In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, one name resonates with enduring influence and groundbreaking achievements - Ryan Raddon, better known as Kaskade. This multi-GRAMMY Award-nominated musician has carved a niche that transcends the ordinary, marking him as a luminary in a league of his own.

Unmatched Achievements and Global Acclaim

Kaskade's journey is one punctuated by remarkable milestones. With twelve studio albums to his name and seven Grammy nominations, his contributions to the electronic music scene are not just impressive; they are historical. His fame and acclaim have taken him to the covers of prestigious magazines like Billboard, alongside his Kx5 collaborator, deadmau5, as a testament to his prominence.

Record-Breaking Performances

2023 saw Kaskade scaling new heights as he headlined SXSW, hot on the heels of a historic show at the LA Memorial Coliseum. This event was no ordinary feat - it set records as the largest single-day concert by an electronic music artist in North America, a testament to Kaskade's unparalleled prowess in live performances. His ability to sell out major venues like the Navy Pier in Chicago and the Staples Center in Los Angeles underscores his massive appeal.

Pioneering Moves

Kaskade's influence extends beyond his music; he's been a trailblazer in shaping the entertainment landscape. As the first DJ to secure a residency in Las Vegas, he laid the groundwork for the city’s current entertainment structure. His performances are marked by firsts, including being the inaugural electronic artist to headline Coachella and the only DJ to have played the Grand Canyon West Skywalk.

Beyond the Stage

Kaskade's impact stretches into innovative territories, like conceptualizing an entire season of music for the video game giant, Rocket League. His adaptability and creativity shone through during the quarantine period, headlining multiple live streams and even a Fortnite feature concert. His post-quarantine comeback was nothing short of spectacular, becoming the first solo musician to sell out and perform at LA’s SoFi Stadium.

Collaboration and Innovation

Kaskade's collaborative efforts are as diverse as they are successful. Working with stars like Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, and Meghan Trainor, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to blend his unique sound across various genres. His latest venture, Kx5, with deadmau5, has already made waves with their debut single "Escape," topping the charts as the #1 Dance Single on Mediabase in 2022.

Looking Ahead

The journey of Kaskade is far from over. Known as the original curve bender, his innovative approach and relentless pursuit of musical evolution continue to captivate and inspire. With more groundbreaking work on the horizon, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the saga of this electronic music phenomenon.

In This Issue: The Kaskade Effect

Join us as we explore the captivating journey of Kaskade, from his early days to becoming a vanguard in the electronic music genre. Discover his creative process, his vision for the future, and why he remains an inspirational figure in global entertainment. Welcome to FAME Magazine, where stories like Kaskade's come to life, inspiring and connecting a world of passionate fans and aspiring artists.

FAME Magazine Q&A with Kaskade

1. Your music often explores the emotional and melodic side of electronic music. Can you tell us about a specific moment or experience in your life that deeply influenced the emotions you convey in your music?

Everything I’ve done has been the sum total of my experiences to that point. When I made “It’s You, It’s Me”, I was just out of college, balancing the risk of betting it all on music or going with the safety of a more conventional career. I’m wildly proud of the music I put out then -  but you can sometimes feel the insecurity and conversely the hubris of youth bleeding through those first releases. In the Moment, Love Mysterious and everything leading up to Strobelite Seduction speaks to that. There were massive shifts in access to technology, better production, and  my own confidence shift that have their fingerprints on Dynasty, Fire & Ice, Atmosphere + Automatic. And then a return to stripped down beauty in the REDUX series. Our lenses shift constantly through life and that’s reflected in everything we do.

2. Collaboration is an integral part of the music industry. Could you share a story about a collaboration that taught you something new about your craft or took your music in a direction you didn't expect?

Collaboration is tough. Let’s face it – getting creative people together and asking them to let go of their complete control over their art is a big ask. I’ve had collaborations on remixes that didn’t get approved by artists that I’ve always felt a little dagger in my heart that they’re not out in the world. There are a lot of collaborations that have gone the way I wanted, more than have not. But those that don’t work out end up teaching the most. Like – ok, I made this and I love it. Not their vision, got it. I can still play it in a set because it’s something I feel good about. (or post it on soundcloud….)

3. "Move for Me" and "I Remember" are two of your notable collaborations with deadmau5.  Can you talk about the creative process behind these tracks, working with deadmau5, and the chemistry that led to the success of these tracks?

Working with deadmau5 is like working with a berserker version of myself. We have similar goals for the end product but almost opposite ways of getting to that point. It works. I’m happy to hand over pieces of the process that fit his strengths and vice versa. I don’t know how to describe the chemistry. Maybe combustible? But it’s a beautiful explosion and one that just got us a Grammy nomination.

4. Many fans are familiar with your work, but what's an underrated or lesser-known track from your discography that you're particularly proud of, and why?

Well we started pulling a thread earlier about unreleased tracks, and I’d guess not a lot of my fans have heard my mix of Rufus Wainwright’s “Go or Go Ahead” because it was never released. It sometimes makes its way into my REDUX sets. I put a lot of time into that piece, recording live strings and pulling a lot of my own influence to surround his incredible voice and lyrics. I ended up releasing an instrumental version of it called “Remembering Rufus” but the unreleased mix with him is what I’m most proud of.

5. Your career spans several decades. How has your approach to producing and performing music evolved over the years, and what do you think the future holds for your style and sound?

It changes constantly depending on what’s happening around and to me personally, and what’s happening with technology. I have no ability to predict what’s next or how things will change but I will say I’m open to advancement. I don’t cling to what has always worked like it’s “my precious”. I have more confidence what’s next than what has been.

6. "REDUX 006" is the latest installment in your acclaimed "REDUX" EP series. How do you approach each new edition of "REDUX," and what makes this sixth chapter distinct from its predecessors in terms of sound and atmosphere?

REDUX is a living breathing changing shape-shifter. It started out as an experiment to see if we stripped away all the bells and whistles, does the bass + rhythm + tension still do what it’s meant to do? The answer was a resounding yes. So that box was checked. It’s gone through so many iterations that now the fan base sometimes tells me I’m doing it wrong which is valid. They get to have allegiance to any version of music that works for them. I’m happy they loved it in the shape it held for them for that moment. But REDUX is what I say it is. The sixth chapter is an experiment in what the world is like now that we’re back from the pandemic, back in festivals and still reeling from all the chaos. It’s a projection of how that impacted me, it’s an offering to anyone who loves music to spend some time with my art and see if it works for them. If it does, thank you for being here. If it doesn’t, thank you for trying it out, better luck next time.

7. Your "REDUX" series is known for its fusion of dance music's commercial appeal and deep house's underground essence. How do you find the balance between these two elements, and what draws you to this particular fusion in your music?

I can’t help but have that fusion because it’s where I come from. I grew up in Chicago and with that style of house. I’ve traveled the world playing Big Room stuff and that’s my world too. Just like we can’t really separate the parts of our DNA that is our mother or father’s side (though the resemblances are there)…it’s always a fusion.