Conversations with Simon Gross

Today we’d like to introduce you to Simon Gross.

Hi Simon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been producing music since middle school. I was a super big fan of electronic music, like Getter and Skrillex, and I wanted to be just like them. I worked for years to get slowly better and decided to write and produce my first album, Overworld, as a senior in high school.

It was a daunting task, but I’m still really proud of the work I did on it. I moved up to Greeley to go to college for business marketing and met Diopside and Violet Svnset, two of my close friends. We decided to start a record label called Kronos to release all our music. Since then, we’ve been building a community in Northern Colorado for electronic music and raves.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve had my share of struggles since I was a kid. My anxiety is pretty severe and I’ve struggled with my mental health since even before middle school.

I’ve been seeing a therapist for 4 years and growing to improve myself. It’s not been easy and I’ve hit some really hard lows, but my friends and family have always been there for me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself an artist, first and foremost. I produce, mix, and master all my music. I even made all the graphics and artwork to go with it. I primarily release dubstep or melodic bass music, under the alias Krypto, and I play shows in the Northern Colorado area. I think my biggest accomplishment has been starting a label with Diopside and Violet Svnset. There’s so much behind-the-scenes work and effort that it takes to keep it running.

I’m proud of how much work we’ve put in. What sets us apart is our motive. Most labels want artists to release under their brand for money or royalties. We don’t ask for any of that. Most of the artists that are currently released through us are our friends and colleagues. Why would we not want them a part of our brand? Our goal is to form and sustain an EDM scene in the Greeley and Fort Collins area. We care about the music, not the money.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think local scenes are getting huge these days. More often than not, artists are fighting to get into large clubs or venues. We’re seeing a resurgence in pop-up shows and surprise lineups, like Brownies & Lemonade is doing.

People want rave culture to thrive and it all starts with small, local venues and artists. Warehouses, tunnels, outdoor bars, anywhere at all; We’re opening up more and more spaces to perform. I think that’s something we all need. We need those spaces and performances to unite us and create community from music.

Pricing:

• Booking: $75-$100 per Hour
• Graphic Design: $50-$75 per Project

Contact Info:

• Website: kryptomerch.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krypto_music_/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/krypto_music_
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/krypto_music_x
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/34rtgDdNutVRXI8rry1KpF?si=UWfhW_ymQEy8R_Lm15JJdw&utm_source=copy-link&nd=1