Our Convo with Caspa: Southern Hip Hop, Hospitality, and the Current State of Dubstep [INTERVIEW]

BY ANASTASIIA AND STEPHEN RIDDLE

The word “Dubstep” is so commonly used throughout the EDM scene that it honestly has become harder and harder to keep track of what it really IS anymore. After what seems like a 10-year reign of Tearout, Riddim and Brostep over the Bass music scene, the rise of artists such as Peekaboo, Tape B, Levity, Zingara and many others has proved that the roots of it all still lie in Dubstep. 

We had the opportunity to talk with an artist that influenced all of the DJs listed above and damn near every other one in the scene today. Some say the sounds we know today wouldn't have been possible without his early work. A man who claims to be, and always has been, “Dubstep since Dubstep.” 

Caspa. 

The name is as synonymous with Dubstep as Atlanta is with chicken wings. The legend himself throws down at Terminal West on Saturday, July 6th, and he left a message for all the Atlanta Dubstep fans: “Let’s celebrate Dubstep since Dubstep.

Photo by John Verwey

Atlanta EDM: While Atlanta is said to be the birthplace of trap music, do you see any influence of southern US hip hop/rap in today’s dubstep?

Caspa:  Oh yes definitely - I feel that's been the US way of helping the whole process and understanding of dubstep. They had something very similar in hip hop in general but with the big 808s and drums, trap is just as close to dubstep as is Grime in the UK. On a slightly separate note when I was in Dallas back in 2007/08 playing on one of my first tours, I wanted to get influenced by the local sound and scene. I picked up a CD at a mixtape store called Swishahouse Presents Screwed and Chopped. Blew my mind and inspired me to write lots of music including a track called 'Purple Stuff' which was on my 2009 Everybody's Talking, Nobody’s Listening Album.

Atlanta EDM: What are some ways the dubstep scene in America differs from the UK and what are things the two scenes could learn from each other?

Caspa: The UK is a giant melting pot of cultures which has a big influence on all of the UK sound. I feel it’s similar in the US but no way as detailed and deep like that. What I appreciate about the USA particularly is its open arms to embrace new things. It really helps people being able to express themselves on a large scale. The UK is similar but way more competitive and cutthroat as they say. You must also remember the UK is smaller in size; you can fit the whole continent into California about 3/4 times just for scale. The US is more vast with lots of areas and scenes to explore.

Photo by John Verwey

Atlanta EDM: What are your thoughts on the growth of dubstep/bass music around the world over the last few years?

Caspa: It’s changed rapidly. There has also been a return back round to its roots and sound. I am loving the growth and watching its journey is great – we are in a positive place right now. In some way, I would say it’s not bigger than ever but definitely stronger and wider! There is a real open-arms attitude to all music that is good rather than who made it and where it’s from.

Atlanta EDM: Dubstep has grown and evolved in so many different ways over the years, but who are some artists that are currently pushing their sounds in ways you really appreciate?

Caspa: There are so many people I am really digging right now. I can reel off some artists in my sets right now EAZYBAKED, Peekaboo, Distinct Motive, MYTHM, Ternion Sound, Hypho, The Widdler, Cartridge, Die By The Sword and the list goes on and on if I’m honest. The scene is so healthy and diverse right now I absolutely love seeing it. I’ve watched the whole journey from 50 people to 50,000 and beyond.

Atlanta EDM: What are some things you get excited about when you see Atlanta on your tour dates?

Caspa: The southern hospitality and the vibe that is always brought. I always have a good time here and people in ATL know how to throw down man.

Photo by John Verwey

Atlanta EDM: What are some things outside of music that have inspired you to create?

Caspa: Living in London and its mixtures of cultures has been a huge one. Food is always an inspiration randomly too. They are connected in some way as it comes from the soul - good music and food.

Atlanta EDM: And finally, do you have any messages you’d like to send out to your Atlanta fan base?

Caspa; Yes, get your skins down to Terminal West on Saturday, and lets celebrate DUBSTEP SINCE DUBSTEP and the great artists on the lineup. BIG UPS TO THE CREATORS AND THE RAVERS LOVE TO ALL!