Meet Kit Grill, the London-based producer and DJ for cult radio station NTS. Dubbed by The Independent this year as a "minimalist master," we were ecstatic to hear Kit was releasing his first 12-track album, Mirror Image––echoing sounds of Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and 90s electronica. Kit chatted with his girlfriend, OC London's Shawana Grosvenor, about his exclusive mixtape for OC, his new release, and why he is inspired by simplicity in sound. Check out their conversation below.
Photos by Suleyman Karaaslan
Shawana Grosvenor: You have a show on NTS radio; can you tell me about your show?
Kit Grill: It's a two-hour monthly show presenting a range of music from modern classical to techno to jazz. I try and find as much interesting music for each show and try not to repeat a track each time, although this is getting harder! I love doing the show; it pushes you to find new music and NTS has a great community of like-minded people sharing what they're into. The station is one of best things happening in music in London right now and definitely worth checking out if you’re not familiar with it.
Can you talk me through the inspiration behind your first album, Mirror Image?
A big part of the inspiration was minimalism and limitation. I wanted to make a record that used only a couple of sounds, so in this record I used a selection of percussive sounds, a synth, and a vocal sample. It was good exercise to limit myself and focus in on a sound but for the next record I'm going to expand my palette more! New tracks coming out next year have a wider varied sound but they still maintain the simplicity.
Where do you enjoy making music most?
At home in the morning or late afternoon is a good time. If I’m not at home I share a studio near my flat so I will go there. It's on the top floor of the building so you get a great Blade Runner-esque view of London at night.
Do you have any favorite place close to your studio?
The Cock Tavern, Green Papaya, Kristina Records, and Regent's Canal.
What’s on your play list at the moment?
"Dream Lover" by Uku Kuut, "Elisa" by Bill Evans, "Self Portrait" by Durutti Column, and "Real Love" by Man Friday.
Aside from making music you make all of the graphic design for your releases. Is this something you've always done?
Yep, since the first release I've wanted to do the design, artwork, and any accompanying visuals for my music. I started my own label Primary Colours purely so I can have control in what I want to make and when I want to release music.
What are three things you can't live without?
My computer, wine, and music.
What’s in the cards for the next few months?
Releasing a limited EP on my label in January, developing the live show, making more music, videos, and getting some color involved!
Can you fill us in on the mix you've made exclusively for OC?
It's a mix of what I’m listening to at home and what I'd want to listen to going out. The sound is quite disco-heavy and a couple of tracks and artists featured were part of the group hanging out at the Paradise Garage [i
Photos by Suleyman Karaaslan
Shawana Grosvenor: You have a show on NTS radio; can you tell me about your show?
Kit Grill: It's a two-hour monthly show presenting a range of music from modern classical to techno to jazz. I try and find as much interesting music for each show and try not to repeat a track each time, although this is getting harder! I love doing the show; it pushes you to find new music and NTS has a great community of like-minded people sharing what they're into. The station is one of best things happening in music in London right now and definitely worth checking out if you’re not familiar with it.
Can you talk me through the inspiration behind your first album, Mirror Image?
A big part of the inspiration was minimalism and limitation. I wanted to make a record that used only a couple of sounds, so in this record I used a selection of percussive sounds, a synth, and a vocal sample. It was good exercise to limit myself and focus in on a sound but for the next record I'm going to expand my palette more! New tracks coming out next year have a wider varied sound but they still maintain the simplicity.
Where do you enjoy making music most?
At home in the morning or late afternoon is a good time. If I’m not at home I share a studio near my flat so I will go there. It's on the top floor of the building so you get a great Blade Runner-esque view of London at night.
Do you have any favorite place close to your studio?
The Cock Tavern, Green Papaya, Kristina Records, and Regent's Canal.
What’s on your play list at the moment?
"Dream Lover" by Uku Kuut, "Elisa" by Bill Evans, "Self Portrait" by Durutti Column, and "Real Love" by Man Friday.
Aside from making music you make all of the graphic design for your releases. Is this something you've always done?
Yep, since the first release I've wanted to do the design, artwork, and any accompanying visuals for my music. I started my own label Primary Colours purely so I can have control in what I want to make and when I want to release music.
What are three things you can't live without?
My computer, wine, and music.
What’s in the cards for the next few months?
Releasing a limited EP on my label in January, developing the live show, making more music, videos, and getting some color involved!
Can you fill us in on the mix you've made exclusively for OC?
It's a mix of what I’m listening to at home and what I'd want to listen to going out. The sound is quite disco-heavy and a couple of tracks and artists featured were part of the group hanging out at the Paradise Garage [i