Ground16 (@grnd16) has officially joined the SEVEN family with his latest project, Breaking Through EP. This release marks the inaugural outing for the Berlin-based label’s new a.2aum sublabel. Arriving on June 5, 2026, the EP serves as a manifesto for a platform dedicated to broken rhythms, ambient detail, and warm spatial textures. It provides a perfect home for Ground16’s signature sound, which draws heavily from house, jazz, funk, Detroit electro, and UK-leaning club music.
The EP features a dynamic tracklist including “Eroded Mind,” “Breaking Through Jazz,” “Endless Fight,” and a notable remix of the latter by Pink Concrete. Together, these tracks weave a tapestry of electro-infused acid lines, intricate broken drums, and soft, atmospheric synth work.
Ground16’s career has already seen him grace labels like Neo Violence and Sofa Movements, alongside performances at venues such as Paloma Bar and the Montreux Jazz Festival. This new release further cements his position within the left-field club music landscape.
Navigating the Industry with Honesty
In a candid discussion about his creative process, Ground16 reflects on the realities of being an artist in today’s climate. When asked about the soft skills required to succeed, he notes that the music itself is often the most straightforward component. “What caught me off guard was how much of it is talking to people and building real relationships,” he explains. He emphasizes the importance of organic networking—connecting with labels, promoters, and fellow artists without resorting to artificial posturing. For an independent artist, this often means managing every facet of the business, including social media, which requires a significant amount of patience.
Perhaps his most refreshing perspective concerns the pressure of financial dependence. Ground16 maintains a day job, a choice he credits for his creative longevity. “I am not making tracks to pay rent, and that takes a huge amount of pressure off,” he says. This separation allows him to prioritize his artistic integrity over the need to chase trends. “I would rather make something slightly off to the side that feels like me than something that fits what is popular this month.”
Evolving Taste and Future Outlook
As his career progresses, Ground16’s relationship with music continues to evolve. He describes a dual shift: becoming more discerning about production quality while simultaneously broadening his appreciation for diverse genres, from soul and funk to rock. Regarding his role in the scene, he remains humble. “You learn way more by turning up curious and actually listening than by acting like you already know it all,” he concludes. For an artist releasing music on a label built around careful curation and texture, this grounded honesty is exactly what makes his work resonate.