Schranz scene of the early 2000s with a unique emotional touch. His tracks, released on renowned labels such as AGONY and No Mercy, have reached high positions on Beatport charts and are supported by major figures like Amelie Lens and Paula Temple. GNRØ has made his mark on iconic clubs and festivals such as Blackworks, Fabrik Madrid and Dreambeach Festival, and he is a resident at Abstract in Málaga, constantly raising the standard of Hard Techno.

In our interview, he shared how he got started in music and what attracted him to Hard Techno, his creative process, and his life experiences. We will also discuss the recognition he has received, his collaborations, and future projects. GNRØ will give us his perspective on the evolution of Hard Techno and advice for young DJs and producers. We are excited to learn more about his career and his outlook for the future.

At the age of 23, Guille decided to transition from being a mere enthusiast to becoming an artist. Upon completing his degree in Journalism in 2020, he took advantage of pandemic lockdowns to immerse himself intensely in music production, dedicating up to 10 to 12 hours daily. His debut as a producer quickly followed with well-received tracks, leading him to join the Abstract collective in Málaga in 2022. Since then, he has continued to refine his sound both in production and as a DJ, leveraging opportunities provided by Abstract and his music to grow and evolve in the electronic music scene.

GNRØ aims to convey deep emotions through his music, describing his tracks as designed for “dancing while crying”. His sound has evolved while remaining true to his identity and enjoys how audiences recognize and associate his music with who he is.

“I understand music as a means of expression, and blending nostalgic or emotive melodies and atmospheres with the energetic and driving rhythms of Hard Techno serves this purpose for me. I am proud to see how my sound has evolved from my early tracks to today while remaining true to my style, and to see how people can recognize and associate it as something I can call mine.”

GNRØ ́s musical style blends elements from various genres, rooted primarily in a nostalgic Schranz style from 15 years ago infused with evocative melodies. Starting, he faced mixed reception due to the personal nature of his sound, but he’s gratified to see influential artists like Paula Temple, Rebekah, O.B.I., and Tham now supporting and playing his tracks.

“I have been particularly influenced by the styles of producers like the latter two, always aiming for a percussive and robust sound on one hand, yet with aggressive and melodic synthesizers. The emotional aspect has always been with me, stemming from a passion for Progressive music since a young age, which further solidified during my time in Milan, a city known for its vibrant Melodic Techno culture”.

Agony Records, notably with the EP ‘Falling Down’, achieving weeks in Beatport’s Top 10 Hard Techno chart, have bolstered his career. He values the steadfast support of his local audience and emphasizes the importance of building a supportive and respectful community within the competitive music industry.

He advocates against divisive competition, believing in uplifting fellow artists and maintaining a healthy, collaborative environment. Even outside the Hard Techno circle, he finds appreciation for his work, which fuels his determination to continue evolving and innovating in his musical journey.

“As a resident of Abstract Techno, I joined the collective in 2022, three years after its inception as a response to the limited Techno scene in my city. Abstract’s core philosophy has always been to introduce high-quality events and artists that were rarely seen locally, alongside supporting local talent. Emerging as pioneers of Hard Techno in southern Spain post-pandemic, Abstract has hosted artists like Nico Moreno, Oguz, Dyen, Dax J, Rebekah, 6ejou, and Clara Cuve, many making their regional debuts. They focus on events in their city while expanding across Spain and recently into Europe with shows in Amsterdam, Nuremberg, and partnerships with Terminal V in Croatia”.

“Abstract continuously innovates, offering events in diverse formats from intimate clubs to large-scale club and open-air venues, all with top-notch production while maintaining a close-knit, familial atmosphere. They serve as a support platform for local talent, providing opportunities to those they believe are dedicated and talented, exemplified by artists like myself who were given a chance to shine. While initially not exclusively focused on Hard Techno, Abstract has embraced various genres, fostering a broad spectrum of sounds and contributing significantly to the revitalization of the local scene in their city and making a strong impact on the thriving Spanish electronic music scene overall”.

GNRØ uses social media primarily as a tool to direct people towards his music, though he doesn’t see them as the focal point of his career. He recognizes the importance of adapting to new communication forms to reach a broader audience, particularly in an environment where visual and immediate content is valued by algorithms. He strives to create more human, intimate, and interactive content to authentically connect with his audience.

He views social media as an additional portfolio to showcase his work, maximizing its potential. However, he reflects on how the culture of likes and followers can sometimes divert attention from true musical quality, favoring more narcissistic personalities over artists with solid musical production but less visibility on social media.

“A recent anecdote was how some videos of a B2B set I did with my friend Oguz at an underground afterparty in Granada went viral on TikTok and Instagram, following our respective shows at the city’s top club that night. Many attendees recorded various moments, which garnered hundreds of thousands of views without me paying much attention until many people from within and outside the scene mentioned how often the algorithm had showcased them. It’s an example of how something like this can be another gateway for many people to discover who I am”.

Ph: @hikavisual - https://www.instagram.com/hikavisual/

GNRØ’s perspective on his creative process involves dedicating focused studio time during weekdays, balancing music production with physical activity to clear his mind after intense weekends of gigs. He meticulously crafts tracks, starting with rhythmic elements and then developing melodic components using minor scales for emotional resonance. GNRØ’s approach to mixing ensures every element finds its spatial place, creating a cohesive sonic puzzle where clarity and impact are paramount. He views the evolving electronic music scene positively, despite concerns about commercialization, highlighting a gradual return to more nuanced and underground sounds within genres like Hard Techno.

“I am always immersed in a constant search for new references and inspirations to create my music. I am quite a perfectionist and spend a lot of time on each element of a track, which is why I’m not capable of producing three or four tracks per week like other artists, despite liking the idea. Typically, I spend the initial days working on drums, percussion, and vocal loops to give the track a strong and rhythmic groove. After this, I begin composing the melodic parts. I often use minor scales because they convey certain emotions that I want to capture in my tracks, even though my knowledge of music theory is quite limited and I rely on trial and error. I struggle against the fatigue of listening to the same loop repeatedly, although working on other projects concurrently often helps me”.

“Mixing is an essential part of this process. I start mixing from the beginning of production, but I usually dedicate time to it once the track is finished because I like everything to sound very clean. To me, a track is like a 3D sphere where you have to place each element in the space it corresponds to: the kick always in the center, pads and chords with a lot of reverb further back, and vocals and more prominent instruments forward so they can be heard clearly. In essence, it’s like a sonic puzzle. These songs have many disparate elements, and I want each one to sound in its place, from the most open to the most centered to achieve the impact I desire”.

Regarding the evolution of the electronic music scene, GNRØ sees a positive moment where the genre has gained popularity, though he acknowledges criticisms about the loss of underground essence and the commercialization of events. He believes audiences are increasingly capable of discerning different aspects of the scene and anticipates a revaluation of true underground values over time. The trend towards higher BPMs in Hard Techno has subtly influenced his musical style, motivating him to create music that is an authentic and unique response to prevailing trends.

“I believe we’re in a great moment where electronic music is leading among the most followed genres. It’s a positive shift, especially considering its past neglect in my country. There’s a noticeable debate about underground authenticity versus commercialization, with clubs now favoring visual spectacles and mobile-centric dancing. Audiences are becoming more discerning, and I foresee a return to more complex sounds as trends evolve towards faster BPMs, even in my work, moving from 140bpm to 155bpm tracks.”

On a personal and artistic level, pivotal moments such as his debut as a DJ at major events and an accident that sidelined him for three months have been crucial. These events have shaped his approach to music production and strengthened his determination to achieve his goals. He values authenticity in his music and takes pride in delivering distinctive sets that challenge audience and promoter expectations.

“Two pivotal moments stand out in my journey: first, when I had the honor of warming up for Nico Moreno at Abstract’s inaugural sold-out event in February 2022. Despite having produced tracks for less than a year, my music was already resonating across Europe at events by the then-powerful Possession. With minimal experience with CDJs, I was surprised by the responsibility entrusted to me, a moment I had spent my entire life preparing for. It couldn’t have gone better”.

“My other critical moment was a late 2022 traffic accident that sidelined me for three months. Just as I was beginning to gain momentum with early gigs, uncertainty loomed over whether this setback would stall my progress. Turning adversity into opportunity, I immersed myself in studio production for two months, crafting some of my best tracks to date. Upon recovery, I quickly returned to gigs, including performing at Blackworks events in front of nearly 3000 people, where I witnessed firsthand how my music had resonated with a large audience during a challenging”.

Looking to the future, GNRØ is excited about the possibility of taking his music further, both as a producer and DJ. He is encouraged by the recognition he has received and is committed to continuing to develop his sound and expand his international presence. His goal is to continue growing with his collective, Abstract, and explore new opportunities to share his music with global audiences, always maintaining a commitment to his artistic vision and personal well-being in a demanding industry.

“Throughout my journey in the Hard Techno scene, personal growth has been intertwined with my musical evolution. GNRØ and Guille are inseparable; I’ve discovered more about myself as my music career solidified, shaping my personality in ways I’m proud of today. My music acts as a diary, reflecting emotions and experiences from my best to my worst moments over the past three years. Overcoming insecurities has been a significant achievement; gaining self-confidence has allowed me to navigate uncertainties, particularly after a somewhat frustrating adolescence and university phase”.

“Developing discipline and commitment has been crucial. It’s challenging to wake up Monday morning after a weekend tour, with only a few hours of sleep, to dive back into music production. I believe my dedication rather than innate talent sets me apart. This first year of touring has taught me invaluable lessons—navigating loneliness after club nights, managing anxiety, and learning to say no—all while enjoying the privilege of doing what I love in the intense electronic music industry”.

“Looking ahead, I’m excited about my future as an artist in the Hard Techno and electronic music scene in general. Reflecting on the past two years, I’m proud of achieving significant goals through hard work. As a producer, I see the payoff from refining my sound; recent tracks like Arkade gaining traction globally and collaborating with admired artists and respected labels affirm this progress. As a DJ, 2024 has opened doors to prestigious clubs and festivals across Spain, a dream realized that fuels my desire to tour internationally more regularly. Though breaking into Europe’s circuit as a Southern Spain-based emerging artist presents challenges, I’m eager to explore new scenes and expand Abstract, my collective, collaborating with industry leaders to push boundaries further”.