Gromee

Gromee (born Andrzej Gromala; December 14, 1978) is a Polish DJ, record producer, remixer, and songwriter based in Kraków, best known for his work in house, dance, pop, and electronic dance music (EDM), as well as founding the record label Kingztown Music and representing Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with the song "Light Me Up" featuring Lukas Meijer.^[1][2][3][4] Active in the music industry since the early 2010s, Gromee gained prominence with his debut single "Open Up Your Heart" in 2011 and saw significant commercial success starting in 2015 with releases like "Follow You," which helped establish him as one of Poland's most popular DJs and producers.^[5][3] He has released over 35 singles, earning 12 platinum records and 5 gold records through collaborations with international artists such as David Guetta and domestic talents, often under labels including Sony Music and his own Kingztown Music, founded around 2013.^[3][2][6] His discography includes the album Chapter One (2018) and recent works like the EP Tiny Sparks (2022) and the single "Abyssal" (2025).^[2] Beyond his solo career, Gromee has contributed to major events, including composing the official anthem "Share The Joy" for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019, further solidifying his role as a key figure in the Polish electronic music scene.^[7] In 2018, he and Lukas Meijer won Poland's national selection (Krajowe Eliminacje) with "Light Me Up," qualifying from the semi-final for the Eurovision final in Lisbon, where the track highlighted his signature upbeat house style but placed 14th overall.^[4][8] Earlier in his career, Gromee co-founded the Polish radio station Radio Region (now RMF Maxxx), blending his production expertise with broadcasting.^[2]

Early Career

Beginnings in Music Production

Gromee, born Andrzej Gromala in Kraków, Poland, began his career as a DJ and record producer in 2010, initially focusing on the local electronic music scene.^[9][2] He developed his production skills during this period, drawing from his earlier involvement in the Polish radio industry as one of the founders of Radio Region, which later became RMF Maxxx.^[2][9] His early professional activities centered on performing as a DJ in Polish clubs, where he built a reputation through regular sets that connected him closely with audiences in the emerging house and electronic music circuit.^[9] By 2011, Gromee started releasing singles on the Polish market, achieving several Top 20 hits that marked his entry into commercial production.^[9] Specific early works included a 2012 single released independently on Big Beef! label and a 2013 promotional single on disco:wax, both produced as digital and CD formats to reach club and radio audiences.^[2] As a remixer, Gromee contributed to the local scene during these formative years.^[2] In 2015, he produced the track "Live Forever" featuring Wrethov on Big Blind Music, showcasing his evolving style in house music before major breakthroughs.^[10] These independent efforts laid the groundwork for founding Kingztown Music as a natural progression in his career.^[2]

Establishment of Kingztown Music

In 2013, Andrzej Gromala, known professionally as Gromee, founded Kingztown Music as an independent record label to manage and release his own productions and collaborations within the electronic and house music genres.^[11][5] The label was established to provide Gromee with greater autonomy in his creative process, allowing him to experiment with club-oriented tracks, incorporate live instrumentation, and partner with both Polish and international artists without the constraints of major label oversight.^[11] Kingztown Music's initial operations focused on digital distribution, primarily through platforms like Spotify and file-based releases, emphasizing electronic dance music (EDM), pop-house hybrids, and remixes tailored for club and radio play.^[12] Among its first releases was the single "All Night" featuring WurlD in 2014, marking an early example of Gromee's self-released work under the label and showcasing his production style blending upbeat electronic beats with vocal collaborations.^[12] This structure enabled Gromee to maintain full artistic control, from songwriting and production to promotion, fostering a platform that supported his transition from independent remixing to commercial singles in the Polish electronic scene.^[2] The label's emphasis on electronic genres aligned with Gromee's background in music production, building directly on his pre-label efforts in remixing and DJing to create a dedicated outlet for innovative house tracks and artist signings under his guidance.^[11]

Rise to Prominence

Signing with Sony Music

In 2016, Andrzej Gromala, known professionally as Gromee, signed a recording contract with Sony Music Poland, while continuing with his independent label Kingztown Music, which he had founded in 2013 to manage his own productions and releases.^[5] This agreement marked a pivotal shift, providing access to the major label's resources for wider promotion and distribution of his electronic and house music tracks. Although specific contract terms were not publicly disclosed, the deal facilitated Gromee's integration into Sony's roster, enhancing his professional network beyond the Polish market. One of the immediate outcomes of the Sony partnership was Gromee's selection as the opening act for Mariah Carey's inaugural concert in Poland on April 11, 2016, at Tauron Arena Kraków. This high-profile performance, which drew significant media attention, underscored the label's role in elevating his visibility through strategic event placements. The opportunity aligned with Sony's marketing efforts to position Gromee as a rising figure in the electronic music scene. The collaboration with Sony also bolstered Gromee's production capabilities, enabling broader international distribution and professional support that contributed to subsequent releases that gained traction in Poland and beyond.

Breakthrough Singles

Gromee's breakthrough in the Polish music scene began with his 2016 single "Fearless," a house track featuring Swedish vocalist May-Britt Scheffer and co-written by Raz Nitzan, known for collaborations with artists like Armin van Buuren.^[11] The song, produced by Gromee himself, blended electronic beats with uplifting pop elements, contributing to its popularity on radio stations.^[11] Released under Sony Music Entertainment Poland following his signing with the label that year, "Fearless" peaked at number 10 on the AirPlay Chart Poland and was awarded Platinum certification by ZPAV for its commercial success.^[11] The official music video, directed and edited by Michal Braum and produced by Image Pro, featured dynamic visuals starring actors like Eryk Czajkowski and Julia Darmanin, which helped amplify its reach through online platforms and promotional campaigns in Poland.^[13] Following his signing with Sony Music earlier in 2016, Gromee released "Spirit" in November 2016, featuring Swedish singer and composer Mahan Moin, marking another key collaboration in his rising career.^[11] This pop-electronic track, characterized by Gromee's signature sound, achieved significant impact by topping the Polish Radio Airplay Chart as his first number-one hit, solidifying his presence in the domestic market.^[11] It earned Platinum certification from ZPAV, reflecting strong sales and airplay performance. The accompanying official music video, released under Sony Music Entertainment Poland, contributed to its marketing strategy by showcasing engaging visuals that resonated with Polish audiences, boosting streams and radio rotations.^[14] These singles' success was supported by targeted promotional efforts, including high-profile support slots like Gromee's opening act for Mariah Carey's 2016 concert in Poland, which heightened visibility for "Fearless" as a popular summer anthem peaking at number 10 on the charts. Music videos played a crucial role in their marketing, with professional production and online distribution driving millions of views and enhancing Gromee's brand in the electronic music scene.^[13][14]

Eurovision Participation

National Selection Process

Poland's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, titled Krajowe Eliminacje 2018, was organized by the public broadcaster TVP and held on March 3, 2018, at the TVP Headquarters in Warsaw. The process featured ten competing songs, selected in advance without a public audition phase, allowing artists to submit entries directly for consideration. Gromee, featuring Lukas Meijer with their entry "Light Me Up," emerged as the winner through a combined voting system comprising 50% from a five-member professional jury and 50% from public televoting. Under this mechanism, televotes awarded points from 1 to 10 based on vote tallies (10 for the highest, 9 for the second, and so on), while each jury member independently ranked the songs similarly; in case of ties, the televote served as the tiebreaker. "Light Me Up" secured victory with a total of 20 points, including 12 from the public and 8 from the jury.^[15][8] The collaboration between Gromee (real name Andrzej Gromala) and Swedish singer Lukas Meijer for "Light Me Up" began as an extension of their prior work together on the track "Without You," fostering a strong professional partnership. The song was co-written by Gromee, Lukas Meijer, Christian Rabb, and Mahan Moin, with development focusing on an upbeat house style to align with Gromee's electronic music background. A demo version was released ahead of the national final to build anticipation, enabling public previews and feedback during pre-event promotions in February 2018. This preparatory phase included the song's digital release on February 15, 2018, which helped position it as a frontrunner among the competing entries.^[8][16] Public reception to "Light Me Up" during the lead-up to and at the Krajowe Eliminacje was generally positive, with the track earning a 3.7-star rating from over 7,860 user votes on Eurovision fan platforms, reflecting broad appeal in the electronic dance genre. Media coverage in February and early March 2018 highlighted the song's energetic vibe and international collaboration, with outlets noting its potential to energize Poland's Eurovision return after a year's absence. Coverage emphasized the duo's chemistry and the song's radio-friendly production, contributing to strong pre-final buzz and positioning it as a favorite in polls, where it garnered significant support ahead of the live show.^[8]

Performance and Results

Gromee, alongside Swedish vocalist Lukas Meijer, performed "Light Me Up" as Poland's entry in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, held on May 10 in Lisbon, Portugal. Selected through the national selection process earlier that year, they appeared 11th in the running order, delivering a high-energy electronic dance track that showcased Gromee's production skills and Meijer's powerful vocals. The collaboration between the two artists, who co-wrote the song, emphasized a seamless blend of DJ elements and live singing, with Meijer taking center stage to engage the audience directly. The stage setup for the performance was visually striking, illuminated by pink and blue strobe lights that shifted dynamically throughout the song. Gromee, dressed in black, operated from an elevated, transparent DJ booth, allowing visibility of his mixing, while Meijer performed centrally with confident stage presence and backing dancers. Live elements included synchronized lighting transitions from blue to pink, culminating in pyrotechnic bursts at the song's climax, creating an uplifting and club-like atmosphere that highlighted the track's house influences. In the results, "Light Me Up" garnered 81 points in total—60 from the international juries and 21 from the televote—securing 14th place out of 18 competing entries in the semi-final and failing to advance to the grand final. This outcome reflected a stronger jury appreciation compared to public voting, positioning Poland just outside the top 10 qualifiers. The immediate aftermath of the Eurovision performance propelled "Light Me Up" to commercial success in Poland, where it reached number 1 on the Polish Radio Airplay Chart, marking a direct boost from the contest's exposure.

Later Career Developments

Junior Eurovision Contributions

Following his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, Gromee extended his involvement in the Eurovision family by contributing to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, leveraging his experience as a producer and DJ. In 2019, he composed the theme song "Share the Joy" for the event held in Gliwice, Poland, with music credited to Andrzej Gromala and lyrics co-written by Sara Chmiel and Andrzej Gromala.^[7] This track served as the common song performed collectively by all participants, emphasizing themes of unity and joy suitable for the junior edition.^[7] Gromee's role expanded in 2020 when the Junior Eurovision was hosted in Warsaw, Poland. He wrote and produced the theme song "Move the World," collaborating with 2019 Junior Eurovision winner Viki Gabor for its performance as the opening act, which aligned with the event's overarching motif of global inspiration and youth empowerment.^[17] Additionally, as the musical director (szef muzyczny) for the 2020 contest, Gromee oversaw the audio production and contributed to the event's musical framework.^[17] He also composed the Polish entry "I'll Be Standing," performed by Ala Tracz, which earned ninth place with 90 points.^[18] These contributions built directly on Gromee's senior Eurovision experience, positioning him as a key figure in producing family-friendly electronic music for the junior contest while mentoring young talents through his production expertise.^[19]

Recent Releases and Collaborations

Following his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, Gromee experienced continued momentum with the release of his debut studio album Chapter One on March 16, 2018, via Sony Music Entertainment Poland, which saw significant post-Eurovision impact extending into 2019 through sustained streaming and radio play in Poland and internationally.^[20] The album, comprising 14 tracks in genres such as electro house and deep house, featured collaborations with artists like May-Britt Scheffer on "Fearless" and Mahan Moin on "Lingo," exploring themes of emotional resilience and urban energy reflective of Gromee's house music roots.^[21] This project marked a consolidation of his earlier singles into a cohesive body of work, highlighting his production style blending melodic hooks with electronic beats, and it contributed to his growing profile in the European dance scene.^[22] In 2021, Gromee collaborated with Romanian singer Inna on the single "Cool Me Down," released on April 23 via Sony Music Entertainment Poland, which became a standout track emphasizing summery, uplifting house vibes with themes of escapism and romance.^[23] The song's infectious rhythm and vocal interplay showcased Gromee's ability to merge his Polish electronic production with international pop sensibilities, achieving notable airplay and streaming success in Poland.^[24] Building on this, Gromee released the EP Tiny Sparks on May 6, 2022, also through Sony, featuring eight tracks that delve into introspective and motivational themes through collaborations such as "Talk to Me" with CATALI, "WORTH IT" featuring ÁSDÍS, and "Broken" with Olivia Addams.^[25] The EP's diverse lineup of vocalists and pulsating beats underscored Gromee's evolution toward more narrative-driven electronic music, with production elements like layered synths and dynamic drops central to its sound.^[26] A key earlier collaboration with lasting impact was "One Last Time" featuring Norwegian artist Jesper Jenset, released on August 17, 2018, which blended emotional lyrics about fleeting relationships with Gromee's signature future house production, resonating widely in the Nordic and Polish markets.^[27] This track exemplified Gromee's international outreach, achieving commercial acclaim and reinforcing his reputation for crafting anthemic dance tracks.^[28] Through his label Kingztown Music, founded around 2013, Gromee has continued to foster emerging talent, including releasing material in 2022 that supports new artists and facilitates partnerships within the electronic music community, maintaining his role as a pivotal figure in Poland's scene.^[2]

Discography

Studio Albums

Gromee's debut studio album, Chapter One, was released on March 16, 2018, by Sony Music Entertainment Poland Sp. z o.o. as a CD and digital download.^[22] The album, primarily produced by Andrzej Gromala (Gromee's real name), features a mix of original tracks and remixes in electro house and deep house styles, showcasing collaborations with international vocalists and artists.^[22] It integrates several of Gromee's earlier singles, such as "Fearless" and the Eurovision entry "Light Me Up", into a cohesive project that highlights his evolution in electronic music production.^[22] The album's artwork was designed by Michał Wit Kowalski, with photography by Aga Rzymek, featuring a minimalist aesthetic that aligns with Gromee's modern electronic sound.^[22] Promotional activities centered around Gromee's Eurovision participation, including live performances and media appearances in Poland and internationally, though no dedicated album tour was documented.^[11]

Track Listing

The standard edition contains 14 tracks:

1. "Fearless" (featuring May-Britt Scheffer) – 3:31
   Lyrics by May-Britt Scheffer, Raz Nitzan; Music by Andrzej Gromala^[22]
2. "Lingo" (featuring Mahan Moin) – 3:16
   Lyrics by Dimitri Stassos, Joakim Buddee, Mahan Moin; Music by Andrzej Gromala, Mahan Moin^[22]
3. "Follow You" (featuring Wurld) – 3:01
   Lyrics by Sadiq Onifade; Music by Andrzej Gromala^[22]
4. "Light Me Up" (featuring Lukas Meijer) – 3:38
   Lyrics by Christian Rabb, Mahan Moin; Music by Andrzej Gromala, Lukas Meijer^[22]
5. "Spirit" (featuring Mahan Moin) – 3:16
   Lyrics by Mahan Moin, Oscar Merner; Music by Andrzej Gromala, Mahan Moin^[22]
6. "Who Do You Love" (featuring Wurld) – 3:45
   Lyrics by Curtis Richardson, Sadiq Onifade; Music by Andrzej Gromala^[22]
7. "Without You" (featuring Lukas Meijer) – 3:18
   Lyrics by Christian Rabb, Lukas Meijer, Mahan Moin; Music by Andrzej Gromala, Sara Chmiel^[22]
8. "Gravity" (featuring Andreas Moe) – 3:19
   Lyrics by Andreas Moe; Music by Andrzej Gromala, Curtis Richardson^[22]
9. "Runaway" (featuring Mahan Moin) – 3:25
   Lyrics by Amanuel Dermont, Mahan Moin; Music by Andrzej Gromala, Sadiq Onifade^[22]
10. "All Night 2017 (Extended)" (featuring Wurld) – 3:11
    Lyrics by Sadiq Onifade; Music by Andrzej Gromala^[22]
11. "Hurricane" (featuring Terri B!) – 3:16
    Lyrics by Terri B!; Music by Andrzej Gromala^[22]
12. "2BA (Original Mix)" – 3:27
    Lyrics and music by Andrzej Gromala^[22]
13. "Nieprawda (Gromee Remix)" (Ania Dąbrowska) – 3:39
    Lyrics by Ania Dąbrowska, Dagmara Melosik; Music by Andrzej Gromala, Ania Dąbrowska; Remix by Gromee^[22]
14. "Upiłam Się Tobą (Gromee Remix)" (Beata Kozidrak) – 3:11
    Lyrics and music by Beata Kozidrak; Remix by Gromee^[22]

Commercially, Chapter One peaked at number 8 on the Poland Albums Top 50 chart and remained on the chart for 5 weeks.^[29] It was certified Gold by ZPAV on April 30, 2018, for sales of over 15,000 units in Poland.^[30] No subsequent studio albums by Gromee have been released as of 2023.

Singles as Lead Artist

Gromee has released numerous singles as a lead artist since his debut in the early 2010s, often featuring international vocalists and achieving significant success on Polish airplay and streaming charts through his affiliation with Sony Music Poland. These standalone releases have been instrumental in establishing his presence in the electronic and house music scenes, with many earning certifications from the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry (ZPAV) based on sales and streaming thresholds. Key examples include collaborations that topped airplay charts and received multi-platinum status, highlighting his commercial appeal. Music videos for select singles, such as those produced for Eurovision entries, have also contributed to their promotion and visual impact. The following table lists major singles as lead artist, focusing on release years, featured artists, peak positions on Polish airplay charts, and certifications where applicable. Positions are primarily from ZPAV's Official Airplay Chart, and certifications reflect verified awards. These singles often appear on albums like Chapter One for context, but stand alone in their initial impact and chart performance. Remixes for tracks like "Spirit" and "One Last Time" were produced for DJ sets and international markets, enhancing their longevity in electronic music playlists.

Awards and Recognition

Music Awards Won

Gromee, whose real name is Andrzej Gromala, won the Best DJ/Producer award at the Eska Music Awards 2017, marking his first statuette from this prestigious Polish music ceremony. The event took place on June 17, 2017, in Szczecin, Poland, where Gromee was recognized for his contributions as a DJ, producer, remixer, and songwriter.^[36][37] In the category, Gromee competed against notable figures including C-BooL and Mandee, ultimately securing the win through a combination of public voting and industry acclaim. The award was presented by electronic music artist Tom Swoon and Radio ESKA host Marcin Puoteck Nozdryń-Płotnicki, underscoring Gromee's standing in the Polish electronic scene. During the gala, Gromee opened the show with a cover of Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" performed alongside an orchestra and choir, followed by his hit single "Spirit" featuring Swedish vocalist Mahan Moin, which highlighted his live performance prowess.^[36][37] This victory significantly boosted Gromee's career trajectory, affirming his status as one of Poland's most talented DJs and producers at a time when his singles like "Follow You," "Fearless," and "Spirit" had already achieved gold and platinum certifications. The recognition propelled his visibility leading into major opportunities, including his representation of Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. Although specific details of an acceptance speech are not widely documented, the award celebrated his innovative work in house and electronic music, contributing to his growing international collaborations.^[36][37]

Chart Certifications

Gromee's releases have received several certifications from the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry (ZPAV), reflecting strong commercial performance in the domestic market. His 2016 single "Fearless" featuring May-Britt Scheffer achieved 2× Platinum status, indicating sales and streaming equivalent to over 40,000 units based on ZPAV thresholds at the time. This certification highlights the track's popularity following its summer release, marking an early milestone in Gromee's solo career. In December 2018, ZPAV initially awarded Platinum certifications to two of Gromee's singles: "Light Me Up" featuring Lukas Meijer and "One Last Time" featuring Jesper Jenset, each surpassing the 20,000-unit threshold for Platinum under the then-applicable rules that included both physical sales and streaming equivalents.^[38] These awards came amid Gromee's rising profile after his Eurovision participation, with certifications announced on December 9, 2018. Subsequently, "Light Me Up" was upgraded to 2× Platinum and "One Last Time" to 3× Platinum. ZPAV's certification thresholds for singles during this period (2016–2018) were set at 10,000 units for Gold and 20,000 units for Platinum, with multi-platinum levels awarded in increments thereof; these standards applied to electronic and house tracks like Gromee's, where streaming conversions (e.g., 250 streams equaling one unit until 2017) contributed significantly to totals.^[39] Compared to broader industry norms in Poland for electronic music, Gromee's achievements stand out, as many genre releases rarely exceed Gold status due to the dominance of pop and hip-hop, yet his multi-platinum successes demonstrate substantial impact within the niche.

Musical Style and Impact

Production Techniques and Genres

Gromee's primary genres encompass house, electronic, and dance, with a strong emphasis on electronic dance music (EDM) that blends melodic pop structures with rhythmic electronic elements.^[40] His work often incorporates elements of house, as seen in tracks from his album Chapter One.^[41] For instance, the track "Spirit" exemplifies his exploration of house, utilizing layered electronic textures to create an immersive, club-oriented sound.^[42] In terms of production techniques, Gromee's tracks contribute to their danceable and uplifting quality through electronic production common in EDM. He collaborates with featured artists to integrate vocals that add emotional depth to the rhythmic pulse, as evident in songs like "Light Me Up" and "One Last Time."^[40] Additionally, his remix approaches highlight his versatility, reworking existing compositions—such as in "Wodospady (Gromee Remix)"—by infusing them with fresh electronic rhythms to enhance their appeal in club settings.^[40] Gromee's sound manifests through collaborations with artists from Norway and Sweden, like Jesper Jenset and Lukas Meijer, which introduce diverse vocal and melodic elements into his productions, broadening the emotional and stylistic range of his electronic compositions.^[40]

Influence on Polish Electronic Scene

Gromee's establishment of Kingztown Music in 2013 has played a pivotal role in promoting emerging Polish electronic talent, serving as a platform for both his own productions and releases by other artists within the genre.^[11] The label has supported acts such as the Polish electronic duo Audiosoulz, whose tracks like "Dancefloor" were issued under Kingztown Music, helping to nurture and distribute new sounds in the domestic dance music landscape.^[43] By facilitating these releases, Kingztown Music has contributed to fostering the local club scene, providing fresh material for DJ sets and events that energize Poland's vibrant nightlife venues.^[11] His representation of Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with the track "Light Me Up" featuring Lukas Meijer marked a landmark moment for electronic music's visibility in the country, introducing house and EDM elements to a broader national and international audience.^[11] This high-profile participation not only highlighted Gromee's production techniques as a foundation for his influence but also encouraged greater mainstream acceptance of electronic genres within Polish media and cultural discourse.^[6] Gromee's long-term legacy in the Polish electronic scene is evident in his recognition as a prominent EDM producer, contributing to the genre's international stature and inspiring subsequent waves of domestic talent amid Poland's post-2000 electronic music boom.^[44] Through consistent performances at key festivals like the Sunrise Festival, he has helped solidify electronic dance music's place in Poland's cultural fabric, paving the way for younger producers to build upon his foundational work.^[11]