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Kaskade, better known as Ryan Raddon, will be headlining one of the nights at Bumbershoot’s Electro-Deck Electronica Showcase. Since I’ve been a fan of Ryan’s music, which always draws me to the dance floor in clubs, I caught up with him before his Seattle appearance.
When living in the suburban reality of Chicago, Ryan was fascinated by the songs he heard coming over the local radio, especially on Northwestern University's WNUR. Tears for Fears, the Cult, Ministry and the Smiths were just a few of the building blocks for this young and promising individual. He had the luck of residing in a talented local music community, including a radio show featuring Derrick Carter and Mark Farina and a local club night which had an up and coming artist in residence by the name of Frankie Knuckles. Being in the midst of the coming of age of house music, Ryan couldn’t help but get caught up.
Today as Kaskade, Ryan heats up the air waves and dance floors with his own music. He released “In the Moment” in May and has been working with Om Records as resident DJ, producer and A&R guy. With tracks like "It’s You, It’s Me," "Steppin' Out," and “Sweet Love," if you like house, then you can’t miss his Bumbershoot set at the EMP Sky Church.
Do you think that you are wiser now about the house music industry than when you started out?
Yes, for sure. No question about that. I was introduced to house music in 1985 and that’s almost twenty years ago. I was just a young kid when I started to listen to it. I was not concerned about it as a profession or a way to make a living. I was enjoying the music and going out. Now this is what I do for a living, so yes, it is different. Priorities have changed since high school, but I love it still the same.
You had the delight of working with Collette on "I Like the Way," and Joslyn on "Sweet Love.” How do you think this influenced you and your future music?
It’s cool to work with vocalist, because they add an extra element. Joslyn has worked on other tracks as well with the last album. I have known Joslyn since we were living in Salt Lake City. Collette is someone that I have just met not too long ago. I heard her voice and wanted to work with her. She was all excited; she brought to the table her own material. It was great to put it all in the mix and work off of each other. I don’t know how it will affect the future music, but I know that I will work with [both] Collette and Joslyn. I love to work with vocals on songs and hanging out and making music.
What is something that you’ve given up to get to where you are?
One thing I would like to give up is living in a small apartment in San Francisco, talking on the phone above the cat box. (Laughs) Sometimes city living can be a bit cramped, that’s what comes to mind first. I have not thought of it too much, because I am doing what I love. You follow your dream and it all falls into place. I have kept my honesty and my integrity. When you are doing what you love it becomes very pure.
Catch Kaskade at 9:30pm September 5 at EMP’s Sky Church; he’ll headline Bumbershoot’s Electro-Deck Electronica showcase playing after AC Lewis and Brandy Westmore.
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