Grandson’s Inertia: From Sadness to Hard‑Rock Protest
Grandson: A Rising Rock Force Inspired by Legends
This article details the journey of musician Grandson (born Benjamin), highlighting his origins, musical evolution, and influences. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* The Origin of “Grandson”: He adopted the moniker after a dream following his grandfather’s funeral, and uses a pair of lowercase “X”s as his logo.
* Early Days & Coachella: He experienced Coachella as a fan early in his career, resulting in a brief arrest for a fake ID – a story he still laughs about and hopes to find a mugshot of.He later performed on the Coachella stage in 2019 as a guest of DJ Kayzo.
* Musical Breakthrough: His 2017 single ”Blood // Water” marked a turning point, blending electronic and rock elements and gaining him wider recognition. He embraced experimentation due to his independent and financially constrained beginnings.
* Rage Against the Machine Influence & Collaboration: He covered Rage Against the Machine’s “Maria” in 2019 and later collaborated with Tom Morello on “Hold the Line,” a protest anthem for workers.He deeply admires Morello’s commitment to rock music and social activism.
* Tom Morello’s Impact: Benjamin views Morello as a champion of rock and protest, appreciating his willingness to take responsibility and inspire others. Morello’s early support allowed Grandson to embrace his influences unapologetically.
* Linkin Park Support: Grandson was chosen to open for Linkin Park in late 2024 during their first public concert with new singer Emily Armstrong at the Forum.
in essence, the article portrays Grandson as a passionate and politically engaged artist who is carrying the torch of rebellious rock music, inspired by and supported by iconic figures like Tom Morello and Linkin Park. He aims to create music that acknowledges anger and frustration with the world while ultimately offering hope.