Dance Beets (and Radishes) - Kaskade
9.5/10
There’s something deeply troubling in our world today: the lack of good American dance producers. I mean, seriously, why are all the best productions imports from the EU? Is it because they have an easier time putting one finger up in the air while shaking their heads back and forth in the same fashion for hours? I don’t really get it, but it’s cool by me for the time being.
Very few American dance producers catch my ear, but every now and then there’s one guy who pops out of nowhere and grabs me by the musical groin.
Kaskade is Illinois-born Ryan Raddon. Far from being a n00b in the house/dance scene, the guy has produced a range of some of the best in EDM. With tunes like “One Heart” and “Be Still,” Kaskade does what he does best: produce simple, yet provocative vocal tunes. He pretty much sounds like a better, happier version of Deadmau5 (no disrepect to Mau5man). While the Canadian producer tries impress with production techniques and skills, Kaskade is more on the mellow-yellow side of the spectrum. He divide is more on emotions, not on impersonation. While Deadmau5 will dress a tune to impress listeners, Kaskade will design an outfit that evokes deeper emotive conditioning. Hence, my argument for why I prefer the American over the Canadian in this case (their bacon is still better).
Raddon’s beats are probably best appreciated near the beach or still waters (the BPM’s generally stay within the deltic 120-130 range flow). You might even consider driving down by the PCH when you put these tunes on blast
Kaskade ultimately has too many good tunes out there for this blog to post. So I’ll just say this: If you’re looking for a replacement of Ibiza in America, a producer who’s vocal roster is full of amazing girls (Becky Jean Williams, Haley Gibby, Mindy Glendhill), then Raddon will keep you well pleased.
One thing to keep in mind about any producer coming out of the 90s though is that dance music in the last 5 years has dramatically changed, thanks in part to the progressive sounds of producers like Deadmau5. All this to say, if you’re not really a fan of what was redeeming about 90s house (particularly in this scenario the beach vibe), Kaskade may not be your cup of tea.
To be frank, Kaskade could be an acquired taste for new dance music listeners. Personally, he’s my new favorite producer. Let me just end with this: If you’re experienced and well versed in the old and new house/dance scene, Kaskade’s soothing and melodic beats may have you rethink twice about whether “Sex On the Beach” is a drink for drunken party-goers, or just a bright idea someone had after hearing a Kaskade beat.
Highly recommended album(s):
Video:
Kaskade & Deadmau5 - Move for Me
Online:
