2015: The year that saw Caspa move back to his London roots, complete his raw, rugged, forthright 500 album project and reunite with Rusko. Label-wise he’s also supported new wave talent with Dub Police releases from the likes of Notixx, Badklaat, Fallen 45 and label mainstays Variations.

As Caspa reflects on the year that’s just been, it seems new talent is a key theme… But he has stern words for those who aren’t willing to invest everything into their own future.

This is how 2015 looked from Caspa’s point of view. As always, he doesn’t hold back…

There are so many new artists  who don’t even know what they want or have an idea of how they’re going to do it. It’s madness. I can’t nurture that.

2015 According To… Caspa

“It’s been an interesting couple of years to be honest, but 2015 has been the best in a while for me personally. Getting 500 together and out was a huge process; it started in January 2014 when I moved to Denver, it was a massive project and an important one for me to put my stamp down and go back to my roots and be honest about it.

“It’s important for me in many ways… I want to be respected for what I do, rather than being famous. I’ve found that a lot of newer listeners think dubstep is that one style; the big EDM crossover, screechy noise sound. 500 was me basically saying ‘it’s not all about that. Remember this?’ There’s A LOT more to dubstep than what you see on a main stage at a festival.

“Looking at the broader picture, there have been some really exciting people emerge in recent years who are killing it on a next generation tip: 50 Carrot and all the Gentlemen’s Club, Bukez Finezt, Notixx, Badklaat and a few more. They’ve taken that old school stripped back feeling and twisting it in their own way.

“This is crucial for anyone who loves dubstep: the fact there’s a new generation guys with their new generation of fans means there’s a future. I’m always playing on line-ups with them guys; it shows there’s a future of the scene. It reminds me there’s new blood in the scene and the scene will keep on going. It would be depressing if there wasn’t.

“But not all of the new generation are like them guys: They’re making things happen for themselves… Not everyone is like that. There are so many new artists  who don’t even know what they want or have an idea of how they’re going to do it. It’s madness. I can’t nurture that. Of course there’s guys who we release music from… Anyone who does get a release on the label has a proper vision. But sadly it seems like most people just want to be famous.

“Fame appears easy. Maybe it is in EDM but it isn’t easy in dubstep now. And this is great because you see who the real dedicated guys are. That’s another key thing I’ve noticed in 2015: seeing who’s around and who’s not. We’ve seen it in D&B, we’ve seen it in garage, it’s happening in dubstep but there seems to be more guys in dubstep who just wanted an easy ride… Which is what we had for a few years. Now it’s down to those who give a shit about the creations and the sounds and the vibe. And not the money. You have to invest in this – physically and financially.

“By the way: This isn’t a shot at anyone in particular. It’s just what I see happening on many labels. The sooner you realise you want to make a stand you have to get up, do it and put your money where your mouth is. If you can’t do that, there’s no future in it for you. Even some of the older guys say to me ‘oh man it’s dead’. I’m like ‘when was the last time you put your own money into this? Put the fucking work in!’ This is just what I’ve picked up over the last 12-24 months… While I’ve been working on developing my own sound and really thinking about what I want to make, how I’m going to make it and what it means to me.

“Getting back in the studio with Rusko  was also another reminder of my original passion; the minute we were both in the studio we focused on the buzz and the love for the music and the energy. Seven years of not being in the studio; that vibe is still there. It’s like ‘fuck it, let’s do it for ourselves and see if people like it.’ It’s funny… We both agreed it wouldn’t be about the money or the constant touring and bullshit and everything.

“I’m really excited about 2016 now… The next official Caspa & Rusko show will be in March for Rampage. However we are working on small really amazing one off play across the world. We’re taking time, we’re controlling it ourselves and doing what we want to do and when we want to do. We don’t want to rinse shit. The music has to come first… And trust me we’ve got stacks of music. Get ready…”

2015: Caspa’s Soundtrack

EDGEM

“I’ve been listening to a lot of grime this year. Who hasn’t? The instrumental beats are really inspiring and I love how these guys have formed and created something new.”

Variations

“They’re constantly popping. Constantly sending ideas to me all the time. They’re a good example of guys investing into their vision and working fucking hard.”

John Murphy

“I’ve been listening to loads of cinematic music; John Murphy has done loads of soundtracks like 28 Days Later. He inspired so much of 500. I love how he pieces music together to make you feel so strong emotions with just an atmosphere.”