Southern California native artist and producer DENM caught up with The Pier at Reggae Rise Up Florida to talk about his brand-new album Hot N Glassy—a 13-track, 40-minute ride through sun-soaked vibes and raw artistic growth.
“Usually, you have to pay a lot of money for features, but this was all about friendships and relationships. It feels really beautiful, getting a stamp of approval from some OGs…” — DENM
DENM’s latest release features heavyweight collaborations with Slightly Stoopid, B-Real of Cypress Hill, and Pepper. But these weren’t industry deals—they were rooted in genuine friendships and spontaneous creative sparks. “I wrote ‘I’ll Be Gone’ and sent it to Kyle, and he literally sent back his verse the next day,” DENM shared. “It all just happened naturally.”
The Hot N Glassy sound is deeply tied to DENM’s Southern California upbringing. “It’s all the sounds you grow up listening to, the parties you go to—just a melting pot of cultures, communities, and sounds.” From reggae to punk to metal, his hometown scene was a sonic buffet that helped shape his no-rules creative style.
DENM’s talents go far beyond his solo work. He’s also the driving force behind new releases from rising artists like Benny Ranks and Jesse James Pariah. “It’s great seeing your friends thrive,” he said. “If I can make cool music with them, they’re the kind of dudes who will take it and run with it.”
“Music is about following the muse… there’s no ego. You’re just an antenna, and the songs are already out there.” — DENM
Whether he’s conjuring new tracks in a dreamlike state or rocking out on stage at Red Rocks, DENM is dialed into something bigger than himself. His upcoming appearance opening for Sublime at Red Rocks marks a full-circle moment for an artist who’s always followed the muse.
Check out the full interview with DENM from Reggae Rise Up Florida below!
Interview by Kelly Graham and Video by Jeff Pliskin
