GAWM spills wisdom in latest podcast episode & new guest mix
We talked Beyond Wonderland, Prodigy Artists, self-releases and advice for free agents.
Getting Away With Murder: That's GAWM's north star acronym which not only tells the story of his background, but symbolizes his name. And no, he didn't kill anyone except the beats.
This week, he took over Dubstep FBI with a tell-all interview and a nearly all-ID guest mix on Riot Control Radio. Our officers chased and detained him to receive his confession of murder music, heavy hitters and bone-crushing beats.
Loaded with enough IDs to be considered identity theft, GAWM brought a musical massacre for the 40th episode of Riot Control Radio.
Over the past year, GAWM has become a prominent name in the world of bass music. He credits the COVID-19 pandemic for part of his rise. He set up a goal list and changed his strategy after the lockdown happened. With more time on his hands and more competition, GAWM set off to the races.
"This is where a lot of people slept, this was the year for any upcoming artist to push to the pedal," GAWM said. "A lot of people saw it as a break. I saw it as more competition -- people who really wanted it would have more time on their hands and make more music."
His plan entailed releasing a song every 2-3 weeks for an entire year. That grind was real, and it's something that would cause lots of artists to burn out. He credits his manager Shay with motivating him and keeping him on-track.
He also acknowledged that self releases can be intimidating to some, but he wasn't scared because he had a point to prove to big labels.
"My music is not so sellable, it's dark and aggressive," he said. "I get labels who want to sell you the music that is recognizable. I don't see the GAWM brand doing that."
Some even told him that the name GAWM (Getting Away With Murder) was too aggressive. He pushed back. Over time, he earned the opportunity to be rostered on one of the most coveted agencies in EDM: Prodigy Artists. He was onboard earlier in 2021.
"It was a lot of pressure," he said "Right now, it's calmed down. As soon as Shay gave me the news, it made me realize I was at a position a lot of people wished they were in. I said, I really gotta prove myself. If I work for it and I earn it, I'm going to enjoy that a lot more than being handed it. Nobody gave it to me."
GAWM also recommended that artists who are free agents not go seeking out a new manager or an agent.
"You're valuing yourself to be so little let them find you. If they find you, it means you're doing something that is so good," he said. "I would say, don't look for it. It will come. If your music is supposed to be where it's supposed to be at, the agent and the manager will come."
Believe it or not, GAWM actually started off making big room and house music. One of his biggest inspirations was Deorro and he really got into things when the "twerk movement" took off, then trap music took over.
Back then, he was really hard on himself and got to a point where his brand "wasn't getting any better," he said. He needed to change it out or choose a different genre - GAWM was born.
Now that shows are popping back off this year, GAWM has been jumping around the country. He's about to announce a massive EP and has a few more surprises locked in for the rest of the year. He hinted at a few big collabs, but couldn't confirm any of them.
Listen to the full GAWM interview on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and more.
Follow the Filthy Beat Inspectors on social media: