Today, DJ, producer, and musician GR1FN, also known as Bryan Griffin, released his highly anticipated second album, “Chasing II.”
As a deeply personal sequel to his 2024 debut, “Chasing,” the new 14-track record promises a 45-minute sonic exploration into cinematic introspection and rich cultural heritage.
“This album, Chasing II, is me. My emotional journey,” GR1FN said, describing the project as an awakening. “It’s built like a great DJ set, kind of starts with grabbing your attention with this song, ‘R1SE,’ but I want people to interpret it however they interpret it.”
“Chasing II” masterfully weaves together classic house, Afro house, and EDM, paying homage to legends like Deadmau5, Benny Benassi, Armin Van Buuren, Avicii, and Bob Sinclair.
However, GR1FN elevates these influences with an atmospheric film score edge, inviting listeners on a journey through “a labyrinth of cinematic introspection and self-reflection.” The album offers a “Dolby surround sound feel” that aims to transport listeners, as GR1FN describes, “to the Highlands and brings you to the top of a cliff, for an awakening.”
A central theme of the album is GR1FN’s cultural roots. “This album embeds my Scottish and Irish DNA into the music; it also has a kind of Dolby surround sound feel to it,” he explained. This heritage is fused with influences from Celtic and African musical history, featuring collaborations with artists from Zimbabwe, including Lloyd Soul on the track “DAI,” which boasts vocals in Shona, a local Bantu dialect. “The song was trending in Zimbabwe,” GR1FN noted, referencing their previous impactful collaboration. The album also features an AI vocalist, showcasing GR1FN’s innovative approach.
Highlights from the tracklist include the Afro house single “Away Away (Just Breathe),” which GR1FN reveals is a unique mashup of two of his own tracks. “It wasn’t a revolutionary instrumental, but the vocal I found to be really nice,” he said. The album’s closing track, “Love You,” features a subtle yet powerful heartbeat in the background, adding to its emotional depth.
The album’s creation was a profound period for GR1FN. “I had a chance to actually sit with the music because I’ve been producing some of these songs for over a year,” he revealed. “I made a lot of music when I had my hip surgery. I mean, that was actually such a blessing. You know, all those things, any trauma in your life can always be.”
GR1FN, a New York City-based DJ, producer, and musician, has built a significant following with his unique blend of Nu-Disco, Deep Afro House, and “emo EDM with cinematic echoes.” Prior to his return to music in 2020 during lockdown, beginning his journey with the piano, he has collaborated with major brands such as the NBA, Heineken, GQ, and Vogue, and boasts over 120,000 followers on Instagram. His career includes resident DJ stints at iconic venues across New York City and East Hampton, and international performances in Miami and Lake Como.
Looking ahead, GR1FN is set to perform at the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 22, and will embark on an international tour in 2026, bringing the evocative soundscapes of “Chasing II” to audiences worldwide.
“Chasing II proves that the story is not finished,” GR1FN concluded. “We’re still chasing that goal that’s still out of reach, which is how I feel.”
“Chasing II” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
GR1FN, also known as Bryan Griffin, is a New York City-based DJ, producer, and musician. Known for his “emo EDM with cinematic echoes,” he fuses Nu-Disco, Deep Afro House, and EDM, drawing on his Irish and Scottish heritage while collaborating with global artists. With a substantial online presence and a history of high-profile brand collaborations and performances at prestigious venues, GR1FN continues to push the boundaries of electronic music.
Chasing II on Spotify
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