Dublab radio contributor and Far Away’s crew member Sage Caswell has been delivering some of the freshest output to come from the west coast for more than a while already. Since teaming up with Cromie for their 2013’s breakthrough 12” Vines/Pyrex, the 27 year old DJ/producer proved to be quite of a talent when it comes to loose and heady dance music.
Last month Caswell returned to Guillaume Galuz’s Spring Theory imprint to release his debut album, ‘Hoop Earring‘, a work which over the course of 10 tracks efficiently melts warm ambiances and soft psychedelics into lo-fi licked textures of house music. For the multi-media enthusiasts, it also comes with a video, helping visualise the larger mythology encompassed throughout the album.
To celebrate the release of his debut long player we caught up with Caswell, who’s put together a mix of amiable dancefloor pulses and ambient recoils to kick off 2017 under the best auspices.
Interview by Ben Bar-Or Photography by Daniel Huertero & Sinziana Velicisu
"I like to go in knowing there’s some stuff I might like to play but I never truly know where I’ll end up, and I think this mix does a good job of reflecting that."
Hey thanks for the mix delivery! Can you tell us about the selection process and the general idea behind your mix and where it was recorded?
You’re welcome and thank you for having me! I recorded the mix standing naked in my kitchen late at night on my laptop and it features some new and older songs that I think are great.
The idea behind the mix was to jam out the way I do on my radio show – “From Now On” – First Monday’s of every month on Dublab. I like to go in knowing there’s some stuff I might like to play but I never truly know where I’ll end up, and I think this mix does a good job of reflecting that.
What were your first experiences with electronic music?
I grew up with my Mom playing an assortment of electronic stuff so it was always around, though it wasn’t my primary shit. My first truly tripped out moment was seeing Daft Punk in 2007 at the Sports Coliseum – Ever since then I found myself and my life immersed in mostly musical capacities.
Out of the music territory, where else do you find inspiration?
My family and friends and all of the things that I assimilate.
Your debut album ‘Hoop Earring’ was just released via Spring Theory last month. How long was it in the works for? How was your approach had changed in opposed to a regular EP for example?
I started some of the songs on ‘Hoop Earring’ as early as 2014 – I knew that some of the songs were suited for a larger project when I made them, it just became about fitting each puzzle piece together I guess. It’s ultimately no different than creating anything else, just a longer and more thoughtful process is all.
What kind of emotions do you expect someone to feel when listening to the album?
I don’t have any expectations of anyone’s emotions when listening to my music or this album. I’m thrilled if something that I made can elicit an emotional response from someone, but what that response is, is personal.
"My first truly tripped out moment was seeing Daft Punk in 2007 at the Sports Coliseum - Ever since then I found myself and my life immersed in mostly musical capacities."
You’ve already released an EP on Spring Theory in 2015, how did you get involved with the label from the start?
My friend Cooper initially linked Guillaume (Spring Theory) and I up – Guillaume liked what I sent him and the rest is history! We have good chemistry when working towards creating something together and that’s important to me.
Can you recall some of your personal highlights from 2016?
My personal highlight from 2016 was putting out ‘Hoop Earring’.
Sage Caswell – Hoop Earring [Spring Theory]
As We all are, you are probably still heartbroken and devastated by the fire tragedy that happened a month ago in Oakland, What kind of an impact do you think it will have on underground / alternative spaces in the Bay Area and North America in general? What steps are need to be taken in order to make these events safer?
At this time it is more important to consider honouring the lives of those lost in any way you can here. If you’re able to, please also consider making a donation to any of the links below or contained therein:
Help Ghost Ship – Oakland Fire Relief Effort
They Sleep We Live – Johnny Igaz
Support Fund for Chelsea Dolan’s Family
How does your 2107 calendar read at the moment and what would you like to achieve in 2017?
I will be sharing more stuff in the 2017 and I’m happy to be in the zone! Thanks again!
TRACKLIST
1. Fantastic Man – Legoman
2. Bell Le Roy & Larry Leaba – Burnt Ends (Sweet & Spicy Mix)
3. Siriusmo – Petit Cochon
4. A Made Up Sound – Bygones
5. Nackt & Kendig – Night System
6. DJ Overdose – Path To Rath (S Olbricht Remix)
7. Shit Robot – Is There No End (Khotin Remix)
8. DJ Steaw – Frogman
9. Mr. G – 4am NYC Downlow (TS Version)
10. Youth Spells – July 2
11. Michael Claus – Outro
12. Roberto – New Sensation
13. Signal Flex – Copper Pipes $1.66 lb
Discover more about Sage Caswell and Spring Theory on Inverted Audio.
Sage CaswellFar Away TapesPeachSpring TheoryElectronic