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Tune in to episode 7 of our Blessed Up mix series. This month we have resident @don_muzik with @djkuest! Read more about Kade Young below and listen to their feature at minute 33:
> Can you give us a brief artist bio?
>> Kade Young is a dance music producer and DJ from Baltimore, MD. Kade’s been making noise in the Baltimore scene recently, championing a combined love for deep house and club music that’s made for a unique style of production and DJ sets. He’s also a cofounder of Midnight Club, a collective of Baltimore club artists and DJs that puts on a locally acclaimed monthly party of the same name.
In May 2021 Kade released his first original EP, “Supra”, and has since dropped a steady stream of remixes and edits on Bandcamp to increasing popularity. Along with his releases, Kade’s sets have become a growing staple in Baltimore nightlife, energizing dance floors with melodic, hard-hitting mixes, bridging the gaps between breaks, club, house, and techno.
In 2022, Kade has since made his NYC debut, appearing at popular Brooklyn clubs Moodring and Jupiter Disco, and recently played to a sold out crowd at DC’s premiere dance music venue, Flash. Later this year, Kade hopes to release his 2nd EP of original music while continuing to hone his skills as an artist.
>When was the first time you realized you wanted to be a DJ?
>>I’ve wanted to be a musician since I was 12, when I first started playing guitar after watching my grandfather do so for years. I also grew up watching my dad do his thing as a house DJ and producer, and felt inspired by his incredible talent and consistency.
It wasn’t until I was about 18 that I really got into making beats and learning to mix. The first program I learned production on was CuBase, and my first piece of DJ gear was a shitty, plastic Numark Mixtrack Pro. This was before Numark started adding filters and performance pads to their novice controllers, and the thing would constantly have issues.
I knew I wanted to do this, and only this, when I started playing packed college parties and found friends who liked performing and producing as much as me. Those early years playing sweaty house parties off a laptop and flimsy controller, staying up all night making beats in dorm rooms were some of the best times and really got me inspired.
>What are your favorite songs at the moment?
>>My favorite songs right now are probably 7-in-1 pack by CalvoMusic, Final Fantasy by Lil Uzi Vert, and the entire BRC 2 release from Black Rave Culture.
>What advice would you give to up and coming DJs?
>>It feels weird giving advice, since I’m still growing myself. But I’d say it’s important to go out and support your local scene. You can be a great artist but won’t get anywhere if you try to do it alone. Don’t support people expecting to get something back, but also understand that you won’t get any love if you’re stingy with giving it out.
I’ll also say the best way to learn is by going to shows. I got a lot better at producing and DJing once I started paying attention to what kinds of tracks worked at the club and what didn’t. Don’t be afraid to be humble and to learn. At the end of the day you’re there to help people have a good time- so listen to your audience and the people around you.
- Genre
- Club