In an age where electronic dance music (or EDM, as the kids are calling it these days) is ever so popular and tickets for festivals like Ultra and TomorrowWorld sell out in minutes, it's a shame that electro artists' styles are beginning to converge. Was that a remix by Afrojack or Tiesto? Telling DJ/producer Martin Garrix’s songs apart is as easy as distinguishing one Mumford & Sons song from another. Fortunately, 22– year–old L.A. producer Henry Steinway, better known as RL Grime, is making unique waves in the electronic music scene. More specifically, he’s killing it in the relatively new trap music scene. RL Grime is one of Steinway's two alter–egos. The first, Clockwork, he adopts to produce his mega–club bangers (think Avicii, Hardwell and Afrojack), like his “Levels” remix.
RL Grime is the meaner, more sinister side of Steinway’s music. His unique style combines southern hip–hop roots (the original trap music) with new–age electronic dance music, constantly pushing boundaries and redefining the genre. While songs like “Tell Me” and “Core” stay true to trap music’s heavy bass and snares, the pitchy, laser–like synths that wail and whine alongside hard rap make every RL Grime song a multifaceted, sensory experience. His “Mercy” remix and “Secondary,” off of his EP “High Beams,” show this pairing off in style. In “Secondary,” featured rapper Problem’s harsh lyrics deliver a punch quite unlike anything you've heard. RL Grime’s synths and static accentuate the song’s gritty, aggressive feel.
Henry Steinway’s music is sinister, snappy and accentuated with deep bass. His new single “Reminder,” featuring singer–songwriter How to Dress Well (aka Tom Krell), takes it slow and shows a more lyrical, eerie side of his music. However, he maintains strong attention to rhythm, with the beat propelling the song forward and preventing the delicate vocals from stagnating.
With his performance at TomorrowWorld 2013 named “one of the best sets ever” by YourEDM.com, RL Grime is a breath of fresh air in the constantly evolving genre of electronic music. Culture magazine Vibe praises his shows as “authentic,” so you won’t be dealing with neon tank tops, flower crowns and the other tacky facets of mainstream electronic music culture. RL Grime’s exceptional mastery of tempo and melodies make his music electric and unpredictable. Better grab your ticket for his upcoming show in Philly—Oct. 30th at Electric Factory—which should be nothing short of the most unique “rave” you’ll ever attend. I know I’ll be there.
