It’s been some time since our last podcast, but this new mix from Jason Burns should more than make up for the lack of recent tapes.
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Tag Archives: Kastle
KOTJ Radio | Episode 36: Jason Burns
Symbols release EP in aid of victims of Sandy
Symbols, the label set up by Barrett “Kastle” Richards, has announced the release of a compilation EP in support of those affected by the devastating Hurricane Sandy. The ‘Sandy Relief’ EP, which is out now, features tracks from Jason Burns, Lion González, Cream Dream, Dunes, Kidnapped, and the man himself, Kastle.
Posted in News
Tagged Cream Dream, Dunes, Hurricane Sandy, Jason Burns, Kastle, Kidnapped, Lion González, Symbols
Kastle launches new label with a new EP
Well apparently it’s “start your own record label week” as San Franciscan producer Kastle follows suit with the formation of his own label, ‘Symbols’. And just when you thought he was going to stop for breath, he’s kicking things off with a brand new EP of his, entitled ‘Stay Forever’.
Kastle gives away third Coffee Shop mixtape
I think we’re all pretty aware by now that Barrett “Kastle” Richards is one of the most generous producers in electronic music (and it’s a pretty hotly contested title). Still, this isn’t enough for him as he feels compelled to shower us with yet more generosity in the form of the third installment of the ‘Coffee Shop At The End Of The Universe’. Oh, and you really can’t fault anyone who references Douglas Adams on a regular basis.
New single from Virus Syndicate
I never thought I’d be agreeing with The Daily Telegraph about Grime, but apparently they know their stuff when it comes to Virus Syndicate. Going so far as to describe them as “some of the tautest British MC-ing since the first Dizzee Rascal Album”, I’d go a step further.
If you heard the recent track I posted (‘Need U’ – a collaboration with Kastle), you’ll also know they have a knack for teaming up with some of the most inventive producers going. So it’ll come as no surprise that this new track sees another Seclusiasis stalwart, Starkey, hand them some magic in the form of this radio edit, the video of which you can watch below.
The new single ‘Your Life’ is out this month on Safe & Sound.
Tagged Grime, Kastle, Safe & Sound, Seclusiasis, Starkey, Virus Syndicate
KASTLE INTERVIEW
Firstly, how you doing Barrett?
I’m doing great, thanks for asking. Things have been hectic but that’s just how I like it. Life is exciting!
What’s your musical background? How did you get started?
I fell in love with music at a very young age. I didn’t necessarily grow up in a musical family either. But when I was around 4 or 5 years old I was hearing stuff like Herbie Hancock, Zapp & Roger, Run DMC and other good classic hip hop and it just completely overwhelmed me. I grew up randomly bashing away at a small toy piano and a drum set, but it wasn’t until I was like 12 that I got my first guitar and started taking songwriting more seriously. Quickly began building a studio with synthesizers and haven’t looked back since. I taught myself everything. I lived in a small town and none of my friends really shared the same interest. I guess I’ve always had a knack for just doing my own thing. Continue reading
KOTJ Radio | Episode 8: Kastle
And now for the first podcast of the new year! Episode 8 comes from Funky/Bass impresario Barrett “Kastle” Richards and good gravy has he set the bar high!
Fresh from touring every corner of the world, he brings us an extraordinary remix from Ramadanman to kick things off with rattling drums and a moody synth line. From then on the mix goes from strength to strength: with sparkling IDM synth patterns pervading the mix throughout, your ears are never bored. Masterfully, neither are your feet.
Ever since the name Kastle appeared on the remix credits of HeavyFeet’s ‘War’ EP last year, there’s been a constant buzz surrounding his name. Remix duties are bound to be intense as this guy is gonna be in high demand. So, producers, get your requests in while you still can.
As for his plans for the future, I’m told a new record label of his is all but up and running. In fact, 7 of the tracks featured in this mix come from upcoming releases as well as 3 previously unheard Kastle tracks for your aural delight. On top of that, his new EP ‘Time Traveler’ is out very soon on the omnipotent Seclusiasis. In short, world domination to follow.
Kastle – Better Off Alone
The artist formerly known as B.Rich has set himself up for a promising year with this instant classic. Barrett “Kastle” Richards has taken on a dubbier sound with an almost housey edge to it.
It used to be that the UK had the monopoly on bass, but recently America, mainly the east coast, has started to take over. Artists such as Drop The Lime, AC Slater, Udachi and of course B.Rich stormed the scene with massive bass-heavy “choons” and “club-bangers”.
Naturally, it seems appropriate to post a track featuring two of the biggest names in US bass: Kastle and Udachi. The original is a very mellow bassy piece reminiscent of Burial with a house twist. Now I have to warn you it does feature auto-tune. Luckily, it manages to pull it off by exercising some restraint and it does make it sound like it’s underwater, which kinda fits.
Starkey adds a nice ravey horn-through-a-buzzsaw line to bang it up but it’s Udachi’s Funky mix that does it for me with the most awesome drum samples I’ve ever heard. Honestly, if you’re not sure about Funky listen to this tune. A lot. Then listen to Willy Joy’s Funky/soca mix or I’ll slap your knees.
Under his B.Rich moniker it was more fast heavy bass drops and ghetto/hip-hop samples but with Kastle his productions have taken on a much dubbier, techy sound – lots of arpeggiated synths and handclaps. Definitely the beginning of big things for this chap.
Stand out tracks: Udachi Mix, Willy Joy Mix
Title: Better Off Alone (seclus026)
Artist: Kastle
Out now soon on Seclusiasis.
Download: Kastle – Better Off Alone (Udachi Remix)
