American dance music icon Ryan Raddon, better known as Kaskade, has launched his own label Arkade. He launched the label with his own single "A Little More" alongside Swedish DJ / producer John Dahlbäck and Finnish songstress Sansa. He recently released the single "I Just Want You" from his first newly signed talent, Fairchild, signaling a shift away from his own music and towards fostering the growth of other artists. Now Kaskade has penned a note on Tumblr to we give us a fuller picture of what the "Atmosphere" producer is looking to do with his label as a creative outlet for himself and for new talent.
If there were anyone you would want to be forming a label it would be Kaskade. He is very authentic and as he stresses in the note several times; music is his life and his passion. He has not always been the main stage mainstay that we come to know him well on his career. As Raddon notes in message, "I have worked at a record store and later on owned and operated a record store. I have worked at a studio and at a record label. I have pressed CD's and sold mix tapes; even slung vinyl out of the trunk of my car."
After a public spate with his former label, Ultra Records, Kaskade appears to be leaving them for good to start his own venture. Kaskade is stepping away from just promoting his own music and looking to foster new talent. He has developed the ear for quality dance music after the decades of working in the industry, so his selections will be a good indication of future success.
The website for Arkade does not have much info as of yet, but go and check it out here. The full Tumblr note is copied below, but you can go and read it on his page here. He will be bringing his Redux tour to NYC on Dec. 30 at Pier 36, just before the New Year.
I love music.
I write music, produce music, remix music - go out every weekend and play music.
Music is life.
We all conjure up portions of memories that influence who we are. As a kid much of my free time was spent skateboarding and hanging out at Dog Ear Records. It was a combination arcade and record shop; everything I needed under one roof. If they served hot dogs I probably would still be there. I would go after school and dig through the crates of vinyl and try to master the art of Galaga.
Combining things I love.
I have worked at a record store and later on owned and operated a record store. I have worked at a studio and at a record label. I have pressed CD's and sold mix tapes; even slung vinyl out of the trunk of my car.
Music has always been my passion.
Arkade is my new label. There is an abundance of raw talent out there, now more than ever. There is also a dire need for new talent to be brought to the forefront. Arkade is here to do that, to promote one kind of music.
Music that I love.
