Gammer Shares An Inside Look Into His Project And New Single With RUNN, ‘Roots’, Out On Monstercat

Celebrated across the sphere of EDM, Gammer’s decade-long artistry seamlessly melds UK hardcore and dubstep. Returning to the prominent imprint Monstercat, he has unveiled “Roots,” a happy hardcore-infused festival hit, featuring infectious vocals from RUNN. The track, synced with Rocket League, opens with RUNN’s captivating lyrics, transitioning into a bass-driven crescendo that mirrors Gammer’s electrifying style. It encapsulates unity and love within the rave culture, evoking a sense of festival euphoria.

Before this release, Gammer’s esteemed career encompasses timeless hits like “THE DROP” and remixes for leading artists. With over 100 million Spotify streams and performances at Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, and other high-end venues, his impact is palpable. As anticipation mounts for his upcoming Basscon appearance and a Vancouver show, we linked up with Gammer to discuss various topics, from touring highlights to production to gaming, and everything in between.

Check out Magnetic Mag’s exclusive interview with Gammer below.

Which artists or people in your life did you look up as role models during your adolescence? How have they impacted your career as an artist?

Michael Jackson and Peter Gabriel utterly enamored me from a young age! Growing up with undiagnosed autism, I had difficulty connecting with the world around me (I still do). And yet, listening to these two artists would truly make me alive. I’m talking right down to the butterflies in my stomach. At this point I knew I wanted to be a musician, hoping it would give me a way to connect to others. I know it sounds corny, but I believe music is a universal force that connects all of us.

How did growing up in Northampton, UK, influence your taste in music? Based on your own experiences, what are the top clubs, restaurants, landmarks, or other spots to visit in your hometown?

The history of rave music has its roots deeply embedded within Northampton, it is hardly a wonder I fell into this line of work! I think our most iconic venue is the Roadmender. Regarding restaurants, we have Popeyes chicken now…so that’s good, I guess? It is a wonderful place to live and raise my kids. It is quaint but after touring as much as I did for so long, that is something I wouldn’t give up to live in the Londons, LAs, or NYCs of the world.

What are your top hobbies and interests outside of music? In what ways has any of these provided inspiration for your music and overall project?

I’m an absolute video game and anime junkie! The video game aspect has always found its way into my music. I know “The Drop” was inspired by Final Fantasy 7, as much as the ending to “Needed U” was inspired by Metal Gear Solid 5. On the other hand, anime directly impacts the things I like visually. Akira and [Neon Genesis] Evangelion being notable sources.

What is your most valued advice or knowledge for upcoming producers within any genre?

Seriously, do your thing and trust your gut. Take inspiration (and constructive critique) from others – but also accept that your energy has its place. Don’t be so worried about commercial success and instead focus on what your song means to you because in a few years, you will have no shortage of people telling you what needs to change for “playlisting purposes” or whatever. Enjoy the start of your career and make weird music that makes you and your friends smile!

What tips do you have on blending different genres to radiate a cohesive and unique sound?

Find the anchor for your track (in the case of “Roots,” it was the big synth stack) and build everything around that. That way, even if you draw elements from other genres, it will still work in tandem with said anchor.

What are the three most essential plugins or production tools for you when it comes to producing happy hardcore or dubstep? What are a few examples of songs in which they have played a significant role?

That’s a tricky one. Off the top of my head, I’d have to say:

1. Arts Acoustics Reverb – So versatile and rich sounding
2. CLA-3A – I like this for adding that ‘something’ to a sound
3. Trackspacer – Good for decluttering clashing sounds

“The Drop”, “Zombie”, “Needed U” – none of these would be possible without the above.

What does your dream studio look like? What is the next piece of studio equipment you would love to add to your arsenal?

I would love to have one of those big spaces you could pile into, like JOYRYDE’s spot. Also, I woud love a Trinnov in my setup, it is like room correction (actual room correction (for real, Sonarworks is god-damn awful, and you should not be using it)).

What has been your favorite travel destination while on tour? What specifically did you love about this place? Are there any activities or tourist hotspots there we should know about?

Oooh that’s a tough one. I put Tokyo and Hong Kong up there. Oddly for me, my favorite place is still New York. The city has so much energy! As for hotspots, I cannot recommend any particular place – get those walking boots on and go exploring!!! Oh yeah and the Nintendo Store, OBVIOUSLY!

What is the toughest challenge you have faced while cultivating your musical identity and signature sound? How were you able to overcome this?

The hardest ongoing challenge is staying true to myself and just having fun. I believe it is so easy to get caught up in musical trends. I mean, there is nothing wrong with taking inspiration from what’s hot right now – but believing in your own music is the ultimate key.

Why do you think “Roots” will make a great Rocket League anthem? Is there a certain part of “Roots” that you can see lining up nicely with RL gameplay?

I think the big ravey drop works well. The Euro synth gives me ‘Samba De Janeiro’ vibes, which always had its place in sports stadiums.

What is your outlook on the relationship between dance music and gaming? What predictions do you have over the next decade that will bridge these industries closer together?

Growing up, video games and music were the escape for me. Maybe that’s why it goes together; games and music are the escape for us that always felt different. I think that is why dance music is the most exciting it’s ever been because it’s now the creative landscape for all of us weird kids!!

What emotions or memories are sparked within you when listening to “Roots”? What is your interpretation of the track’s message?

I have touched on this a few times but ‘togetherness’ is the theme of “Roots.” This is one of those tracks I wrote at a lower point in my life, when it seemed like the entire world was out to make enemies of each other. ‘Deep down, we are all the same’ – I really like those lyrics. We’re all flawed but beautiful.

What is your biggest goal to reach by the end of 2023 as a Gammer or in your personal life? How do you plan on achieving this objective?

Personally, I want to continue being the best father I can to my kids, and I want to be able to provide. That is the driving force in almost every decision in my life. I have turned down countless shows in my career because the money is not worth as much as being present for my children. Being on the road is hard for everyone and requires a “why” to keep going. Mine is luckily sometimes easier, come home and provide.

As Gammer, my primary goal is to get back in touch with that creative part of me, everything else will flow naturally when it’s supposed to. I am excited to have solid music lined up for the rest of this year and a new aesthetic coming together for my brand. I am looking forward to seeing the offers for next year too, so I can start making plans for playing live all over the world a whole lot in 2024!

Can you hint at any future projects for your fans to get excited about? What can attendees expect in regard to your upcoming b2b with Tweekacore at the Hollywood Palladium in September?

I would love to tell you that I have many super exciting things lined up. The truth is that I don’t. I have had a lot of negative experiences tied to music over the last few years that creative work had become a primarily negative experience for me – and often the studio was the last place I wanted to be. “Roots” is the first of a bunch of tracks I have going out this year but I feel like I’m just starting to crawl out from under the weight of being an artist professionally.

I think honesty and reflection is important. I aim to work hard to conquer these negative feelings and get back to a place where I’m happy in my art consistently – but that will take time. I am grateful that the team around me right now is motivated to help me as an artist but also are all friends who I know understand me and support me both as a person and a musician. For now though, I can tell you that being a father has been my priority and I am so proud of my ” success ” in that!

As for Palladium, it is going to be a rare happy hardcore set with two of my closest friends to celebrate 15 years of their career. We *might* even have a new song together to play for everyone that night 😉