Today we’d like to introduce you to Laken Gross.
Hi Laken, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
From a young age, I have been a musician. My mother was an incredible pianist and vocalist; it’s in my blood. So, um, that was really where it all began. Unfortunately, I lost both parents very young, but I kept playing piano and singing. I picked up the guitar at some point, too, along the way. “And then in middle school, I joined the band as a trumpet player, eventually marching band. I was also a theater kid, so I kept singing throughout high school. Things changed when I got to college. I wasn’t doing music other than singing in the shower. That changed when I was introduced into the EDM Community in 2020. I began working as a promoter and production manager with Station Underground Records. One day, a friend looked at me and said, “Laken, go do what you were made to do and make music.” That night, I learned how to dj; I was hooked, and The M3RMADE Music Project (aka M3RMADE, pronounced mermaid) was born. Ironically, when people asked me what I wanted to be growing up, I almost always answered, “Rockstar. A couple of months later, in 2021, my partner and I threw an event in 5 Points that was a smashing success; it was both of our first times curating an event like this and performing as DJs. We continued to curate events in Columbia, and I continued my work with Station Underground. I also continued working with other Columbia area collectives, such as Player 1 Productions, Soda Synergy, and SC EDM. Since I began in 2021, I have had my hands in many events across the state in one way or another, and I love that I have been blessed to play a part in the growth of our growing electronic music scene across the midlands. I am currently prioritizing my aspirations with The M3RMADE Music Project in the studio and continuing my work with Station Underground. I plan to release an EP in the upcoming year and continue to help our beautiful community grow and flourish.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been mostly smooth, with some snags along the way. I was incredibly blessed by the friends I made and the opportunities to grow I have been offered in this industry. My incredible support system helped lay a smooth path for me. However, balancing everyday life and an artist’s life has been challenging as things have progressed. Musichaschallengings is a part-time profession, though that is one day the dream. Sometimes, it can be like working two full-time jobs and then some extra. Our scene is also very young and still growing, presenting issues compared to larger cities. I wouldn’t have life any other way, though.
Thanks – What else should our readers know about your work and your current focus?
I am an EDM/bass music dj and producer. I specialize in dubstep, color bass, and free-form bass tracks. I am well known for high-energy performances that get people grooving on the dance floor. I am also a part of the Station Underground Records Collective and help curate events across the South East. I also began a waterway conservation project called The M3RMADE Cleanup Project, where we brought our community together to clean up our local bodies of water and surrounding areas. One thing that sets me apart is being a female in a male-dominated male-dominated industry and the wide range of other artists and collectives I work with across our state and surrounding areas.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Our community is growing by leaps and bounds right now, and the best way to become a part of it is to attend the events and meet the community. Be authentic and enthusiastic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/m3rmademuzic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m3rmade.muzic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m3rmademuzic/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/m3rmademuzic
- Other: https://www.stationunderground.com/
Image Credits
Photo #2 Spectral images by Alex Haven Patterson https://www.instagram.com/spectral.images/?hl=en Photo, # 3 Hennessee Media by Josh Hennessee https://www.instagram.com/hennessee.media/?hl=en Photo # 7 & 8 Alex Ramirez
