'5 Questions With': CASSIAN

Grammy-nominated producer, DJ and mixing engineer Cassian today released his anticipated debut album, Laps. Five years in the making, the LP shows us Cassian’s artistic depth and renowned technical skills in a polished nine-track package of addictive cuts. Along with massive hits like “Lafayette” and “Same Things,” the album offers new dancefloor starters and emotive singles including “Imagination” featuring the Australian electronic band, Tora. We caught up with the LA Based, Australian artist to talk about his new release as well and what 10 years in the industry has taught him is far. On the meaning behind the album title, Cassian shares: “Laps is about a journey that starts and ends in the same place. A journey that gets repeated over and over again.” Read the full feature below…

Words by Antonia Kuenzel

EQ: Cassian, tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you want to get into music.

C: I’m from Australia, grew up between Melbourne & Sydney. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t into music. I grew up with a piano in the house, learned that from as early as I can remember then onto guitar and then onto electronic music production from when I was about 18. It’s something I’ve always been obsessed with. I actually started on a finance degree after high school but a band I was playing keys for at the time started touring around Australia and I left & never came back to it. I love analogue synths and quiet rooms with a/c & expensive speakers.

EQ: What has gaining success in the industry taught you so far? Is there any advice you can give to aspiring producers?

C: Success is such a relative term. I’m 10 years deep and feel as though I’m just getting started. Everyone is different but the advice I’d tell myself 10 years ago is to be patient, be critical of your work but also proud of it.

EQ: You’ve worked with great names such as RÜFÜS DU SOL and Hayden James, what was working with all these artists like? Is there a dream collaboration on your mind?

C: The artists I get to work with as a mixer & producer are all amazing. Those guys in particular are some of my closest friends & biggest inspirations. I first met Hayden when I was 16. He was the DJ for a hip-hop band & I was playing lead guitar in a glam rock band. I first met the RÜFÜS DU SOL guys when I opened up for them to around 200 people at a small venue in Bondi. Last year they sold out a show in LA with 20,000 people. Now that the album is done, collaborating with my friends as an artist is at the top of my to-do list.