GUMR on Discipline, Instinct, and Rediscovering Purpose Through Deep Tech on ‘THIS’
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Some records arrive quietly and still carry weight. ‘THIS’, the latest EP from Portsmouth producer GUMR on Freaky Nation Records, does exactly that. It does not chase attention. It holds it. Built on rolling low end, sharp percussion, and deliberate restraint, the release reflects an artist returning to the foundations that shaped him and trusting them more than ever.
At its core sits the influence of the Wiggle era. A time when groove mattered more than spectacle, and tracks earned their place through movement, not marketing.
“What remains timeless about the Wiggle era is that hypnotic, rolling essence, the deep, driving 'W' style basslines that command the floor,” GUMR says. “That foundation still works perfectly in 2026 because it focuses on a steady, evolving groove.”
That philosophy defines ‘THIS’. Nothing feels forced. Nothing exists without purpose. Every element locks into place with intent, reflecting years spent refining both technical skill and personal direction.
“My primary adjustment was a matter of curation and restraint,” he explains. “While many current productions lean into 'cheesy' vocal hooks, I chose to avoid those trends entirely. To make the sound hit properly now, I focused on modern production clarity while maintaining the stripped-back, edgy integrity of the original underground sound.”
This clarity did not emerge overnight. It developed through repetition, discipline, and long hours in the studio, learning what does and does not belong.
“Because I maintain a very high standard for the sound palette I develop, I rarely find myself in a position where I need to delete excess,” he says. “Rather than a process of subtraction, it is a process of precision.”
That mindset sharpened during lockdown, when routine disappeared, and adaptation became essential. Without access to his usual studio, he worked on headphones, relying on instinct and momentum instead of endless revision.
“That shift actually became a catalyst for my current process,” he says. “It forced me to be more decisive and efficient. It taught me to trust my instincts, work faster, and maintain momentum regardless of the setting.”
The result is music that feels grounded. Not nostalgic. Not retrospective. Just honest.
That honesty extends to the remix package, led by Terry Francis, whose contribution carries personal meaning. His records helped shape GUMR’s early understanding of groove, long before they shared the same release.
“When Terry sent the remix over, I was instantly satisfied,” he says. “It was exactly what I had envisioned. He brought that deeper, signature 'W' sound that I have always admired in his work.”
That moment represents more than recognition. It reflects progression. A reminder of how far consistency can take you.
Early in his career, GUMR gained national attention after winning the BBC Radio 1 DJ Competition, leading to sets at The End alongside Richie Hawtin and Mr C. The experience shifted his perspective permanently.
“It was a definitive turning point that raised the bar significantly,” he says. “That experience provided the validation I needed to pursue music as a serious career.”
Those early milestones opened doors to institutions like Ministry of Sound, but they also reshaped his expectations of himself. Progress stopped being about opportunity and became about responsibility.
The sound of ‘THIS’ reflects that responsibility. Despite its analogue character, the EP was created entirely in software, reinforcing a belief that tools mean nothing without intent.
“Modern software is incredibly powerful,” he says. “If you have the discipline to use high-quality plugins, you can achieve a sound that rivals analogue gear.”
That discipline continues to guide him. Not just in production, but in performance. His long-held ambition to play DC10 reflects a deeper understanding of what DJing represents.
“At a venue as iconic as DC10, your job as a DJ is to respect the energy of the room at that specific moment,” he says. “It’s about being prepared with a massive range of music but having the intuition to lead the crowd.”
That awareness runs throughout ‘THIS’. It is music shaped by experience, patience, and instinct. The kind of record that does not demand attention but earns it over time.
For GUMR, the EP marks a return to centre. Not a reinvention. Not a reaction. Just a continuation of a path built on discipline, clarity, and belief in the groove above everything else.
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