Q&A: Grumpy Gets Real (and Silly) with Latest Single "Protein"
BROOKLYN’S OWN ENIGMATIC ARTIST Grumpy (aka Heaven Schmitt), blasts back onto the scene with their new single, "Protein." This electro-pop banger is a vibrant fusion of influences, drawing inspiration from the raw vulnerability of Lomelda, the playful chaos of Frost Children, and the avant-garde pop sensibilities of ML Buch.
"Protein" is a deceptively catchy song. Sparkling vocal hooks and shimmering synths intertwine with a chest-caving bass, creating a soundscape that's both haunting and exhilarating. The playful drum machines and overlapping vocals translate the flat disappointment of not being someone's top choice into a strangely danceable experience.
The accompanying music video, directed by the acclaimed Sarah Ritter (known for her work with artists like Surf Curse and Cherry Glazer), takes the concept of digital flirting to a whole new level. Superimposed on a backdrop of futuristic alien warfare, the video humorously portrays the awkwardness and vulnerability of navigating digital intimacy.
"Protein" stands as a testament to Grumpy's artistic evolution. This single encapsulates the eclectic influences of Brooklyn while retaining the introspective undertones of their southern roots. Read below to learn more about the making of “Protein” and what this summer season has in store for Grumpy.
LUNA: Congratulations on the release of your latest single, "Protein"! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the song and what it means to you personally?
SCHMITT:I used to date men. It felt like this a lot of the time. But really, in making fun of the shitty way this person treated me it becomes more about how I felt about myself at the time and how I was willing to accept crumbs from this guy.
LUNA: The music video for "Protein" is quite visually striking and unique. Can you share some insights into the creative process behind the video?
SCHMITT: Sarah Ritter is the genius behind this video. When collaborating with anyone, I tend to chose people who I admire and whose taste I respect and just let them go bananas. I think Sarah also really gets me. I really value silliness and humor so I loved writing a very silly concept and then taking it so seriously. Sarah is the GOAT and they absolutely freaked it on this video.
LUNA: It’s been a while since your last release, what can listeners expect from this new era in terms of themes and musical style?
SCHMITT: Something I really value in music is comedy. I look for ways to include it in nooks and crannies of this project whether that’s lyrically or sonically. I love choosing a synth or sample that makes me giggle and I certainly love to tell the stories from my life in ways we can laugh at. The past few years My aim it to combine the things I appreciate from some of my biggest influences; the emotive and satisfying simplicity of indie rock and the fun humor and driving release of hyper pop.
LUNA: As an independent artist, what has been the most rewarding aspect of creating and releasing music on your own terms?
SCHMITT: The biggest result of releasing independent is that it doesn’t really happen until you really believe in yourself. It took me a long time to get to the place where I was ready to reemerge on my own, and on my terms. It requires confidence and discipline and it took me that past few years to learn that. But now I’m chomping at the god damn bit.
LUNA: How do you hope listeners will connect with "Protein"?
SCHMITT: I could give a shit how the listener connects. I wont tell you how to feel I just want you to listen to my music, whatever you feel is alright.
LUNA: Who have you been listening to lately?
SCHMITT: I listen to a lot of “morning bird and forest sounds” playlists. I listen to podcasts but don’t pay attention. When I do actually listen to music, my favorite artists are my genius friends; This is Lorelei, Frost Children, Blaketheman1000, May Rio, Iceblink, More Eaze. I am also an absolute simp for ML Buch, Aldous Harding, Bill Wurtz and Lomelda.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming months?
SCHMITT: I plan to keep weaseling my way through odd jobs on Craigslist, selling my old crap on Depop and picking up barista shifts so that I can survive working as little as possible so I can Full Ass this project. I am hanging by one tired financial thread but I am the happiest I’ve ever been. I think my purpose in life is to make art and make my friends laugh and I don’t really care about anything else.
But more tangibly I want to tour tour tour DUH!!
