Peace, love, unity, and respect are words that ravers throw around a lot. But rarely do you meet a partier who steadfastly lives by that code, let alone a producer, like Kaskade, whose music so honestly captures the PLUR spirit.
He's quickly become one of the most beloved producer-DJs on the EDM scene. And lately, he's risen to the absolute pinnacle of his career, setting out on a nationwide arena tour that'll arrive at the American Airlines Arena on Saturday, September 14.
Still, though, he remains humble, keeping his ego in check and his message as clear and purposeful as ever.
How do we know he's really about that PLUR life? Well, this quick background check is pretty convincing.
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He Was Born Ryan Raddon, February 25, 1971
Kaskade was born in Evanston, Illinois, in '71. So if you hurry and do the math, you'll find he's now 42 years old. With his boyish mug, you'd never guess the years of experience this bro is packing. But he'd already been all around the world and back before he even found footing as a professional DJ. In fact, he started honing his spin skills all the way back in 1989, so that's more than 20 years of real jockey cred. No wonder he's filling arenas.
He Served as a Mormon Missionary in Japan
Kaskade's music sounds like a big, lush sonic burst of peace and love for all mankind, and maybe that's because this guy's actually got warm PLUR feelings for the whole world. Back when he was 19, he took a break from his collegiate studies to spread the word of God in Japan as a missionary with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, AKA the Mormons. Not to be sacrilegious, but now we're totally going to picture Kaskade on stage in that magic underwear.
He's a Good Old Family Man
While some DJs like to be the center of the party, Kaskade keeps himself grounded by focusing on the love of his family. After his missionary work in Japan, Raddon finished school at the University of Utah. It was there he met his wife, Naomi, who was also a beat-freaking snowboarder. They later moved to San Francisco to be close to her family, which turned out to he best thing possible for his career. The emerging deep house scene gave Kaskade the foundation upon which to build his new artistic identity. Even as his career began to take off, he made sure to put family first, and now the couple is happily married with three children, still going strong.
He Helped Push Miami PLUR Star Molly Casa to National Recognition
Have you seen Molly? Y'know, that blonde, glittery rainbow babe that appears at all the best EDM shows in Miami and across the country, giving off PLUR vibes and generally making the world a shinier, happier place? Well, technically, she's going by the name Lady Casa now. And wouldn't you know it, but her renown springs from a fateful Kaskade show right here in the 305. She came out all painted and kandi-fied and met the man, who then helped broadcast her message of peace and love to his followers. After that, the secret was out, and she's been spreading love ever since.
He Really Wants You to Party Responsibly
Kaskade loves Molly Casa, but he doesn't love all these drug-related deaths going at EDM festivals and club shows, making the news. Overdosing is not acceptable, especially when it's so easy to take the proper precautions or even not take drugs at all. Dance music is about dancing, good music, and good friends. It's not about putting yourself in danger or being afraid to look soft when everyone else is dropping pills. Recently, Kaskade got together with some of his fellow producers to put together a public service announcement, warning young, new partiers about the very real danger of uneducated drug use. Please, when attending the Kaskade show this weekend, make him proud and party responsibly.
Kaskade's Atmosphere Tour. Saturday, September 14, at American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $25 to $85 plus fees via ticketmaster.com. All ages. Call 786-777-1000 or visit aaarena.com.
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