Spinner RPM: Kaskade

Posted on Jun 13th 2008 9:00AM by Mike Spinella
Comments

Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Kaskade, a Chicago native whose real name is Ryan Raddon, got his start in Utah while in college, and later, doing A&R in San Francisco for OM Records. Since then, Kaskade has been bridging the gap between Chicago house and dirty electro, while walking the thin line between commercial success (Kaskade has worked with a slew of vocalists on original productions and remixes including Seal and Justin Timberlake) and club cred. His DJ sets never let the crowd down, and his productions maintain the rave-esque ethics of yesteryear. Needless to say, he draws upon a variety of influences.

"I have always been a big fan of Robert Smith, but lately I have really been feeling what Brandon Flowers from the Killers is doing," Raddon tells Spinner.

In a landscape where music iscan be transferred around the globe in mere minutes, which could be advantageous to say the least, Raddon has had his challenges as a producer with it, too. "Nobody really wants to buy music anymore," he says. "They prefer to steal it."

The exposure of easy access can also breed fanbases in places that artists might not be able to reach traditionally. "It's about getting more people exposed to the sound," Raddon says. "I don't feel that I really have to do much -- just continue what I am doing. There are a lot more people who would love the music. It's just finding out how to expose them to it. Nirvana did not have to change their sound.. People just discovered 'grunge.' I feel like dance is the same way."

Using live instrumentation about half the time on this latest record, 'Strobelight Seduction,' Raddon plans to add live elements to his performance. "I am sure one day it will evolve into a live show for sure," he asserts. "Rarely do I see live electronic acts that impress. In fact, outside of Daft Punk, nothing has really been done that is cool. And the Daft Punk show was more about a visual stimulation more than anything."

'Strobelight Seduction' is out now. Meanwhile, Kaskade put together an exclusive mix for Spinner, with tracks ranging from electronic pioneers Kraftwerk to House icon Lil Louis.

Kaskade, 'Spinner RPM Mix'

Kaskade & Deadmau5, 'Move For Me'
Cabin Crew, 'Can't Stop'
Britney Spears, 'Break the Ice'
Paul Johnson, 'Get, Get Down'
Kaskade, 'One Heart'
Sebastien Leger & Chris Lake,'Word'
Shapeshifters, 'Treadstone'
Nicolo Fasano & Pat-Rich, '75 Brazil Street'
Santiago & Bushido, 'HEAD TRICK'
Kakade, 'Angel on my Shoulder'
Kakade, 'Step One Two'
Kakade, '4AM'
Steve Angello, 'Trix'
Kaskade & Deadmau5, 'I Remember'

More Kaskade: