GRIZ's Big Return

After nearly two years away from the spotlight, Denver-based producer GRiZ has officially announced the end of his hiatus. For many fans, it’s a long-awaited return from an artist who has never been just about the music. GRiZ, born Grant Kwiecinski, has built a career not only on genre-bending electronic tracks and high-energy performances, but also on the values of community, inclusion, and authenticity.

His comeback was first teased in a low-key video posted online in March 2025. In it, GRiZ rides a tractor, wearing headphones and smiling into the camera before saying simply, “Back to work.” The message was clear: he’s ready to return. And with the announcement of his new event, the Valley of the Seven Stars Cosmic Campout, fans are now looking forward to a unique festival experience this October in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

While the EDM world is no stranger to comebacks, GRiZ’s return feels different. His fanbase, known as the GRiZ Fam, has formed around more than just his music. Over the years, he’s cultivated a space where fans feel seen, welcomed, and safe—qualities that aren’t always guaranteed in everyday life. Whether it’s through late-night saxophone solos or heartfelt messages on social media, GRiZ has consistently built real relationships with his audience.

What sets GRiZ apart is how openly and honestly he’s shared his personal journey, especially as a gay man in a music scene that doesn’t always reflect queer experiences. When he came out publicly in 2017, it was a quiet but powerful moment. He didn’t rebrand or turn his identity into a marketing point. Instead, he stayed grounded, using his platform to uplift others and support organizations like the It Gets Better Project. In doing so, he became a rare example of queer visibility in electronic music.

His events, like GRiZMAS in Detroit, have raised significant funds for music education and community programs. His fan-led volunteer group, the Liberators, have helped turn shows into opportunities for service and connection. These efforts show that for GRiZ, the music has always been just one part of a bigger picture.

Now, as he returns with fresh energy and a new vision, fans are ready. They’ve held onto his message of “Show Love, Spread Love” not just as a slogan, but as a way of showing up for each other in his absence. GRiZ stepping back into the spotlight signals more than the return of an artist—it’s the revival of a community that’s been patiently waiting for its leader to come home.

And while no one knows exactly what to expect from the Seven Stars Campout, one thing is clear: GRiZ is back. And for many, that alone is something to celebrate.