The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.
gum.mp3 makes lush electronic music with rhythms drawing from house and garage music, but there’s a surprising depth of scholarship beneath the surface of these dance tracks. Though he’s only been producing since 2019, gum.mp3’s songs refract the electronic music of his predecessors from Ryuichi Sakamoto to Moodymann, assembling inviting grooves no matter the BPM.
The North Carolina-born, Baltimore-based producer and DJ is fairly prolific, and collaborative besides, having worked with MIKE, Fifi Zhang, and swoozydolphin in addition to longer joint projects with Swami Sound and Dxzegxd. More than anything, it’s gum’s attention to sound design that sets Black Life, Red Planet and Gum’s Mixtape apart from his peers.
Even chillier early tracks like 2020’s “Verge’n” and 2021’s “cameo” maintain a fuzzed aura, but gum.mp3’s ear for sonic detail has felt especially expansive in recent years. Take 2024’s guitar-driven “Deimos” or this February’s quasi-orchestral “Final Flash,” where disparate sonic elements form seamlessly plush assemblages.
The FADER caught up with gum.mp3 over email to chat incense recommendations, Zendaya, and one song he wishes he could remix.
When asked about his hometown, gum.mp3 highlights the local culinary scene, specifically Grandpa’s Kitchen, as a source of comfort. Reflecting on his musical roots, he recalls buying a Michael Jackson Greatest Hits CD and Tha Carter 2 at Walmart, noting that the latter was a “canon event” in his development as a fan of Lil Wayne.
His taste in live performance is equally refined. He cites a memorable night in Baltimore watching Moodymann perform, as well as a recent set by Jeff Mills and Ken Ishii at Knockdown Center, as career-defining concert experiences.
Outside of the studio, gum.mp3 balances his creative output with a teaching career and a love for pop culture, including the Gundam series and the Final Fantasy 7 remake. He also maintains a keen eye for style, citing his collection of Kapital bandanas and a gem-studded RRL belt as his favorite accessories.
Regarding his creative ambitions, he expresses a desire to remix “2000 Blacks Got to Be Free” by Fela Kuti and Roy Ayers, envisioning a deep house reimagining of the classic track. As for his current level of fame, he remains content, noting that any increase in public recognition might be mentally taxing.
He concludes the conversation with a reflection on his ideal afternoon: “The sun is setting and the living room is filled with warm red light. I’m pouring fresh coffee into my Ralph Lauren mug, and Black Mahogani 2 is playing on the Technics. I’m hanging out with my girl, and the guys are rolling up. We’re somehow in Mexico City. Oh my god, this would save me.”
