Ground16 on Crafting Texture and Finding Balance in the Modern Scene
Ground16 (@grnd16) has officially joined the SEVEN family with the release of his Breaking Through EP. This project marks the inaugural release on the Berlin-based label’s new a.2aum sublabel. Arriving on June 5, 2026, the EP serves as a manifesto for the new platform, which prioritizes broken rhythms, ambient detail, and warm, spatial textures. It provides a natural home for Ground16’s sound, which draws heavily from house, jazz, funk, Detroit electro, and the pressure of the UK club scene.
The EP features a collection of tracks including “Eroded Mind,” “Breaking Through Jazz,” “Endless Fight,” and a notable remix of “Endless Fight” by Pink Concrete. Together, they weave a narrative of electro-infused acid lines, intricate percussion, and soft, atmospheric synth work.
Having previously released music on labels such as Neo Violence and Sofa Movements, and having performed at venues like Paloma Bar and the Montreux Jazz Festival, Ground16 is no stranger to the industry. However, this latest release cements his position within a label system specifically curated for left-field club music.
The Reality of the Modern Artist
In a candid discussion, Ground16 reflects on the realities of being an artist in today’s climate. He emphasizes that the “soft skills” of the industry—building genuine relationships with promoters and labels without being transactional—are often more challenging than the music production itself. For an independent artist, the burden of self-management, including social media and logistics, is a significant hurdle that requires immense patience.
Perhaps his most poignant advice concerns the sustainability of a creative career. Ground16 credits his resilience to the fact that he does not rely on music for his primary income. By maintaining a day job, he removes the crushing pressure to produce music solely for financial survival. This separation allows him to treat his craft as a genuine passion rather than a grind, ensuring that he only releases work that truly resonates with his own artistic vision.
Evolving Taste and Artistic Integrity
When asked about staying confident in his sound despite shifting trends, Ground16 remains steadfast. He prefers to create music that feels authentic to his identity, even if it sits outside the mainstream. His sound, often characterized by a deep, dub-influenced foundation, is designed for those who connect with it on a personal level rather than for mass appeal.
His perspective on musical taste has also evolved. While he has become more discerning regarding production quality and mixing, his appreciation for diverse genres—from soul and funk to rock—has expanded. This duality defines his approach: he is highly selective about what he creates, yet remains deeply curious about the vast spectrum of music available to him. Ultimately, Ground16 advocates for a humble approach to the scene, suggesting that turning up with curiosity and a willingness to listen is far more valuable than pretending to have all the answers.
