The Opener: gum.mp3’s club heaters build on the history of Black electronic music

The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.

gum.mp3 makes lush electronic music with rhythms drawing from house and garage music, but there’s a surprising depth of scholarship beneath the surface of these dance tracks. Though he’s only been producing since 2019, gum.mp3’s songs refract the electronic music of his predecessors from Ryuichi Sakamoto to Moodymann, assembling inviting grooves no matter the BPM.

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The North Carolina-born, Baltimore-based producer and DJ is fairly prolific, and collaborative besides, having worked with MIKE, Fifi Zhang, and swoozydolphin in addition to longer joint projects with Swami Sound and Dxzegxd. More than anything, it's gum's attention to sound design that sets Black Life, Red Planet and Gum’s Mixtape apart from his peers.

Even chillier early tracks like 2020’s “Verge’n” and 2021’s “cameo” maintain a fuzzed aura, but gum.mp3’s ear for sonic detail has felt especially expansive in recent years. Take 2024’s guitar-driven “Deimos” or this February’s quasi-orchestral “Final Flash,” where disparate sonic elements form seamlessly plush assemblages.

The FADER caught up with gum.mp3 over email to chat incense recommendations, Zendaya, and one song he wishes he could remix.

What’s the coolest thing to do in your hometown?
There’s a place called Grandpa’s Kitchen that does the best barbecue in the world. I get the turkey barbecue plate with hushpuppies and the seasoned fries. It’s incredible — you have to eat there and then go sit on the porch.

Tell us about the first album you bought.
I distinctly remember being at Walmart with my family and buying a Michael Jackson Greatest Hits CD and Tha Carter 2. I’ve always been a Weezy fan and buying Tha Carter 2 was a canon event. Early in middle school I had a phase where I was obsessed with Michael Jackson choreo so I’m sure that’s what influenced the purchase, too.

Best advice you’ve gotten.
Don’t let random niggas in your house.

Worst advice you’ve gotten.
Start an LLC.

What’s something you’re looking forward to?
The Science Saru adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, and the next installment of the Final Fantasy 7 remake.

Describe the best concert you’ve attended.
I saw Moodymann (for the 2nd time) perform in Baltimore right across the street from my apartment and danced in front of the booth all night. There’s a tie, honestly, because I just saw Jeff Mills and Ken Ishii last month at Knockdown Center and that was incredible.

When you’re not making music, how do you spend your free time?
Most of the time, I sit around drinking coffee and browsing the web. I had a long stretch of time where I was reading a lot of books and articles, and making my way through the Gundam series. Now that I’m teaching university, I have less free time and I devote it all to chilling super hard. I’ll burn some incense, work out in the living room, and listen to music. My girlfriend makes fun of me because I wash clothes a lot, especially when I’m stressed or bored. I have a lot of clothes that I prefer to handwash so I’ll like, wash my bandanas and my raw denim or my dress shirts.

Tell us about your favorite accessory.
My collection of Kapital bandanas are easily my favorite. I have 4 or 5, and I’ve been to several of their JP stores. Close second is this gem studded RRL belt that I got as a gift last year. One of my best friends gave it to me, and it’s perfect.

What’s a song you’d want to remix and why?
“2000 Blacks Got to Be Free” by Fela Kuti and Roy Ayers. It has everything — great title, great vocals, incredible instrumentation. I wish I had the studio quality stems. I would definitely give it a deep house remix.

What was the last movie you watched?
I actually just saw The Drama last night. I came in with extremely low expectations, but I like Pattinson as an actor and I support anything with Zendaya in it even if it’s bad, so I was seated. I thoroughly enjoyed myself in the theater. I found it surprisingly funny, cute, and relatable which somehow made the touchy subject matter more approachable.

What’s the ideal level of fame and why?
I don’t know if I would call what I have right now “fame”, but this exact level of public interaction is my desired amount. If I was any percentage more recognizable or popular I think it would cook me mentally.

What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
MaderaSanta incense from Xinú.

Describe your perfect afternoon.
The sun is setting and the living room is filled with warm red light. I’m pouring fresh coffee into my Ralph Lauren mug, and Black Mahogani 2 is playing on the Technics. I’m hanging out with my girl, and the guys are rolling up. We’re somehow in Mexico City. Oh my god, this would save me.

What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?
Centuries of black revenge must occur within minutes.