Amsterdam, the city of canals and mesmerizing lights, became the backdrop for a captivating conversation BoGriLZ. At the Nexus Lounge’s KEF Pop-Up Space, we sat down with the burgeoning artist to explore his debut in Amsterdam and delve into his musical journey.
As BoGriLZ shared his impressions, he confessed that the parties and the vibrant community were high on his agenda, emphasizing the warm reception he received from the people in Holland. “Everybody in Holland, they’re just so welcoming,” he noted, reflecting the inclusivity of the ADE experience.
The conversation turned to BoGriLZ’s roots in music, with Massioplex’s track “Girl I Love Your Style” standing out as a pivotal influence that inspired his journey into DJing and audio engineering. His passion for high-fidelity sound was apparent, stemming from his background in audio engineering. He stressed the critical importance of sound quality in production, declaring, “It’s the most important thing to make sure the sonics of the records are up to par with today’s standards.”
BoGriLZ also explored the creative partnership that birthed “Haunted,” a collaboration with Christiano Jordano. Their decade-long friendship, maturing from shared origins in Philadelphia to co-founding Terminal Records in Florida, became a cornerstone of their story.
As the interview progressed, Take 5's rapid-fire questions offered a playful glimpse into BoGriLZ's personality. His quick wit shone through when asked whether he'd prefer to teleport or mind-read; without hesitation, he quipped, "Teleport for sure, I'd never miss a party."
BoGriLZ reflected on the influences shaping his sound, naming artists like Miss Monique and Karlova. His upbringing in a culturally diverse Philadelphia neighborhood subtly imbued his music with European electronic elements, a notable departure from the mainstream US soundscape.
As the conversation wound down, BoGriLZ shared his vision for the future of dance music, succinctly capturing his belief: “Melodic techno.” He dismissed AI as a replacement for human creativity, acknowledging its potential as a tool but affirming the irreplaceable warmth and roundness of human-created sound.
Listeners can look forward to “Sweet Love,” BoGriLZs upcoming release with Cristiano, set to redefine the sonic landscape on Terminal Records.
The story of BoGriLZ, at once intimately personal yet universally relatable, invites you to listen in full—to feel the energy, appreciate the craft, and perhaps discover your own love affair with music.