I have to give my respects to the long haired, mysterious disk jockey under the name Justin Kase, whose tastes reflect all that is good in this current dance era. It was during one of Kase's sets that I first heard Fake Blood's "Mars" come to life through club sized subs, along with every other key remix that Discodusters, Missing Toofers and Ohhcrappers were telling you to listen to.
At first I pegged Kase as one of those dj's who would rather be anywhere else than behind the turn tables but after a few more encounters my preconceived notions disappeared as I started to notice subtle hints to Kases personality, like when he would look up during a good part in the song, see the crowd gearing up for the drop and smile when the bass hit it's climax.
Joseph: first off, is there any beef between nn and bisb? haha
Justin: haha, I wouldn't know.
I feel like I didn't quite hit things off when I popped up on stage and asked you to play jfk mix of jesse mccartney (a remix that I will still defend to this day)
Oh, don't take offense to that. I just didn't have it and I'm not really a fan of that tune (laughing) I had forgot that even happened.
You play a lot of shows here in Nashville; you're pretty much the go to dj for any major blogworthy electro star. Who was your favorite artist to work with or just chill with?
I have to go to my default which is jensen sportag. We've both been busy with different things but drinking and brainstorming with those guys lead to a lot of awesome things though the most fun i had with a remix was either the redfecks one or treasure fingers.
I was fortunate enough to meet the sportag crew the other night, their live stuff sounds pretty much studio quality, I love it.
Yeah It's top notch stuff
You and jensen have formed quite the tag team powerhouse. Can you name any other rising stars who are helping Nashville gain a little cred in the club department? besides fan fiction.
(laughing) nice promo
...
Really, i dont know. As bad as it is I don't pay attention to much around here. I've been busy with music at home so i haven't got out like I've wanted to. I saw make up and vanity last year some time early on and still haven't gotten back out to see him.
His stuff was pretty sick, although I'm not too into the whole masked dj bit but that has nothing to do with the music. What have you been listening to lately?
The mask thing is way played but I liked his sergio remix and one of the other tunes on his myspace. As for what ive been listening to...
salem way too much, fever ray's new record which is awesome, I don't know, super mario themes; I refurbed my nes so I've been playing it non stop (laughs).
so good...
Oh, and music go music. Warm in the light is amazing. Or in the shadows rather, I'm good at botching song titles.
For your debut album, what kind of style can I expect? Do you have a release date in mind?
It was set for April. I'm holding off on it though. Maybe this summer. Austin (of sportag) is working on a remix for what was to be the lead single right now.
Good news.
Yea. I want it to be perfect, so who knows. It's not coming out until it's ready.
Have you done any label shopping?
Not for this stuff, no. If and when it's released it will be through midisport.
Hypothetically, if you were to be granted 3 remixers to release your first single with, who would you have rework your tunes?
Well, that's a secret for now. We have someone in mind. I can promise you it's awesome though.
So what blogs do you go to to get new music? Or is everything you need right in the bisb mailbox?
Both really. Aim as well. If you don't check the blogs it's easy to miss new artists.
I've seen you spin a couple times and each time, I always enjoyed the selection/execution of the set. Do you have any demos or anything you can drop for the readers?
Thanks man. well, I have a few mixes on my myspace for d/l so they should check those out.
Is anyone else coming to town that you know of besides felix (and deadmau5 who I really haven't listened to)?
There's talk of some big names, but I don't like to say until things are confirmed.
Do you think artists are catching on that the dirty south likes to dance?
I think people realize the potential in Nashville now. Atlanta has been doing it for a while though. I still think nights like last Friday and the old youth group parties were beyond what I've seen in other cities.
Nashville wants it
Indeed.
As a closing question, whats the hypest show you've played? the dopest/wickedess/nastiest blah blah...
The best was probably playing with Digitalism in Juarez Mexico. It was completely out of control.
Damn i didn't know you played with them how'd you get that?
I did a small tour of Mexico the year before and blew up around the boarder cities. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the line bars closing dj. The kids are awesome there that club did a lot for that city.
Worst would have to be a 420 party in Hattiesburg
man it was scary
(laughing) what happened?
(laughing) It's not necessarily what happened, just were we were. I played in a barn that was converted into a night club that hosted drag shows.
Whaaaat?
Yea. that's Mississippi for you haha. Oh, and the sound kept going out. it was awesome. The kids were really nice though. Very rave.
Do you have any advice for a beginner dj?
Don't stop. Throw your own events, and try to have fun. Also, don't half ass it and don't do it for the wrong reasons.
Nice. Thanks, I look forward to this summer when we'll hopefully be able to hear what you're working on. good luck tonight, and in the future. The Nashville dance scene is a small spark that will hopefully gain more fuel over the years.
Everything good takes time.
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Kase has opened for Digitalism, MSTRKRFT, L.A. Riots, Felix Cartal, and Treasure Fingers. He's up for "Best DJ" and "Scenester of the Year" through Nashville Nightlife. He plays a free show every friday night at 12th and Porter and will be opening for Cartal again March 13th.
After the interview, Justin Kase hooked me up with his latest edit of a Pryda song. The track is epic to say the least; it blends Cartal influenced punchy banger style with Kase's love for disco synth. Enjoy this Nashville Nights Exclusive:
$ Pryda - Miami to Atlanta (Justin Kase Edit)
More remixes can be heard on Justin Kase's myspace, including a brand new Sportag Remix which will be released Mar. 3rd on Midisport.
