Kaskade reflects on Grammy’s, Drugs and Piracy within the industry in latest interview

It’s hard to believe Kaskade is 44 years old sometimes. The energetic DJ/Producer has enjoyed and endured an illustrious career, being one of the figure-heads for electronic dance music’s sweeping dominance within America. And that in itself deserves huge credit. From his record breaking set at Coachella, to his album earlier this year, the appeal and production from Ryan Raddon is certainly no fluke and no gimmick. Which makes the insights of the now seasoned veteran even more interesting and of value.

Check out the extracts below from his interview with Popshock before performing at ZoukOut in Singapore.

In response to being asked about his thoughts for his latest two Grammy nominations:

I don’t think it matters as far as the creation process goes, but it is nice to be recognised by your peers. It’s like you come home and, oh, it’s nice to get an award. It’s not what I strive to do. For me, it’s more about playing great shows and writing. If my peers think it’s great, it’s the cherry on top.

Kaskade’s comments on drugs within the scene also bring an optimistic stance:

Are we doing enough? I feel like most promoters are forthcoming and direct because there have been so many problems in the past. You put (disclaimers) on cigarettes and alcohol, but they’re still on there. At one point, it becomes redundant. People in the community are finally beginning to speak up. I think there is a good dialogue around this issue. I don’t know what more we can do, but it’s possible to enjoy these parties sober.

Diplo + Kaskade is apparently a likely thing…:

I’ve been talking to Diplo about making music. That dude has a crazier schedule than mine. I’m sure one of these days, it’ll happen.

While his kind, appreciative personality is well-documented, his interests outside music may come as a surprise to a few:

I’ve got three children, so I hang out with my wife and kids. I try to go surfing on the beach and enjoy snowboarding. I lived in Utah briefly – went to a college there – and I love snowboarding. I prefer surfing, but I’m a much better snowboarder. I think I need to surf more!

However, the highlight from the interview may just be Kaskade’s opinion on piracy within the industry:

I’m not worried about people not buying the music – I’m a touring artist. Listen, it’d be wonderful if everyone bought the music or streamed it off such services. But what’s most important is that people hear the music. Whether downloading illegally or streaming off sites that don’t pay, it doesn’t bother me – I want them to hear it first. If somebody hears a song and it motivates them to get it, I think it’s important that they turn up at the show and hear the catalogue of music that I make.

H/T: Popspoken