We caught up with dance DJ Kaskade to talk about his Christmas Album, his festive favourites and Xmas plans.
So what made you release a Christmas inspired LP?
Growing up in a house filled with Frank Sinatra at the holidays, combined with the school choir and singing carols at my church, either I was going to grow up hating Christmas music or loving it. What can I say? I lean in. While creating music over my lifetime, the idea of a Christmas album has always been bouncing around in the back of my brain. I figured there was a way to do this, with my imprint, while maintaining the integrity of the classics. I gave it my best shot and am pleased with the results.
How long did it take to create?
I worked on it over the summer which I think actually shines through in a few places. I’ve heard people say they want to vibe to it on a beach, and I’m like, yeh – you should do that.
How happy are you with the finalised album?
I never walk away from an album saying, “There! That’s it 100% I wouldn’t change anything even if I had more time/money/creativity”. Even with my favourite pieces I am always left wondering if I did something slightly different, would it make a huge impact. I guess that’s a long answer to say that I really love it, and I’m like the rest of the human race who struggles with self-doubt on occasion.
Do you think this will be the first of many Christmas Eps?
It’s hard to say. I seem to be built in a way where I can’t stop making music and I’ve been putting Christmas tunes together for decades now, just not all in one place. Now that the Christmas Album has come out and people are digging it, I mean, sure. Why not?
Have you played any of the songs live yet, if so, how did the crowd react?
I haven’t played them for a crowd. Unless you count my three daughters one wife and Pepperoni the puppy a crowd. These songs are for something different. Vibing.
When do you put up your Christmas decorations?
I try to get them up around the first of December. I have neighbors who take the timing and intensity of Christmas decorating very seriously. I just try to keep my head down and not cause any waves. Not trying to be the Alpha Christmas Male.
Real or fake tree?
A REAL tree. Naomi wishes I would go hike into the woods and cut one down. She kind of slights me because I am not a lumberjack part time.
How do you spend Christmas day?
We wake up super early, and I usually watch in complete amazement as months of shopping and hours of wrapping are destroyed within seconds. It’s also amusing that my wife Naomi tries to contain the wrapping paper and it never works. Our house always looks like a bomb went off, after being at it for less than 45 seconds. Then we have waffles. We have to. Home made, cook up a storm waffles.
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
Bing Crosby & David Bowie – Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy. This pairing is pretty magical, and watching these two legends in the video is what ignited my love of Christmas music.
What’s your favourite Christmas film?
Home Alone. It’s a modern classic and takes place in Chicago, so I don’t really have a choice.
Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
Always giving. It’s so much less awkward.
What’s on your Christmas list this year?
Tickle Me Elmo
You can check out Kaskade’s Christmas album here.
