Meet Grant Gilmore | Founder / Editor-in-Chief of EDM Identity

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grant Gilmore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grant, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in San Diego and I’ve lived here my entire life. My parents have always been very supportive of me in whatever I’ve done or tried to do – from playing sports and competing in laser tag to the years I spent in school and inevitably my passion for music and festivals.

Their support, and the support from the rest of my family, really helped push me to always do the best that I could in anything I’ve done. They’ve been with me through the ups and downs of my life and I can’t thank them enough for that.

I also spent nearly a decade of my life working in the non-profit sector for Pro Player Foundation, which addresses the needs of the underserved by creating campaigns, special events, and projects. My boss while there, Mary B, helped instill a strong work ethic in me and taught me many different skills that I still use to this day.

I’ve always loved music, and when I found the rave and festival community it changed my life entirely. I was welcomed with open arms and those early experiences helped further shape who I am today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Unlike others in the music and festival blogosphere, I didn’t have a background in journalism or marketing. I started EDM Identity because I wanted to make a difference in the dance music scene and help shape the future. Our mission is to bring quality stories that would not only be relatable for our readers but help educate them on the history of the scene and the amazing things that happen within it.

The entire journey of this website has been one giant learning experience, and there have been many ups and downs along the way. We had limited experience when it began back in 2014 so every twist and turn has helped me gain more knowledge of how this side of the industry works, yet it hasn’t stopped us from disrupting it in our own way as well.

Being patient, letting things develop, and staying as consistent as possible have led to our continued success in the scene.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I always love playing tour guide with friends who are from out of town!

There are such a wide range of food options that it’s difficult to narrow some of them down. Some of my recent favorite places to eat around town include The Holding Company, OB Noodle House, Breakfast Republic, The Friendly, Mike’s Tacos, Miguel’s, Phil’s BBQ, Tajima, and Saigon on Fifth. But I’m always down for some 24-hour taco shop action as well.

For nightlife, I’d typically head somewhere like NOVA SD, Bang Bang, or Spin to catch a show – but I’ve also loved Dance Klassique’s Deep House nights at Office Bar. You can also find me at some of the bars in Ocean Beach if I’m looking to do something more mellow.

As for places, the beach is a go-to, obviously, and depending on their vibe it will either be Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, or Pacific Beach. I also think Balboa Park and the Zoo are great places to go.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Family – For giving me love and encouragement

Mary B – For giving me the work ethic I have today

Brandon Ikeda – For always pushing me to do more

Keith Wozniak – For pushing me to start EDM Identity back in 2014

Rich Thomas, Page Bakunas, Ian Humphrey, and Kelsi Ring – For believing in my mission with EDM Identity

And the past and current members of my team who contributed stories, helped keep my head on straight, and have been along for the ride over the years.

Website: www.edmidentity.com

Instagram: instagram.com/czarcruise

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-gilmore-6377797/

Twitter: twitter.com/czarcruise

Facebook: facebook.com/grantgilmoreofficial

Other: soundcloud.com/edmidentity soundcloud.com/czarcruise

Image Credits
Sincerity Photos Jolie Hubbard