LA-based artist Kastle is currently making some of the most forward-leaning music on the entire planet. As owner and head visionary at Symbols Records, he's consistently released club-smashing productions that seamlessly mesh sounds like soothing R&B, Garage, hands-in-the-air UK House, hip-hop and tantalizing future bass. He's also used his label to introduce us to a slew of other intriguing artists like Lindsay Lowend and most recently, Vindata. Barret Richards, Kastle's real name, is an impressive tastemaker, serious multi-tasker and one of dance music's most intriguing artists. This very weekend he will storm New York with an anticipated performance at EDC NY's HARD stage, for an afternoon set. Platinum recently got some time to have a quick chat with this friendly young gentleman before his talked about weekend appearance.Platinum: How do you adjust your game plan to perform to such a larger crowd?
Kastle: I just have to make sure I'm playing powerful enough tracks that'll fill up that open air. In smaller clubs I can get away with some deeper and more dynamic stuff. But either way, I'll still be playing stuff that I hope will challenge the crowd to feel something new.What do you think is most magical about witnessing live music in an open air setting?
It's always good to get a little closer to nature. While I love those small, dark clubs its refreshing to be out in the open for a change.What was the first festival you ever attended?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, so it was more than likely one of the early WEMF's probably either in 1999 or 2000.If you could see any artist or band (living or dead) headline a music festival who would it be?
It would be amazing to see Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis perform together. The vibe and chemistry they created together is unreal.What do you always pack in your festival suitcase?
Hand sanitizer.Funnel cake or festie pizza?
Funnel cake, obviously.Who are you looking forward to catch sets from at EDC NY?
I'm kind of curious as to what John Digweed has been up to. It's been a really long time since I've seen him play, and his sets were always legendary so I'll probably head over to see him after I am done.
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Kastle: I just have to make sure I'm playing powerful enough tracks that'll fill up that open air. In smaller clubs I can get away with some deeper and more dynamic stuff. But either way, I'll still be playing stuff that I hope will challenge the crowd to feel something new.What do you think is most magical about witnessing live music in an open air setting?
It's always good to get a little closer to nature. While I love those small, dark clubs its refreshing to be out in the open for a change.What was the first festival you ever attended?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, so it was more than likely one of the early WEMF's probably either in 1999 or 2000.If you could see any artist or band (living or dead) headline a music festival who would it be?
It would be amazing to see Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis perform together. The vibe and chemistry they created together is unreal.What do you always pack in your festival suitcase?
Hand sanitizer.Funnel cake or festie pizza?
Funnel cake, obviously.Who are you looking forward to catch sets from at EDC NY?
I'm kind of curious as to what John Digweed has been up to. It's been a really long time since I've seen him play, and his sets were always legendary so I'll probably head over to see him after I am done.