By Alissa Arunarsirakul // September 30, 2022
One of our favorite Sydney-based artists, grentperez is naturally charismatic, relatable, and gifted. Never settling for anything less than, grentperez continually impresses listeners with indie sensibilities paired with bedroom pop sonics. As the Australian talent is currently playing sold out shows around the world, grentperez still makes the time to spoil us with a brilliant new project, Trail Mix Tape.
On Trail Mix Tape, grentperez offered,
“I wanted to collect some of my favorite songs that I’ve written recently and turn them into a ‘collective’ rather than being scattered as singles. Thought it’d be a fun way to go about doing things. So in a way, it serves itself with the tape title being ‘Trail Mix’, it’s just a bag of goods, you got a sad Song, love Song, rap/R&B style track and a fun indie rock type beat in there.“
To celebrate the release of his new music, we recently chatted with grentperez about touring, Rex Orange County, and of course, his stellar project, Trail Mix Tape.
HH: From pizza parlors to clothing stores, your music is blasting everywhere around the world. How does it feel to know that so many people have been exposed to your music?
G: Always in absolute awe! I love how diverse my community is; makes me truly happy.
HH: It’s safe to say you’ve come a long way since you posted your first YouTube video in 2013. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would you say?
G: “Hello, it is me from the future. Just dropping by to let ya know we’re doing pretty good! Ok that’s all from me, just keep that in mind :D”
HH: Trail Mix Tape is a short and sweet compilation we can’t get enough of. Is there an overall message you’re trying to communicate through these tracks?
G: Hmm, I wouldn’t say there’s an overall message per se. I’d say it’s a taste of a few different genres I wish to dip my toe in for the future.
HH: “Don’t Grow Up So Fast” and “Ego” are two very different songs–both instrumentally and lyrically. Can you walk us through your creative process?
G: “Don’t Grow Up Too Fast” came from a place when I was positive with COVID. I felt like a kid, with mum handing me food while all I could do was play video games to pass time. Made me realize how my childhood days were getting further away from me.
“Ego” was just in a pure joking mood. I thought about if I were to be a really arrogant feller, how I wouldn’t like that guy.
HH: It’s no secret that “Wishful Thinking” has become a fan favorite off Trail Mix Tape. Do you personally resonate with any tracks more than others?
G: I love “Don’t Grow Up Too Fast” and “Day By Day!” Feel very proud of those two.
HH: You’ve certainly had a busy September… How’s touring going?! What’s it like being back on the road after all this time?
G: It’s honestly so fun. This has been my first time touring and from what I’ve experienced so far, it’s so damn good. The touring team has definitely become family, so I feel very blessed to be where I am.
HH: If you could collaborate with anyone in the music industry, who would you pick?
G: Rex Orange County is definitely up there. I’d say he was definitely the inspiration to write and release my own music.
HH: What are your three hidden hits?
G: “Overthinking / We Need Love” – Zion Garcia
“Snakes & Ladders” – Timi Temple
“Good Luck” – Dylan Atlantis
The Hidden Hits 