From NME · · 1m 20s
Grumpy Tearing Down Gender and Genre Expectations
Grumpy's new album 'Unfindable Ring' challenges gender norms and genre boundaries through trans-influenced music.
In brief
Grumpy's new album 'Unfindable Ring' challenges gender norms and genre boundaries through trans-influenced music. Grumpy's album 'Unfindable Ring' blends trans identity and musical experimentation to redefine gender and genre expectations. Originally reported by NME.
Time Travel Concept
Grumpy's song 'Twenty Five' imagines time travel to explore trans identity and love.
“The concept for that song came up at home”
Trans Love Theme
The album celebrates trans love through songs like 'Twenty Five' and 'OBL', while acknowledging love that changes shape.
“I love watching you as you’re changing”
Musical Experimentation
Grumpy blends electronica, alt-rock, and folk to push genre boundaries and foster collaboration.
“the way that they liberally smash together electronica, alt-rock and folk”
Band Composition
Grumpy is a six-piece band with all members trans except for drummer Austin Arnold.
“of whom all except for Arnold are trans”
Band Evolution
Grumpy started as a solo project with songwriter Heaven Schmitt before expanding into a full band.
“Grumpy initially began as a solo project of Schmitt’s”
Personal Journey
Schmitt transitioned from cisgender to non-binary while dating all band members except guitarist Diego Clare.
“I think the fact that I’ve dated everyone but Diego sounds like a lot of drama”
Album Creation
Grumpy recorded 'Unfindable Ring' in Brooklyn with each member contributing parts and producing.
“The six of us were present for every moment of making this album”
Musical Style
The album features AutoTune, piano ballads, and heavy grunge guitars to create diverse sounds.
“the AutoTune and vocal processing on tracks like 'Yr Bitch' and 'WTF'”
Live Performance
Schmitt aims to tour extensively in 2027 with Grumpy to showcase their music live.
“Grumpy will be getting the opportunity to test that out going into 2027”
Zach Bryan Connection
Schmitt sings backing vocals for Zach Bryan, who describes him as a 'real music discovery guy'.
“a real music discovery guy”
The takeaway
Grumpy's album 'Unfindable Ring' blends trans identity and musical experimentation to redefine gender and genre expectations.
