Dan Griffith (born September 29, 1987), known by his stage name Gryffin (often stylized as GRYFFIN), is an American musician, DJ, and music producer. He gained recognition for remixing some well-known songs such as Tove Lo's "Talking Body", Maroon 5's "Animals" and Years & Years' "Desire".[1][2]

Background

Gryffin was born in San Francisco, California. Gryffin grew up as a classically trained pianist and learned to play the guitar at an early age.[3][4][5] He played in bands to initially hone his instrumental abilities. He studied electrical engineering at the University of Southern California where he took much of his leisure time in his dorm room to work on music.[6]

In 2009, he began releasing his music as White Panda,[7] with boyhood friend Tom Evans, who was studying in Chicago.[8] They began a national tour in July 2011, in a second generation of mashup artists gaining popularity on college campuses and music-streaming websites.[9] They played college campuses, such as the University of Delaware and Swarthmore College,[10] and shared the stage with Flo Rida, Wale and Sam Adams. Later performances included the Firefly Music Festival and Lolapalooza.[7]

When asked on his key lessons of music production, he said: "At the beginning, I just released music with the main goal of having my friends play it at college parties and I never would have imagined it would get to this point". He made his 'world' debut as Gryffin at the SnowGlobe Music Festival 2015.[1]

He moved to Los Angeles to be closer to his label and management.[11]

History

2016

On January 22, 2016, Gryffin released his debut single titled "Heading Home"[12][13] featuring Australian singer Josef Salvat via Darkroom/Interscope Records.[14][15] On May 2, 2016, an official music video was uploaded on his YouTube channel.[16][17] The song peaked at number 22 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart,[18] number 21 on the Dance/Electronic Digital Songs chart,[19] number 1 on Spotify Viral 50 chart[20] and number 5 on the Billboard Twitter Emerging Artists chart.[21] On August 26, 2016, he released a song titled "Whole Heart" with Bipolar Sunshine.[22] In an interview, about the song "Whole Heart", Gryffin said "'Whole Heart’ is a big step for me as an artist, as it represents a developing maturity of my sound and depth of songwriting".[23]

2017

2017 saw three singles for Griffith. "Feel Good", a collaboration with DJ Illenium and singer Daya, was released on March 3.[24] "Love in Ruins" with singer Sinéad Harnett was released on July 7[25] and "Nobody Compares to You" with Katie Pearlman was released on October 6.[26]

2018

2018 proved to be a big year for Griffith, releasing five singles throughout the year. His first single of the year, "Winnebago" with Quinn XCII and Daniel Wilson was released on April 20.[27] He followed this up with single "Just for a Moment" with Iselin, released June 22,[28] and "Tie Me Down" with Elley Duhé, released on August 3.[29] Two months following the release of "Tie Me Down", Griffith released a song with Zohara. "Remember" was released on October 26 and eventually topped the US Dance Charts,[30] marking Griffith's first number one hit song.

2019

In 2019, Griffith released his full-length debut album, Gravity, to critical acclaim.

2020

On July 26, 2020, Griffith announced the release of "Cry", with John Martin, on his Instagram page.[31] He hinted that the track would be the first single from his upcoming second album, and announced July 30, 2020 as the single's release date.

Musical style

Gryffin produces music in a melodic house style and classifies himself as a melodic house artist.[32] He incorporates sounds of piano and guitar for a 'hybrid of electric and organic' musical style.[32]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[33]
US
Dance

[34]
CAN
[35]
Gravity 92 1 71
Alive
  • Released: November 4, 2022
  • Label: Darkroom, Interscope, Geffen
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming

Extended plays

Title Details
Gravity, Pt. 1
  • Released: December 14, 2018[36]
  • Label: Darkroom, Geffen
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Spotify Singles
  • Released: May 6, 2020
  • Label: Darkroom, Geffen
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
Dance/
Elec.

[37]
US
Dance Digital

[38]
US Dance Club
[39]
NZ
Hot

[40]
"Heading Home"[14]
(featuring Josef Salvat)
2016 22 21 Gravity
(Japanese edition)
"Whole Heart"[22]
(with Bipolar Sunshine)
17 28
"Feel Good"
(with Illenium featuring Daya)
2017 17 18 [A] Awake
"Love in Ruins"
(featuring Sinéad Harnett)
33 6 Gravity
(Japanese edition)
"Nobody Compares to You"
(featuring Katie Pearlman)
20 11 Gravity
"Winnebago"[43]
(featuring Quinn XCII and Daniel Wilson)
2018 38 Non-album single
"Just for a Moment"[44]
(featuring Iselin Solheim)
48 Gravity
"Tie Me Down"[45]
(with Elley Duhé)
15 9 11
"Remember"
(with Zohara)
22 14 1
"Bye Bye"[46]
(featuring Ivy Adara)
35 21
"All You Need to Know"[47]
(with Slander featuring Calle Lehmann)
2019 12
"Hurt People"[48]
(with Aloe Blacc)
28 19
"OMG"
(with Carly Rae Jepsen)
16 1 19
"Baggage"[49]
(with Gorgon City and AlunaGeorge)
32
"Body Back"[50]
(featuring Maia Wright)
14 14
"Hold You Tonight"[51]
(with Chris Lane)
2020 Non-album single
"Cry"[52]
(with John Martin)
12 Gravity (Deluxe)
"Safe with Me"
(with Audrey Mika)
13 Alive
"I Want Love"
(with Two Feet)
2021 14 Non-album single
"Best Is Yet to Come"
(with Kyle Reynolds)
14 Alive
"New Blood"
(with Boy Matthews)
17 Non-album singles
"Piece of Me"
(with LOVA)
15
"After You"
(with Jason Ross featuring Calle Lehmann)
18 Alive
"You Were Loved"
(with OneRepublic)
2022 11
"Alive"
(with Calle Lehmann)
22
"Caught Up"
(with Olivia O'Brien)
12
"Reckless"
(with )
28
"Colors"
(with Blanke and Eyelar)
36
"Woke Up in Love"
(with Kygo and Calum Scott)
9 Alive and Thrill of the Chase
"Scandalous"
(with Tinashe)
24 Alive
"Forever"
(featuring Elley Duhé)
20
"Dreams" 2023 22 Non-album singles
"Oceans"
(with Kid Joi)
29
"Last of Us"
(with Rita Ora)
2024 20 Pulse
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted songs

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Dance

[37]
"You Remind Me"
(featuring Stanaj)
2018 43 Gravity
"Need Your Love"
(with Seven Lions and Noah Kahan)
2019 12

Notes

  1. ^ "Feel Good" did not enter the NZ Top 40 or Hot Singles Chart, but peaked at number six on the Heatseeker Singles Chart.[41]

References

  1. ^ a b "Gryffin | About". gryffinofficial.com. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  2. ^ "Next Up: Gryffin Brings His Whole Heart Tour to D.C. for Private Show at W Hotel". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  3. ^ "Gryffin Announces First-Ever Live Dates, Talks Transition to Multi-Instrumental Act: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  4. ^ "The Windish Agency: Gryffin". www.windishagency.com. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  5. ^ Yau, Jeffrey (February 8, 2016). "Your EDM Exclusive: Gryffin Talks Opening For Kygo, Musicality, His New Single 'Heading Home' + More". Your EDM. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  6. ^ equality, Kyle Stevens Fighter for; Br, justice BUILD Series; Ambassador. (August 30, 2016). "Gryffin Debuts "Whole Heart" and Paints an Intimate Portrait of his Life". The Huffington Post. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  7. ^ a b Norris, Michael (December 7, 2015). "The White Panda: Exclusive Interview". Urban Matter. Archived from the original on August 16, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  8. ^ Donelson, Marcy. "White Panda | Biography & History". Allmusic. Archived from the original on August 16, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  9. ^ Fetters, Ashley (July 14, 2011). "The next generation of mashups: Super Mash Bros. and The White Panda". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  10. ^ Holcolm, Lindsey (March 27, 2014). "DJ duo White Panda to perform at LSE". The Phoenix. Archived from the original on January 1, 2020. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  11. ^ "Gryffin Talks Live Shows, Move to L.A. & Shares Touching Track 'Whole Heart'". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  12. ^ "Gryffin Named 'Next Up' Artist, Plans Intimate Washington D.C. Showcase". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  13. ^ "Listen to Gryffin's Debut Single 'Heading Home'". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  14. ^ a b "Heading Home (feat. Josef Salvat) - Single by Gryffin on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  15. ^ "Listen to Gryffin's Debut Single 'Heading Home'". Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  16. ^ GryffinVEVO (May 2, 2016), Gryffin - Heading Home ft. Josef Salvat, retrieved September 1, 2016
  17. ^ "Gryffin's 'Heading Home' Video: Exclusive Premiere". Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  18. ^ "Gryffin - Chart history | Billboard". www.billboard.com. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  19. ^ "Gryffin - Chart history | Billboard". www.billboard.com. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  20. ^ "Gryffin - Chart history | Billboard". www.billboard.com. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  21. ^ "Gryffin - Chart history | Billboard". Billboard.com. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  22. ^ a b "Whole Heart - Single by Gryffin & Bipolar Sunshine on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  23. ^ "Gryffin, Cashmere Cat & The Weeknd Are Spotify Editors' Picks for New Music Friday". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  24. ^ "Gryffin Talks New Track 'Feel Good' With Illenium & Daya, Dream Collabs & What's Next". Billboard.
  25. ^ "Gryffin Talks New Single 'Love In Ruins' With Sinead Harnett, Upcoming EP & More: Exclusive". Billboard.
  26. ^ "Stream Gryffin's Uplifting Single 'Nobody Compares to You'". Billboard.
  27. ^ "Gryffin Goes Reggae on 'Winnebago' Feat. Quinn XCII and Daniel Wilson: Listen". Billboard.
  28. ^ "Gryffin teams up with Iselin on emotional 'Just For A Moment'". Dancing Astronaut. June 25, 2018.
  29. ^ "Gryffin & Elley Duhe 'Tie Me Down' With Energetic Dance-Pop Melodies: Listen". Billboard.
  30. ^ Staff, EDM com. "Gryffin Shares Lead Single from Debut Album, "Remember" ft. ZOHARA". EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists.
  31. ^ "Gryffin (@gryffinofficial) · Instagram photos and videos". Instagram.
  32. ^ a b Sheban, Molly (December 7, 2016). "Gryffin Talks Going Live, a New EP and Selling Out Venues". EDM Chicago. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  33. ^ "Gryffin Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
  34. ^ "Gryffin Chart History: Dance/Electronic Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
  35. ^ "Gryffin Chart History: Dance/Electronic Albums". Billboard. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
  36. ^ Narozniak, Rachel (December 19, 2018). "Gryffin merges fan favorites with new cuts on first of two-part EP series, Gravity Pt. 1". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on December 19, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
  37. ^ a b "Gryffin Chart History: Dance/Electronic Songs". Billboard. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  38. ^ "Gryffin Chart History: Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  39. ^ "Gryffin: Hot Dance Club Songs". Billboard. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  40. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  41. ^ "NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. March 11, 2017. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
  42. ^ a b "American certifications – Gryffin". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 9, 2020.
  43. ^ Bein, Kat (April 20, 2018). "Gryffin Goes Reggae on 'Winnebago' Feat. Quinn XCII and Daniel Wilson: Listen". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 21, 2018. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  44. ^ "Just For a Moment (feat. Iselin Solheim) - Single by Gryffin on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  45. ^ Bein, Kat (August 3, 2018). "Gryffin & Elley Duhe 'Tie Me Down' With Energetic Dance-Pop Melodies: Listen". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 3, 2018. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  46. ^ "Bye Bye (feat. Ivy Adara) - Single by Gryffin on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  47. ^ Sweeney, Farrell (March 30, 2019). "Gryffin and Slander captivate with future bass release 'All You Need To Know'". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on April 8, 2019. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
  48. ^ Goldenberg, Ross (May 19, 2019). "Gryffin is impassioned as ever for his second album single, 'Hurt People' with Aloe Blacc". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on June 3, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  49. ^ Goldenberg, Ross (September 19, 2019). "Gryffin taps Gorgon City and AlunaGeorge for final album single, 'Baggage', shares Gravity, Pt. 2 release date". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
  50. ^ "Body Back (feat. Maia Wright) – Single by Gryffin". Apple Music. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  51. ^ Goldenberg, Ross (April 7, 2020). "Gryffin delves into country territory on 'Hold You Tonight' with Chris Lane". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  52. ^ Heffler, Jason (July 30, 2020). "Gryffin and John Martin join forces for dream collaboration, 'Cry'". EDM.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020.