Runaground

Electronic pop producer and singer/songwriter RUNAGROUND chose the moniker to salute his grandfather, a World War II sailor whose vessel ran aground in the Pacific. He views the episode as a reminder that straying from the planned route can ultimately prove beneficial. His own trajectory has echoed that pattern. Born Andy Kirk near Nashville, Tennessee, he spent his formative years drumming, absorbing gospel music, and performing with neighborhood groups. Following several unproductive label deals, he bypassed conventional routes by uploading material directly to social platforms. Covers of tracks originally associated with Ellie Goulding, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and even Johnny Cash’s interpretation of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt,” among numerous additional selections, gradually built him a substantial audience. In 2014 he issued the four-track Anti-Gravity EP consisting entirely of original material. The following year he secured a contract with Robbins Entertainment/Sony Records while also appearing on the music-competition series Breaking Band under Moby’s guidance. He simultaneously unveiled the single “Stars Come Out” with Disco Fries, contributed vocals to EDM producer Mark with a K’s “See Me Now,” and delivered “We Are One” at the Dalai Lama’s eightieth-birthday observance. After the November 2015 Paris attacks, the same track was issued as an expression of solidarity. Fresh releases continued into March 2016 with the arrival of “Chase You Down” and “Can I Keep It?,” as he prepared a full-length debut album.