With Wake the Giant just around the corner and our giveaway in full swing, we want to shine a spotlight on one of the incredible artists performing this year: GDubz. A seasoned DJ with a career spanning 15 years, GDubz developed his unique sound by blending Hip-hop, Dubstep, Indigenous Pow Wow, along with several sub-genres of Electronic Music. His music is a reflection of both his culture and passion.
Can you share a bit about your background and how your journey into music started?
My journey started many moons ago, about 15 years now. It began with my love for the sounds being created at the time and old school rave culture. I started DJing with two turntables and a mixer, spinning records, and later transitioned into the art of digital, with a laptop & turntables.
After about eight years of DJing as a hobby in my bedroom and at smaller house parties, it became clear what the next steps were. In 2013, I packed up all my belongings and drove out to Vancouver with a full scholarship to study Audio Engineering and Music Production. I attended SAE Institute (formerly Harbourside Institute of Technology) in an extensive nine-month Pre & Post Audio course (a 3-year course condensed into nine months), which covered everything from band recordings to electronic music in a world-class recording studio.
After graduation, about three years later, things really began to set foot in the direction I dreamed of. I reached out to one of my biggest influences, and to my luck, they responded, signing our first single to a major recording label from the USA circuit, and producing a full-length EP. I then gained major traction from other labels and artists alike and had the opportunity to perform all around the USA and even Costa Rica (twice).
After many years of wondering about how to incorporate my culture into the sound, I found inspiration from the likes of DJ Shub, Indigenousdubz and many other talented Indigenous artists – a huge influence being A Tribe Called Red and their dancefloor bangers. The journey is still in motion, and I am very fortunate and happy that the sound has become what it is today.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest Influences would have to be the OGs of Dubstep: Caspa, Benga, Skream, Joker, Gentlemens Club, and Truth, along with many others. As well, I’m deeply inspired by those focusing on the bridging of Electronic Music and Pow Wow sounds: DJ Shub, A Tribe Called Red, Indigenousdubz, and MAKADE, just to name a few.
What’s one song on your setlist that you’re most excited to perform?
There are many I am excited to perform, but if I had to choose one it would have to be my intro song, Sun Dance (Sleeping Giant Mix). I worked hard on this as a collaboration with Indigenousdubz (Kanza Tribe), and Joaqopelli on the traditional wood flute. This track still gives me goosebumps. With its melody and Indigenous harmony singers building into the massive Sleeping Giant drop, it will certainly blow everyone’s minds.
Wake the Giant is a celebration of Indigenous culture and inclusivity, how does that resonate with you, and does it have any influence on your music?
For the last 5 years, I have been heavily influenced by my culture within my form of Electronic Music. Having the opportunity to play this festival has inspired many new masterpieces of art that I have not played on any other stages. I am so excited to show my city what years of dedication, vision, and focus have brought to the table.
What is your favourite thing to do in Thunder Bay?
I was born and raised in Anemki Waziw (Thunder Mountain) or Mount McKay on FWFN. My favourite thing to do is enjoy the landscapes and lots of swimming spots in the summer, spending lots of time with my family on FWFN.
After years of travelling for your career, what’s one travel tip you swear by?
Always pack light and make sure those overhead bags are packed tight!
We want to thank GDubz for taking the time to answer our questions and sharing his story. It’s great to learn more about the artists we’ll be seeing play at Wake the Giant. If you don’t want to miss out on GDubz’s performance, you still have time to enter our Wake the Giant Giveaway! Head to our Facebook or Instagram to enter before August 18!
