Kaspar Tasane has been named “the one to watch,” by Soundgarden Resident Gustin, in DMC World Magazine. “His music just totally blows me away. It’s elegant yet driving, and has a timeless energy that often reminds me of the mid-1990s progressive sound.”
Photo Credit: Sten Roosvald
Kaspar hails from Tallinn, Estonia, and uses his experience there while growing up in the European electronic music scene, to bring a unique flavor all his own to the progressive house sound. His unique style has garnered support from the likes of trance legend Armin Van Buuren, who showcased Kaspar’s track ‘Fusha’ at A State of Trance Festival 700. He has also captivated the attention of pillars like Paul Oakenfold, Solarstone, and Cosmic Gate.
As the artist’s sound evolved to a more underground and progressive vibe, DJs Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Guy J, Darin Epsilon, Anthony Pappa, Sandra Collins, Chris Fortier and more than a handful of others have all publicly shown and professionally lent their support. As a DJ, he comes from an era before the sync button and USB sticks. After spinning at various club nights in the capital of Estonia, Kaspar and DJ partner DTB quickly gained a residency at the hottest dance station of the time on Energy FM. Friday night’s show, ´Weekend Liftoff’, rapidly became the most popular radio show in the capital. which resulted in trucking crates of vinyl all around the country. They landed gigs everywhere from the freshest clubs to underground events, and even stages on major festival circuits.
After transplanting back to the US, Kaspar continues to showcase his skills behind the decks. He has played at various raves and club events in Portland, Austin, and San Antonio, as well as Houston. He has shared the stage and opened up for the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Kenneth Thomas, First State, Myon & Shane 54 as well as, countless others. Kaspar Tasane is just getting started…
Fresh from his addition to our EG.SPOTLIGHT mix series, he caught up with us to talk more about his origins, musical path, the transition from Estonia to the US, and more.
EG: Hi Kaspar, welcome to EG. Where are you right now?
Kaspar Tasane: Thanks for having me! I’m currently on a road trip somewhere in the beautiful nature of Arkansas, sitting under the pine trees, enjoying the sunshine, and local beer 🙂
EG: Sounds like a lovely time. Could you talk about how growing up in Tallinn, Estonia influenced your musical style and career path?
Kaspar Tasane: Yeah, absolutely. Estonians have always valued music and dancing; we even have huge dance and song festivals with hundreds of thousands of people attending them that have been happening for decades. Some even say it was the “Singing Revolution” in Estonia that brought down the USSR. Anyways, for a small nation of only a million people, we’ve always had different small scenes represented, from deep house to gabber and everything in between. I was exposed to all of those genres via radio, TV, and later the clubs, but it was really the hypnotic sound of early progressive house/trance that I fell in love with.
EG: So, what inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did you get started in the industry?
Kaspar Tasane: It was a natural progression for me, from buying records as a kid to meeting ‘older’ guys who were already playing at clubs and making music. Their work really made me want to take things to the next level. As a kid, I was always the one who wanted to control the music on the radio at home and play the music at school parties. So when I finally got the chance to play my vinyl out on a pair of Technics behind big speakers, I knew what I had to do with my life. 🙂
EG: How would you describe your music style, and what makes it unique within the progressive house genre?
Kaspar Tasane: Objectively speaking, and from what I’ve heard people say when I’m lurking in the comments section :D, it is a deep progressive house with a classic progressive trance/house crossover vibe. I think that is pretty spot on, but you tell me!
“So when I finally got the chance to play my vinyl out on a pair of Technics behind big speakers, I knew what I had to do with my life”
EG: Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your sound and style?
Kaspar Tasane: Some names that come to mind, in somewhat of a chronological order, would be: The Prodigy, Underworld, Orbital, early Tiesto and Armin, Push, Airwave, Perry O’Neil, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Guy J, and definitely Ricky Ryan.
EG: Can you walk us through your creative process when producing new tracks or remixes?
Kaspar Tasane: I try to nail down a good groove first, then add the melodic elements, and then work on the rough arrangement. Usually, I put the idea away for days or weeks and listen to it later to see if it’s something that I want to work on or not. With remixes, it’s a bit easier: I pick out my favorite sounds and then start building a groove underneath them. Once I have that done, I arrange the tracks and add effects and automation. I work on several projects at the same time to keep my objectivity.
EG: Could you share some production tips or techniques that you’ve found particularly effective in your work?
Kaspar Tasane: I think my very general and non-technical advice would be to make music often and not grow attached to anything. You’re not being forced to release everything that you make. Getting into the state of flow and generating many ideas is more important than working on one mediocre idea for months. There are a lot of technical tutorials out there, but in the end, what really matters is your mindset.
EG: What role do you believe social media plays in the music industry today? And is it good or bad?
Kaspar Tasane: I feel like it’s a great tool to find and connect with the right people. Many people won’t care about what you do, and some may even dislike you for whatever reason. But at the same token, some people will absolutely love you for what you’re doing, and getting to connect with those people is what really matters.
“You’re not being forced to release everything that you make. Getting into the state of flow and generating many ideas is more important than working on one mediocre idea for months”
EG: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers who are just starting out in the industry?
Kaspar Tasane: Make and play music for yourself first. There is only one unique you in the world for a reason. You’re not going to be liked by everyone, but by being yourself, you will never have to pretend to be something you are not.
EG: Can you talk about any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re working on and are excited about?
Kaspar Tasane: Yes, a couple of my DJ friends and I started a progressive house-focused event series that we promote through the Progressive House Texas Facebook community. I haven’t really done that many collaborations in the past, but there are some really interesting ones that I’m working on at the moment. I’ll let it be a surprise, though 😉
EG: Thanks for the time and nothing but the best for the future!
Kaspar Tasane: Thanks for having me!
Kaspar Tasane’s ‘Sunshine / Starstream’ EP is out now via Dissident Music / EMG. Purchase your copy here.
Follow Kaspar Tasane: Spotify | Instagram | SoundCloud | Facebook
