Many people dream of taking extended time off from their job. Griz actually did it. Almost exactly three years ago today, on June 6, 2023, the beloved bass-funk producer announced he was talking a break, writing on social media that “Life is really good, and I often make myself too busy to see where I am or how far this project has come. I’m following my gut instincts so for now, I’m not going to put a hard time limit length on the break.” He said he wasn’t sure when he’d be back. And with that, he went about playing a lot of video games and Dungeons & Dragons. He made music without deadlines and quit smoking. He went to therapy, got a place in his native Michigan to be closer to his brother and spent more time with his family and friends. He was feeling good about his health, life and art and making plans to return with his own music festival, and then his dad died. He hadn’t talked to his father in 16 years and says ...