So Don Gramur, where are you from? What’s your story?
Don Gramur: I’m from many places haha. I moved around a lot throughout my life. And before you ask, no I’m not an army child. I guess my parents just always wanted better for me and my siblings. Anyways, I claim Monroe, Louisiana as my home, since it is the place where I lived some of my life and graduated high school.
How did you come up with your artist name, Don Gramur?
Don Gramur: The name started as just “Gramur”, and it was a clever alias that I created after I saw my writing skills elevating. I was writing on rap forums and challenging myself to get better with my technical skills as a writer. The name “Gramur” was fitting for me at the time. I added the “Don” part to the name after creating the song titled “Don Gramur”.
When and why did you begin making music?
Don Gramur: I started making music sometime during my later high school years. I would be sitting in class, tired of listening to the lectures haha. I would just start writing a song, or at the least, just some punchlines. At that time, Wayne was big in the punchline world and we all wanted to punch like Wayne. Before that, I had been singing in choirs for the most part of my life. I was also influenced by my dad, who was a musical genius. One day, I just decided it was time for me to create something myself.
Who has had the most influence on you as an artist?
Don Gramur: Probably my dad, since he was the first person that I saw heavy into music. He could make any type of song, much like myself. We’re just from two totally different eras.
Talk me through your creative process. What goes into producing a smash hit?
Don Gramur: I just write freely. I don’t try to conform to the world. When I write, it emanates from the spirit. I believe this is what produces those smash hits.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians looking to make a name for themselves?
Don Gramur: Just be you. Don’t try to be like everyone else. Your own wave will get you further.
What is your most recent release, and what inspired it?
Don Gramur: My most recent release is my project, “The Machine”, and it’s a full album. It was inspired by a specific awakening period that I was experiencing at the time.
What are your thoughts on the current state of music? Do you prefer to fit in or are you more of a trendsetter?
Don Gramur: I’m a trendsetter. I hate trying to blend in and be what’s “in”. I’m what’s “in”
When all is said and done, what do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?
Don Gramur: I want to be remembered as someone who conquered in an industry that had never been accepting of positive music. I want to show people that you can be as positive as you want, and make a huge impact in the music industry.
