Kasum: “I think music that is art will always stick around” [Interview]

You might not yet be familiar with the name but chances are, you’ve probably heard one of Kasum’s signature throwback punk turned EDM remixes. College student by day, and mastermind producer at night; if anyone has the drive to make it to the top, it’s Brandon Weiss aka Kasum. In one short year, Kasum has skyrocketed his potential and continues to grow at a light speed rate.

His most recent remix of Sum 41’s “In Too Deep” even gained support from the band and he has a few more plans up his sleeve for the future.

Download Kasum’s WRR Radio Mix

We also got a chance to talk with this blossoming star about his favorite remix he’s completed, his upcoming moves, and where he thinks electronic music is heading for 2014.

You’ve become quite known for your remixes of 90’s-2000’s classic punk and pop songs. Will this pattern continue? What are some of your next remixes you have in mind/getting ready to release? 

“I’ve really grown to love this niche I’ve found in remixing nostalgic rock songs and in the future I plan on remixing some of my favorite punk rock songs for sure! The remix I’ve just finished is of Ain’t It Fun, by Paramore. Beyond that I’ll be releasing my first single, a collaboration with Synchronice that will be coming out soon.”

What were some of your influences for creating your next remix of Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun”?

“I really love Hayley Williams’ voice and I wanted to make something pretty and I ended up trying something new by making it more trap-influenced. I feel like the end result still maintains the Kasum feel and sounds while sounding different.”

What artist(s) would you be most excited to work with?

“I would love to work with Seven Lions or The Chainsmokers.”

Out of all the remixes that you’ve done, which one is your favorite? 

“Musically I would say my Sum 41 remix was my favorite to make! I actually started it back in February. That remix actually went through quite a few versions before it reached its final form. That said, I love each remix like it were one of my children haha!”

How do you think that your style has changed from your first Soundcloud track ( Timeflies – I Choose You (Kasum Remix) ) to your most recent remix of Sum 41’s “In Too Deep”? 

“I’m trying to still keep everything melodic; that’s what best represents me and for that reason its very important to me. That Timeflies remix was something I made as sort of a trial run to see how I was at making music, and it naturally became a melodic-dubstep remix. The Sum 41 remix turned out being more progressive-house tuned because I felt that I could make something more fun and summery at 128 bpm. I don’t like to be confined to a style and my next remix actually taps into that whole chill-trap vibe.”

Do you have any sort of ritual or habit to get you in the right mood to produce?

“I need to have a large coffee near me before I’ll even thing of opening my computer. I’m simple when it comes to that I suppose!”

How many hours a week would you say you spend making music?

“This summer I’ve found myself spending about 8-10 hours a day on music every single day. I wake up at 7:30 and I get right into it. I’ve been trying to get as much done during the summer because once the fall comes I’ll get busy with school and shows again.”

If you had to choose between DJing and producing, which would you say is your favorite? 

“They’re both so different and I love both sides of it! I love DJ’ing but actually producing music brings me so much joy. When I’m able to read nice things (and some not so nice things) that people have written about songs I’ve made, that’s what makes it worth it. To answer the question though I don’t think I could choose.

Where do you see the evolution of electronic dance music going in 2014? 

“It’s an interesting question, but I think EDM is moving towards more musical music (don’t know if that’s grammatically correct). By that I mean people seem to be trying to make more music rather than just straight up bangers and frankly I like it alot. The big-room stuff or whatever it is that people are hating on will eventually pass. The music that is art will always stick around.”

Be on the lookout for his latest remix of Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun” coming out September 9th!

Connect with Kasum:

https://www.facebook.com/KA5UM
https://twitter.com/itskasum
https://soundcloud.com/kasum

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