ARTIST SPOTLIGHT : GRIZ-O
Griz-O, the bold and innovative grime artist, returns with his latest single, "AH ME." In this exclusive Q&A, he shares insights into the track’s inspiration, his creative journey, and the impact of global experiences. From festival highlights to future plans, Griz-O reveals what drives his artistry and vision.
1. Griz-O, it's been a minute! Your latest track, "AH ME," is a serious statement. Can you talk us through the inspiration behind this track and how it represents your current sound?
It’s definitely been a while but I’m back!
My inspiration for this track started with just the instrumental to be honest - I realised at the time it wasn’t my usual style of beat which made me want to challenge myself and make it my own.
2. You’ve always been known for your bold and direct approach. How does “AH ME” differ from your previous releases, both in terms of sound and personal expression?
On this release I’ve focused more on the melodic side of things rather than just having hard bars. I guess you could say I have refined the formula I’ve been working on for so long and this is the outcome.
3. You worked with MoreNight on the production of "AH ME" – what was the creative process like with him on this track? How did his style influence the direction of the song?
Thanks to social media I was able to connect with MoreNight and speak with him directly, however I didn’t actually record in studio with him. He’s a producer that I’ve been supporting for quite a while so when I saw that he was selling beats I had to purchase a couple which also includes my previous release ‘The Woodz’.
4. "AH ME" features a more experimental use of your vocal range and flow. What challenges did you face in experimenting with your vocals, and how did it enhance the final track?
Experimenting with my voice on this track was actually quite fun to do and something I want to revisit in the future. I’d say one of the only challenges was delivering the vocals exactly the same as how they sounded in my head - it took us a few takes but we got there in the end.
5. The music video for "AH ME" was shot and edited by N. Studios. Can you share what vision you had for the video and how it complements the energy of the track?
After working with N. Studios on my previous release I knew I had to get him on board for this new one. Initially I was inspired by a video of actor Wesley Snipes practicing Tai Chi in the countryside, I wanted to replicate some of the scenes in my own unique way which is what we did and this is the outcome.
6. With your musical journey spanning from the UK to Kazakhstan and Hungary, how have these international experiences shaped your music and perspective as an artist?
Taking those trips really opened my eyes as to how far music can actually spread. A group of DJ’s in Kazakhstan came across one of my YouTube videos which had less than 1,000 views at the time and yet it lead to me getting a headline booking in Kazakhstan which was a life changing trip for me. You never know who is watching or where they are watching from! Funnily enough the picture of me holding the eagle at the end of the ‘AH ME’ music video was taken in Kazakhstan and every time I see it I feel motivated to keep going.
7. Your live performances have taken you to major festivals like BoomTown and Tokyo World. What’s been the most memorable moment for you on stage so far?
Festival shows are always fun for me and I also find them as a good way to test things out especially when it comes to crowd participation. One of my most memorable moments was at Love Saves The Day festival where i joined Grove on the main stage to perform our song ‘Black’ - the rain was literally torrential but seeing everyone sticking around and dancing despite the crazy weather was a bit mad.
8. "AH ME" was mixed and mastered by Praxis Audio. How important is the mixing and mastering process in bringing your vision to life, and what did Praxis add to the track?
I think the mixing and mastering process is a very important one and is the difference between a song sounding ok and a song sounding amazing. I have always paid for mixing and mastering of my tracks in the past but I’ve never actually gone to a specialist which is what I did this time around. Not only does he mix and master but he also builds studios from scratch so I already knew that the levels would be high and there would be an attention to detail; which shows in the final product - I have been recording music for over 10 years now and I would say this is the best I have ever sounded on a track!
9. You’ve achieved great things already, including winning ‘Best Grime’ at the 2023 Beacon Urban Music Awards. What’s next for Griz-O in 2025? What can fans expect from you in the near future?
More of everything! More songs, videos, collaborations, shows and merchandise! I have also recently started doing a solo radio residency on SWU.FM/Rinse FM so I plan to explore that realm more with special guests and interviews etc and keep pushing myself to that next level!
10. Lastly, as an artist who constantly pushes boundaries, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are looking to find their unique sound and voice in the industry?
Honestly I would say if it’s something you love doing then put your all into it, by that I don’t mean bankrupt yourself and cut off everyone around you I just mean if you want the results it’s best to just put the work in yourself no matter how long it may take. Don’t be a diva, be respectful to people and most importantly be yourself - it’s easier than trying to be like anyone else!