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Kaskade
Kaskade
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Key Information

Ryan Gary Raddon (born February 25, 1971),[4] better known by his stage name Kaskade, is an American DJ, singer, songwriter, music producer and remixer. DJ Times voted Kaskade as "America's Best DJ" in 2011 and 2013.[5] DJ Mag named Kaskade fifty-first on its 2009 list of Top 100 DJs.[6]

Early life

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Born in Chicago,[7] Kaskade grew up in nearby Northbrook and attended Glenbrook North High School.[8] As a teenager, he bought music at Gramaphone Records on Clark Street in Chicago.[9] His brother, Rich Raddon, became an entrepreneur and film producer.[10] Ryan attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah from 1989 to 1990, working on DJ skills in his dorm room.[7][11] At age 19, Ryan Raddon went on a two-year full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan.[7] Next he went to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, eventually graduating with a degree in communications.[7][12] While attending school, Kaskade and his close friend Jodi Call ran a record store in Salt Lake City called Mechanized.[13]

Career

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1995–2000: Early beginnings

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In 1995, Raddon was a DJ at his first monthly Monday night party at a basement venue called Club Manhattan. He used the additional income to purchase studio essentials.[13] In May 2000, Raddon moved to San Francisco with his wife where he got a job working as an A&R assistant to John Elkins at Om Records, a house and electronic label. To Raddon's benefit, San Francisco was an emerging site of a new deep house movement.[13] While at OM records he continued DJing and producing music. Soon after, Raddon created his alter ego, Kaskade, which his wife worried would remind people of the dish detergent.[14] He took his stage name from a nature book when he saw a picture of a waterfall and a co-worker agreed "cascade" was a good choice, but he changed the spelling. His name is not from the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest as fans sometimes cite.[15]

After mixing the third volume in the Sounds of Om series, Ryan was offered a three-album deal for Kaskade. He kicked off the deal with a full-length house debut, It's You, It's Me. Garnering critical acclaim, spawning several singles, and receiving a prestigious Dance Star nomination for Best New Artist, the release put Kaskade squarely on the dance music world's radar.[16] Concentrating on his DJing skills, Kaskade started to experiment and develop his own sound.[17]

2001–2006: Debut single

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Kaskade released his first single "What I Say" on the label in 2001.[18] In the Moment was Kaskade's first top 10 single with "Steppin' Out" reaching No. 5 on Billboard Magazine's Hot Dance Club Play chart and No. 6 on Dance Radio Airplay.[19] The fourth single to be released from the album, "Everything", reached No. 1 on Billboard Magazine's Hot Dance Club Play.[19]

Kaskade's fourth solo album Love Mysterious was released in September 2006.[20] The first single from the album, "Be Still", reached No. 4 on Billboard Magazine's Hot Dance Club Play.[19] The single features vocalist Sunsun, and includes remixes by Jay-J and Robbie Rivera. Follow up single "Stars Align" hit number No. 8 on "Billboard Magazine" Hot Dance Airplay chart and just missed the top ten, No. 11, on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. His fourth single released from "Love Mysterious", "Sorry", was his third consecutive top ten hit on Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay Chart, at No. 9. Dirty South provided a remix for "Sorry". The remix was nominated for a 2008 Grammy for Best Remixed Recording.

2006–2009: Ultra Records and Deadmau5

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In late 2006, Kaskade left OM Records and signed with Ultra Records. He worked with electronic musician Deadmau5 from Niagara Falls, Ontario to produce tracks on Strobelite Seduction, including the first single (released as an EP) "Move for Me". The single became his fifth top ten hit on Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay Chart, reaching the number one position in its September 6, 2008 issue.[21] It also gave Kaskade his first number one single on this chart. The dance single became a crossover hit and reached number 71 on the Canadian Hot 100 as of February 14, 2009. "I Remember", another collaboration with Deadmau5, became his first UK hit, peaking inside the top 15 on the UK Singles Chart. The video-clip which accompanied "I Remember" was filmed in Manchester, England. The single became his second chart topper on the Billboard dance chart. The follow-up single, "Angel on My Shoulder" with Tamra Keenan, was also a success on the dance chart, placing fifth on Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay Chart. His song "Step One Two" was the last single from the album, being released late in 2008.

2010–2015: Headlining UMF and Grammy nominations

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In 2010, he had another number one Billboard Hot Dance Airplay track with "Dynasty", featuring Haley Gibby on vocals.[22] In March 2012, Kaskade headlined at Ultra Music Festival in Miami performing before Armin van Buuren on Sunday night.[23]

In April 2012, Kaskade played two weekends at Coachella Festival in Indio, California.[24] In June 2012, he was one of the headlining acts at Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas.[25] Also in June 2012, he started the "Freaks of Nature" summer tour in support of his released album Fire & Ice.[26] In December 2013, Kaskade was nominated for two Grammy Awards: the song "Atmosphere" for Best Dance Recording and the album Atmosphere for Best Dance/Electronica Album. In 2014, Kaskade was listed as the No. 8 highest paid DJ in the world according to Forbes, earning $17 million.[27]

In 2015, he appeared on BYUtv's Studio C. Additionally in 2015, he headlined Coachella alongside Drake for two weekends and, over the course of the two weekends, pulled in the two largest crowds the festival had ever seen.[28]

2015–present: Automatic, Kaskade Christmas and Kx5

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On September 25, 2015, Kaskade released his album Automatic featuring collaborations with CID, Galantis, John Dahlbäck and Two Nations.[29] On November 24, 2017, Kaskade released a Christmas-themed album titled "Kaskade Christmas".[30] In 2022, Kaskade and Deadmau5 announced a collaboration project named Kx5, marking the fourth time the producers have worked together. The first single from the project, "Escape", was released on March 11.[31] On January 27, 2023, Deadmau5 announced the self-titled Kx5 album will be releasing March 17, 2023.[32][needs update]

On November 17, 2023, Kaskade released his second Christmas-themed album titled "Kaskade Christmas Volume 2".[33] On February 11, 2024, he performed at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas both before and during the game, making him the first DJ to perform throughout the Super Bowl. He replaced Tiësto, who dropped out after a family emergency.[34]

Other projects

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On May 30, 2010, Kaskade became a resident DJ for daytime pool parties at the Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas. The parties were entitled "Kaskade Sundays".[35] On March 26, 2021, he had a virtual event happen in the popular video game Fortnite.

Personal life

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Raddon has three children from his previous marriage.[36] He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[37] His net worth was estimated to be US$50 million as of 2023, making him one of the Top 20 highest net worth DJ/producers in the world.[38]

On October 17, 2024, it was reported on TMZ that Raddon's wife Naomi filed for divorce, ending their relationship of 28 years.[39]

Discography

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Official tours

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  • Urban Tour (2011)
  • Freaks of Nature Tour (2012)
  • United States Formula 1 Grand Prix Weekend (2012)
  • It's You, It's Me Redux Tour (2013)
  • Atmosphere Tour (2013)
  • Redux Tour 001(2014)[40]
  • Automatic Tour (2015)
  • Redux 002 (2017)
  • Redux 003 (2019)

Awards and nominations

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Grammy Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2013 Fire & Ice Best Dance/Electronica Album Nominated
2014 Atmosphere Nominated
"Atmosphere" Best Dance Recording Nominated
2015 "Smile (Kaskade Edit)" Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical Nominated
2016 "Runaway (U & I) (Kaskade Remix)" Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical Nominated
2017 "Only (Kaskade x Lipless Remix)" Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical Nominated
2019 Stargazing (Kaskade Remix) Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical Nominated

America's Best DJ Award

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Year Place
2009 4th[41]
2010 2nd[42]
2011 1st[43]
2013 1st[44]
2015 2nd[45]
2016 2nd[46]
2017 6th[47]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kaskade is the stage name of Ryan Gary Raddon (born February 25, 1971), an American DJ, , and remixer renowned for his contributions to , particularly in the genre. Born in , , he grew up influenced by the city's scene before moving to in the early 1990s, where he began DJing while attending the and later founded the Mechanized Records label. Raddon's career gained momentum in the early 2000s with the release of his debut studio album, It's You, It's Me (2003), which earned praise from outlets like Billboard for its innovative sound design. He achieved commercial breakthrough with albums such as Strobelight Seduction (2008), his biggest seller to date, and Dynasty (2010), marking his first entry on the Billboard 200 chart. Subsequent releases like Fire & Ice (2011), which earned his first Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album, and Atmosphere (2013), which debuted at number one on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart, solidified his status. An eight-time Grammy nominee, Kaskade has been recognized for works including his remix of Kygo's "Stargazing" (2019) and the collaborative project Kx5 with deadmau5 (2023). Pioneering the model of extended Las Vegas residencies, Kaskade has sold out arenas across North America and influenced the EDM landscape through high-profile performances at festivals like Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival. In recent years, he has explored live "Redux" sets in intimate venues and announced his first traditional studio album in a decade, undux, set for release on December 4, 2025, signaling a return to deeply personal songwriting.

Early life and background

Childhood in Chicago

Ryan Gary Raddon, professionally known as Kaskade, was born on February 25, 1971, in , , into a family with deep Midwestern roots. He spent his early years in the affluent suburb of Northbrook, just outside the city, where he was raised in a middle-class household as the third of five children. His father operated a small independent finance company, with his mother providing assistance in the family business, fostering a stable environment focused on community and entrepreneurial values. Raddon's childhood was marked by typical suburban activities, including a passion for and associating with a group of unconventional peers who often traveled into the city for social outings. Without any formal musical training, he began developing an affinity for music through everyday exposures like radio broadcasts and family record collections, which introduced him to the vibrant sounds of pop and emerging electronic genres. This period laid the groundwork for his later interests, though his engagement remained casual and exploratory. During his teenage years at , Raddon immersed himself in school activities while discovering Chicago's influential club scene from afar. He frequently took the train into the city to visit Medusa's, a progressive teen , where he first encountered the pioneering of DJs like , sparking a deep appreciation for the genre's energetic and inclusive vibe. At this stage, his involvement was limited to listening and purchasing records from stores like Gramophone Records on Clark Street, with no hands-on DJing or production yet. These experiences in Chicago's cultural undercurrents subtly shaped his musical sensibilities before his family's relocation to in his early adulthood.

Education and initial music exposure

In the late 1980s, Ryan Raddon, born in and raised in the suburb of , relocated to , to attend (BYU), motivated by his family's devout membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a desire to connect with a community of shared faith. Enrolling in 1989 at age 18, Raddon spent one year at BYU, where he initially focused on academics but soon balanced his studies with an emerging interest in music, bringing crates of vinyl records from his Chicago collection and experimenting with DJing at dorm parties and small gatherings with friends. His time at BYU proved brief, as he departed after the 1989–1990 academic year to serve a two-year mission for the LDS Church in , postponing formal education in favor of this religious commitment. Upon returning from his mission around 1992, Raddon moved to nearby to resume his studies at the , earning a in in 1995 while deepening his engagement with music. To support himself, he co-owned and operated Mechanized Records, a specialty shop focused on dance and electronic music, which exposed him to a wide array of and electronic tracks from around the world and connected him with local enthusiasts. This environment marked his first structured immersion in the genre, allowing him to curate selections influenced by his roots—particularly the soulful, vocal-driven pioneered in the 1980s—and experiment informally with mixing and remixing for store customers. At Mechanized, Raddon transitioned from DJing to hands-on production, setting up a basic studio in the back of the store where he taught himself the fundamentals of electronic music creation using early computer-based tools and analog equipment. His initial efforts focused on non-commercial bedroom-style demos, drawing heavily from Chicago house influences like Frankie Knuckles and the emotive, groove-oriented sounds he had encountered as a teenager, without any immediate aim for release or professional validation. These self-directed experiments, often produced in spare moments amid his studies and store duties, laid the groundwork for his technical skills and solidified his passion, ultimately motivating him to prioritize music over completing further academic pursuits after graduation.

Career

1993–2000: Early production and local DJing

In 1993, Ryan Raddon, who would later become known as , adopted his inspired by the of a to represent the flowing, continuous style of his music productions. This marked the beginning of his focused entry into electronic music creation, drawing from his growing interest in honed during high school trips to clubs. His background in communications from the provided foundational skills in digital audio production during this period. Raddon's initial productions were self-released on his own imprint, Mechanized Records, based in , where he experimented with tracks aimed at the local underground scene. He also contributed material to the compilation Chicago House Classics, issued by Music, which helped introduce his early work to a slightly broader audience within the community. These efforts remained confined to independent and regional outlets, emphasizing remixes and original tracks for indie artists without achieving wider distribution. Throughout the late , Kaskade built a modest following through regular DJ sets in venues like Club Medusas and in clubs, where he launched a weekly night from to 1998. These performances in the underground scene allowed him to refine his sets, blending emerging elements with vocal-driven tracks, and fostered connections within regional electronic music circles. By 2000, this local groundwork had solidified his reputation among small but dedicated enthusiasts in both cities.

2001–2005: Relocation and debut releases

In 2000, Ryan Raddon, known as Kaskade, relocated to the with his wife, seeking greater opportunities in the burgeoning electronic music scene. Shortly after arriving, he secured a position as an A&R assistant at Om Records, a prominent San Francisco-based label specializing in and electronic music, where he reviewed demos and supported artist development during the day. Kaskade's debut single, "What I Say," was released in 2001 on Om Records, marking his first official output under the moniker and appearing on the compilation Sound Design Volume 2. This led to a three-album deal with the label, culminating in his full-length debut It's You, It's Me in 2003, which featured vocal house tracks such as "I Thought It Was You," emphasizing soulful melodies and deep grooves rooted in his influences. The album showcased his emerging style of with emotive vocals, gaining notice within underground circles. Building on this momentum, Kaskade released his follow-up album In the Moment in 2004, further highlighting emotional, melody-driven elements through tracks like "Steppin' Out," which reached the Top 5 on the Dance chart. During this period, he transitioned from behind-the-scenes work to active performance, securing small club residencies across and building traction in the indie electronic scene through consistent local gigs. By 2005, these efforts expanded into broader touring, including international shows in , , and , averaging around 120 performances annually.

2006–2009: Ultra Records breakthrough

In 2006, Kaskade signed with after departing from OM Records, a move that expanded his reach through the label's affiliation with Warner Music Group's and provided access to wider international distribution. His debut album on Ultra, Love Mysterious, arrived in September 2006, featuring a more introspective sound with lush, atmospheric production and vocal-driven tracks that explored themes of longing and serenity. Standout single "Be Still," with its ethereal synths and Hailey Tender's vocals, peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart, marking an early indicator of the album's emotional resonance in the scene. Other releases like "Stars Align" (No. 8 on Hot Dance Airplay) further showcased this shift toward deeper, melody-focused compositions. The period gained momentum in 2008 with Kaskade's collaboration with Canadian producer on "I Remember," a pivotal track blending emotive piano builds and pulsating rhythms that became a club staple. Featured on both artists' albums, the single highlighted Kaskade's ability to merge vocal house elements with broader electronic appeal. Later that year, Kaskade released Strobelite Seduction on Ultra, an album emphasizing seductive, strobe-lit energy through tracks like "Move for Me" (No. 1 on Hot Dance Airplay). The record solidified his club dominance by topping Billboard's Dance/Electronic Albums chart, with "I Remember" also reaching No. 1 on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

2010–2014: Festival headlining and mainstream rise

In 2011, Kaskade secured a prominent main stage slot at the (UMF) in , performing to tens of thousands of attendees amid the burgeoning (EDM) scene. This appearance marked a pivotal step in his ascent to festival prominence, showcasing his evolving sound to a global audience during the event's three-day expansion at Bicentennial Park. Building on this momentum, Kaskade released his sixth studio album, Dynasty, on May 11, 2010, via , which emphasized elements with emotive vocals. The title track, "Dynasty" featuring Haley, became a standout single, blending uplifting melodies and driving beats that resonated in club and settings. Following this, his seventh album, Fire & Ice, arrived on October 25, 2011, presenting dual discs of high-energy "Fire" tracks and more atmospheric "Ice" selections, further solidifying his reputation for genre-blending production. By 2013, Kaskade achieved his commercial peak with Atmosphere, released on September 10 via , which debuted at No. 1 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart. The album fused with influences, creating immersive soundscapes that appealed to both underground and mainstream listeners, as evidenced by its strong sales of 19,000 units in its debut week. Kaskade's rising stature was affirmed by consecutive "America's Best DJ" awards from DJ Times magazine and Pioneer DJ, winning in 2011 and again in 2013, where he topped a poll of industry voters and fans over competitors like and . These honors underscored his influence during EDM's mainstream explosion, highlighting his ability to deliver sets that combined technical prowess with emotional depth.

2015–2020: Album releases and Grammy nods

In 2015, Kaskade released his ninth studio album, Automatic, through Warner Bros. Records, featuring collaborations with artists such as CID, Galantis, and Mind of Mind. The album marked a continuation of his progressive house sound with emotive vocals and melodic builds, including standout tracks like "Disarm You" featuring Ilsey.) While Automatic itself did not receive a Grammy nomination, the period saw Kaskade earn recognition for his remix work, including a 2016 nomination for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical, for his edit of Galantis' "Runaway (U & I)." This accolade highlighted his influence in reinterpreting pop tracks within electronic frameworks. Building on his catalog, Kaskade ventured into holiday-themed with Kaskade Christmas in 2017, a collection of reimagined classics like "The First Noel" featuring Gabrielle Current and "Christmas Is Here" with . The project blended festive elements with his signature production, appealing to both EDM fans and seasonal listeners. In 2018, he expanded this concept with Kaskade Christmas Volume 2 (also released as the deluxe edition), incorporating new tracks such as "" featuring Soran and "" with , further establishing his niche in upbeat, dance-oriented holiday music. During this era, Kaskade continued accruing Grammy nods, including 2017's Best Remixed Recording nomination for "Only (Kaskade x Lipless Remix)" by , and 2019's for his remix of Kygo's "Stargazing" featuring . As the EDM landscape matured and festival circuits became increasingly saturated, Kaskade shifted focus toward structured residency performances in . In January 2015, he signed a multi-year deal with ' XS Nightclub and Encore Beach Club, performing regularly through 2017 and solidifying his presence in the city's scene. This move was complemented by a 2016 partnership with the Hakkasan Group, encompassing venues like Omnia and Wet Republic, allowing for more intimate, high-production sets amid the evolving industry dynamics.

2021–2025: Collaborations, Redux, and new album

In 2021, Kaskade formed the collaborative project Kx5 with fellow electronic producer deadmau5, reigniting their longstanding partnership that originated with the 2008 track "I Remember." The duo's collaboration gained momentum after deadmau5 joined Kaskade onstage for a surprise performance of the hit during Kaskade's July 2021 show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, drawing over 27,000 attendees. Following this, the pair met in January 2022 to formalize plans for Kx5, debuting the single "Escape" featuring Hayla in March 2022, which topped Billboard's Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart and amassed nearly 48 million U.S. streams. Their self-titled debut album, Kx5, arrived on March 17, 2023, via mau5trap, comprising 10 tracks that blended progressive house elements with vocal-driven melodies, including the lead single "Escape." Shifting toward more intimate experiences, Kaskade continued the Redux performance series in early , emphasizing reimagined versions of his catalog in smaller, club-like settings to foster deeper connections with fans. The series featured Redux 003 on January 1, , at in , followed by Redux 004 at Brooklyn Mirage on May 28, , where he curated sets blending classics with fresh interpretations. Redux continued to evolve, incorporating live elements and thematic visuals, and extended into festival slots, such as the sunrise closing set at EDC Las Vegas' kineticFIELD on May 21, 2023. Kaskade sustained his festival prominence with appearances at Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Las Vegas across 2023–2025, including a set on the circuitGROUNDS stage in 2023 and kineticFIELD in both 2024 and 2025. On April 19, 2025, during Coachella Weekend 2, he presented a Redux collaboration with actor and DJ Idris Elba at the Quasar Stage, delivering an extended back-to-back set of melodic house and tech house tracks that highlighted their shared affinity for immersive, emotional soundscapes. Later that year, on October 9, 2025, Kaskade announced undux, his first traditional full-length studio album in a decade since Automatic (2015), slated for release on December 4, 2025, via Arkade and Monstercat. The project explores themes of love, grief, and renewal through a matured, introspective lens, previewed by the dual singles "DNCR" and "Imprint" on October 16, 2025, which fused driving basslines with ethereal vocals, followed by the singles "I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Started Over" on November 13, 2025.

Musical style and influences

Core genres and vocal emphasis

Kaskade's primary genres encompass , , and vocal house, where melodic builds gradually escalate tension before resolving into emotional drops that evoke introspection and euphoria on the dancefloor. This foundation draws from 's organic roots, blending rhythmic drive with harmonic progression to create tracks that balance club energy and emotional resonance. Central to his sound is a pronounced vocal emphasis, achieved through collaborations with singer-songwriters like , whose ethereal delivery features prominently on singles such as "Eyes" and "Call Out." Kaskade treats these vocal elements as integral narratives, structuring tracks like pop songs reimagined in electronic form to convey themes of love, vulnerability, and connection, often selecting vocalists for their emotional authenticity and ease of collaboration. This approach elevates vocals beyond mere hooks, positioning them as the emotional core that guides listeners through the music's journey. His production hallmarks include meticulously layered synths—stacking up to five patches per lead—and atmospheric pads that infuse tracks with a lush, immersive texture, all underpinned by mid-tempo grooves clocking around 128 BPM for broad dancefloor accessibility. These elements prioritize a warm, organic feel, incorporating live bass and alongside digital for filter sweeps and modulation. In contrast to the high-octane aggression of big-room EDM, Kaskade's style favors subtle storytelling and melodic depth over explosive spectacle, fostering timeless anthems that endure beyond trends.

Evolution and key inspirations

Kaskade's musical journey began in the early , deeply rooted in the raw energy of music, where he initially drew from the foundational 4/4 beats prevalent in the city's underground scene. Growing up near , he frequently traveled to the city to immerse himself in its club culture, emulating the pioneers who shaped the genre's gritty, driving rhythms. Over time, his sound evolved toward more polished progressions, incorporating structured songwriting and melodic elements that transitioned from simple beat-driven tracks to emotive, layered compositions emphasizing harmony and emotional depth. By the mid-2010s, Kaskade experimented with contemporary electronic trends, integrating elements into his 2015 album , which featured euphoric chord progressions and scattered future house influences to create a richer, more dynamic texture. This phase marked a departure from his house foundations, blending uplifting drops with progressive builds for broader appeal. However, he soon returned to house purity with the Redux series starting in 2016, stripping back to underground grooves infused with Chicago's original soulful essence, prioritizing organic rhythms and intimate vibes over mainstream polish. Key inspirations for Kaskade include foundational Chicago house figures like , whose trailblazing mixes at The Warehouse emphasized emotional connectivity, and , known for raw, jacking grooves that informed his early emulations. The Hot Mix 5 radio crew also played a pivotal role, teaching him radio-friendly blending techniques that added accessibility to 's underground edge. Additionally, 1980s influences contributed melodic warmth to his productions, evident in the soulful undertones of his debut works. In the 2020s, elements emerged in his EDC "Darkade" sets, fusing high-energy synth lines with vocal for a hybrid, immersive appeal that bridges his heritage with modern club intensity. This evolution continued with his 2025 album undux, incorporating melodic and for a matured, introspective sound.

Other projects

Kx5 collaboration

The Kx5 project was launched in 2021 by Kaskade (Ryan Raddon) and (Joel Zimmerman), who had previously collaborated on the 2008 track "I Remember," with teasers beginning via social media and a surprise onstage appearance by deadmau5 during Kaskade's July 2021 set at in . The duo's partnership was facilitated by pandemic-era downtime, allowing them to exchange track ideas remotely via email and file-sharing services like , with some finalization in studio sessions, marking a deliberate from their earlier work into a full collaborative supergroup. The self-titled debut album Kx5, released on March 17, 2023, via Recordings, comprises 10 tracks blending elements with contemporary electronic production, featuring global artists such as Hayla on "Kx5," "Escape," and ""; The Moth & The Flame on "Alive"; on "Sacrifice"; AR/CO on "Bright Lights"; Brother. on "pwdr blu"; on "When I Talk"; on "Tearing Me Apart"; and Madism on "." The production process highlighted a remote, iterative dynamic built on mutual respect, where each contributed roughly 50% to complete tracks—Kaskade focusing on vocal arrangements, songwriting, and melodic builds, while handled , , and mastering to refine the final dynamics. As noted, "It’s 50 per cent effort to make 100 per cent of the song, which is pretty cool," underscoring their complementary strengths and long-standing admiration despite stylistic differences. Kx5's live performances commenced with a record-breaking December 10, 2022, show at the , drawing 46,000 attendees and grossing $3.7 million as the largest single-day electronic headlining event in North American history. The duo co-headlined a U.S. tour through 2023, including appearances at and festivals like , with additional dates extending into 2024 at events such as in and at The Gorge. These sets emphasized synchronized visuals and seamless transitions between their individual styles, fostering a "yin and yang" energy that captivated audiences, as described by their manager Dean Wilson.

Redux performance series

The Redux performance series, which originated around 2013 as a return to Kaskade's roots, saw a deliberate pivot toward intimate live formats starting in 2022 as a to the high-production demands of major stages and arena tours. It emphasizes electronic grooves that prioritize emotional depth over spectacle, allowing for a more personal interaction with audiences. Central to the series' format are performances in smaller venues accommodating under 1,000 attendees, creating meditative atmospheres with minimal lighting such as mirrorballs and pinlights. This setup evokes an underground club vibe, drawing from Kaskade's roots while fostering vulnerability and closeness. Key installments include tour dates in and from 2023 onward, with notable events at venues like Cermak Hall in on November 17, 2023, and similar intimate sessions in LA that highlight hometown ties and fan loyalty. These shows often feature sets blending classics with newer material in unexpected arrangements, continuing into 2025 with additional dates. The series' impact lies in its role for experimentation, enabling Kaskade to explore and ambient influences absent from his primary tour sets, thereby enhancing fan engagement through authentic expressions of his artistry. Attendees frequently describe these performances as transformative, evoking profound resonance due to the raw energy.

Live performances

Tour formats and residencies

Kaskade's signature tour formats emphasize high-energy mainstage , often incorporating synchronized visuals, cannons, and immersive production elements to create euphoric crowd experiences. These sets typically blend with uplifting drops, designed for large venues where lighting and amplify the emotional peaks. For festivals, he has developed darker, techno-infused variants known as "Darkade" sets, featuring heavier basslines and minimal vocals to suit high-intensity environments. His Las Vegas residencies have been pivotal, beginning with a multi-year deal at ' XS Nightclub and Encore Beach Club in 2015, extending through 2017 and accommodating capacities over 2,000 with tailored club and poolside adaptations. In 2016, he transitioned to a long-term Hakkasan Group residency across venues like Omnia, , and Wet , performing regularly until the early 2020s and refining sets for dynamics with enhanced sound systems. By 2023, Kaskade established a residency at Zouk Nightclub and Ayu Dayclub at , continuing into the 2020s with over 27 shows in 2024 alone, focusing on state-of-the-art visuals and interactive elements for crowds exceeding 2,000. On the global tour front, the 2012 Freaks of Nature Tour marked a milestone as an arena-scale spectacle, selling out venues like ' Staples Center with elaborate stage designs and support acts, spanning over 50 dates across North America. Post-2020, his touring shifted toward sustainable, shorter runs, such as the five-date "undux" tour in 2025, prioritizing daylight concepts and reduced travel to balance environmental impact with fan engagement. Kaskade's technical setups have evolved significantly, starting with club-era laser projections in the early and progressing to custom LED walls and synced rigs by the mid-, as seen in his Atmosphere Tour utilizing Chauvet fixtures for dynamic, track-responsive effects. Later productions, like those at festivals, incorporate unique LED grid structures for immersive visuals without traditional backdrops. The Redux performance series serves as an intimate variant, emphasizing stripped-down production in smaller venues.

Major festival appearances

Kaskade debuted at the Ultra Music Festival in 2011 with a main stage performance ranked among the event's top 10 sets, featuring high-energy progressive house tracks that captivated the crowd. He returned frequently as a headliner through 2019 and in 2025, delivering elaborate productions on the main stage, including pyrotechnic displays that enhanced the visual spectacle of his sets. At (EDC) , Kaskade has served as a late-night closer on stages like kineticFIELD and circuitGROUNDS in recent years, including 2023, 2024, and 2025, where his sets blended melodic house with darker techno elements in what fans have termed his "Darkade" style. His 2023–2025 appearances emphasized immersive sound design and fan-favorite reworkings, drawing massive crowds to the Speedway. In 2025, Kaskade performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival's Weekend 2 on April 19, joining (as IDRIS) for a back-to-back set on the new stage, spanning nearly four hours of house and selections. Internationally, Kaskade took the main stage at Tomorrowland in in 2014 and 2017, closing out Weekend 2 in 2017 with a progressive house-heavy set amid the festival's grand production. He also made multiple appearances at throughout the , including notable sunrise-adjacent slots in 2011 and 2015 that aligned with the festival's emphasis on transcendent, dawn-breaking experiences.

Discography

Studio albums

Kaskade's debut studio album, It's You, It's Me, was released on March 18, 2003, by Om Records, marking his entry into the deep house scene with introspective tracks blending elements and soulful vocals. The album emphasized emotional depth, drawing from influences like and lounge, though it achieved modest commercial success without charting on major lists. His second album, In the Moment, followed on May 18, 2004, also via Om Records, expanding on the debut's themes of personal reflection through tracks like "Steppin' Out," which reached the Top 5 on Billboard's chart. This release solidified his reputation for vocal-driven , with sales contributing to Om Records' growing catalog, though specific figures remain unreported. In 2006, Kaskade issued two albums: The Calm on March 30 through Quiet City Recordings, a more experimental outing incorporating downtempo vibes and limited to 1,000 copies initially, reflecting a brief departure toward ambient before wider digital reissues. Later that year, Love Mysterious arrived on September 26 via , signaling a shift to the label that would define his mainstream rise; it peaked at No. 18 on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and featured emotive singles like "Be Still," earning praise for its polished production. The 2008 release of Strobelite Seduction on May 20 by Ultra Records captured a brighter, pop-infused house sound, with the title track hitting No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart and the album itself reaching No. 7 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart. This era highlighted Kaskade's thematic focus on love and nightlife energy, boosting his profile in electronic music circles. Dynasty, released digitally on April 27, 2010 (physical on May 11), via Ultra Records, continued the upward trajectory, peaking at No. 104 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on Dance/Electronic Albums, driven by hits like "Dynasty" and emphasizing uplifting, anthemic introspection amid rising EDM popularity. In 2011, the Fire & Ice dropped on October 25 through , structured as contrasting "fire" (energetic) and "ice" (mellower) discs to explore emotional duality; it debuted at No. 1 on Dance/Electronic Albums, with 20,000 first-week sales, and received critical acclaim for its conceptual depth. Kaskade's eighth studio effort, Atmosphere, arrived on September 10, 2013, via , topping the Dance/Electronic Albums chart with 19,000 debut units and featuring the Grammy-nominated title track, which underscored his signature blend of and heartfelt lyrics. Marking a label transition, Automatic was released on September 25, 2015, by Warner Bros. Records in partnership with his own Arkade imprint, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album and peaking at No. 2 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart, with collaborations amplifying its introspective pop-house themes. After a decade focused on EPs and collaborations, Kaskade announced undux on , 2025, set for release on December 4 via Arkade and , representing a return to full-length traditional songwriting and production without remix-heavy elements, building on his legacy of emotional electronic narratives.
AlbumRelease DateLabelPeak Chart Position (Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums)
It's You, It's MeMarch 18, 2003Om Records
In the MomentMay 18, 2004Om Records
The CalmMarch 30, 2006Quiet City Recordings
Love MysteriousSeptember 26, 200618
Strobelite SeductionMay 20, 20087
DynastyMay 11, 20104
Fire & IceOctober 25, 20111
AtmosphereSeptember 10, 20131
AutomaticSeptember 25, 2015Warner Bros./Arkade2
unduxDecember 4, 2025Arkade/— (upcoming)

Compilation and remix albums

Kaskade has curated several mix albums that blend , , and electro elements, serving as platforms to reinterpret tracks from his catalog and those of other artists. His debut mix compilation, The OM Remixes (2004), collects twelve of his early remixes for Om Records, including reworkings of tracks by ("Feelin' Hypnotized") and J Boogie's Dubtronic Science ("Rainfall"), highlighting his foundational role in San Francisco's and scenes. In 2009, Kaskade released , a DJ mix album featuring eighteen tracks with remixes and edits, such as EDX's take on his own "Angel on My Shoulder" and Dirty South's version of PNAU's "With You Forever," emphasizing high-energy builds and seamless transitions suited for club environments. This release underscored his curatorial skills in fusing electro and genres. The ongoing Redux EP series, launched in 2014, represents Kaskade's return to minimal and underground roots, with installments released periodically through 2023 and a sixth edition announced for late 2025. These EPs compile original tracks and collaborations, such as "Nobody Like You" on Redux EP 002 (2017) and "Save Me" on Redux 006 (2023), often tied to his live Redux performances but presented as studio recordings that blend atmospheric synths and emotive vocals to explore introspective soundscapes beyond his mainstream productions. Beyond self-curated mixes, Kaskade has contributed official remix collections for his own work, including various EP packages from albums like Strobelite Seduction (2008), where tracks such as "Move for Me" and "I Remember" received club-oriented reworks by artists including and Mind Electric, extending the album's electro-house vibe into dancefloor adaptations. His remixes for other artists further demonstrate genre-blending prowess; notably, his 2017 rework of ' "Believer" infuses the rock anthem with pulsating synths and a euphoric drop, achieving widespread play in electronic sets.

Singles and EPs

Kaskade has released over 50 singles across his career, with many achieving top positions on Billboard's Dance Club Songs and Dance/Electronic Songs charts, establishing his influence in house and progressive house music. His standalone singles often feature vocal collaborations and have driven his crossover appeal in the electronic dance music genre. A breakthrough hit was "Eyes" featuring Mindy Gledhill, released in 2011 as a lead single from the Fire & Ice album, which peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart and garnered millions of streams for its emotive progressive house sound. The track's popularity was boosted by various remixes, including an energetic dubstep-infused version that aligned with collaborations like his work with Skrillex on "Lick It" from the same era. Another key single, "Disarm You" featuring Ilsey, arrived in 2015 from the Automatic album and reached number 3 on the Dance Club Songs chart, noted for its uplifting melody and emotional lyrics about vulnerability in relationships. Early in his career, Kaskade issued the In the Moment collection in 2004 through OM Records, functioning as a pivotal EP-like release that introduced tracks such as "Steppin' Out" featuring Bret Garner, which climbed to number 5 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart and showcased his signature style. More recently, the DNCR / Imprint EP, dropped on October 16, 2025, via and Arkade, serves as a preview to his forthcoming undux album, blending introspective themes with tracks like the instrumental "DNCR" and vocal-led "Imprint" featuring Courtney Storm. Collaborations have been a hallmark of his singles output, including the Kx5 project with deadmau5; their debut single "Escape" featuring Hayla, released in March 2022, debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart and exemplified their progressive house synergy. In the streaming-dominated digital era, releases like the "State of Mind" remixes EP with Lipless, issued on June 6, 2025, through Colorize, have emphasized remix culture with contributions from artists such as Faodail and SOHMI, amassing strong playlist traction on platforms like Spotify.

Personal life

Family and residences

Ryan Raddon, known professionally as Kaskade, was married to Naomi Raddon from August 24, 1996, until their divorce filing in October 2024. The couple met in 1995 in , through mutual friends and bonded over their shared interest in . They separated on June 27, 2024, citing , with Naomi seeking joint legal and physical custody of their minor child. Raddon and Naomi have three daughters: twins Mia and Sasha, who are now adults, and Isla, born in 2010. The family has consistently emphasized privacy, with Raddon rarely sharing details about his children in public interviews or on social media to shield them from his career's spotlight. The family maintained residences in both the Bay Area and to accommodate professional commitments. Originally rooted in through education and early connections, they relocated to around 2000, where Naomi's family resided, allowing Raddon to work at OM Records while prioritizing home life. By the mid-2010s, they shifted primarily to a home in , for closer proximity to the music industry, though they retained ties to the Bay Area. Raddon's lifestyle remains family-oriented, even amid extensive touring, as he has described making time for his daughters as a top priority despite the demands of his career. This balance reflects his commitment to maintaining a grounded personal life away from the public eye.

Religious beliefs and philanthropy

Ryan Raddon, known professionally as Kaskade, was raised in a family affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in , where he experienced a Mormon upbringing amid a small local congregation. He served a two-year mission for the church in , Japan, at age 19, and later attended before transferring to the , where he earned a degree in communications. Raddon has maintained lifelong membership in the LDS Church, describing himself as a "devout Mormon" who attends services regularly and integrates his faith into his personal and professional life without conflict. Raddon's faith profoundly shapes his advocacy for a positive rave culture, emphasizing sobriety, community, and uplifting experiences in (EDM), which he views as a natural extension of spiritual joy rather than a contradiction to his beliefs. In a 2023 , he explained that dancing has long been a form of celebrating , stating, "People have been dancing forever. That’s part of celebrating ," and noted that reconciling his Mormon identity with EDM was "always... a very easy thing in my mind." He promotes drug- and alcohol-free environments at his shows, hoping to provide fans—especially youth—with affirming, sober alternatives to the genre's stereotypes, as highlighted by his representation of dance music's "intensely positive side." This worldview stems from his limited LDS peers in childhood, which fostered resilience and a commitment to authenticity in his career. Raddon's philanthropic efforts reflect his values of service and positivity, often channeling his platform toward causes benefiting children, , and . In , he performed at the Dance (RED) Save Lives Pre-Grammy party, where auctioned tickets supported the (RED) campaign's global fight against AIDS, raising funds for prevention and treatment in affected communities. He has also supported by auctioning custom Pioneer CDJ-2000 players to benefit the Save the Music Foundation, which equips public schools with instruments and resources to restore music programs nationwide. More recently, in 2017, Raddon headlined a at Hakkasan Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Victims' Fund, helping raise over $1 million for families impacted by the Route 91 Harvest festival . In 2025, he donated VIP meet-and-greet experiences at his shows to auction for the Stars & Stripes Children's Foundation, aiding critically ill children and youth in need through matched donations and community programs. Additionally, as an ambassador for Operation Underground Railroad since 2016, he has advocated against child trafficking, participating in awareness events like The Spark Run to fund rescue operations. Raddon has spoken on challenges in EDM, reflecting on tragedies like Avicii's death to encourage and breaks for artists, aligning with his faith-driven emphasis on well-being.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Kaskade, whose real name is Ryan Gary Raddon, has received eight Grammy Award nominations across various dance and electronic categories between 2013 and 2024, but has yet to secure a win. His nominations reflect his contributions to progressive house and remixing, spanning albums, singles, and remix work. These accolades underscore the increasing recognition of electronic dance music within the Recording Academy during the 2010s, as categories like Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Remixed Recording expanded to include more genre-specific achievements. The following table summarizes Kaskade's Grammy nominations:
Year (Ceremony)CategoryNominated Work
2013 (55th)Best Dance/Electronic AlbumFire & Ice
2014 (56th)Best Dance/Electronic AlbumAtmosphere
2014 (56th)Best Dance Recording"Atmosphere"
2015 (57th)Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical"Smile (Kaskade Edit)" ()
2016 (58th)Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical"Runaway (U & I) [Kaskade's Dream Mix]" ()
2017 (59th)Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical"Only (Kaskade x Lipless Remix)" ()
2019 (61st)Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical"Stargazing (Kaskade Remix)" ( feat. )
2024 (66th)Best Dance/Electronic AlbumKx5 (as part of Kx5 with )
Kaskade's early nominations marked a milestone for house music artists, as his 2013 nod for Fire & Ice represented one of the first significant recognitions for a solo progressive house producer in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category, helping elevate the genre's mainstream visibility amid the broader EDM boom. This period of multiple nods from 2013 to 2017 highlighted the maturation of electronic categories, with Kaskade's work bridging underground house roots and commercial success. His later nominations, particularly the 2024 entry for the collaborative project Kx5, demonstrate sustained influence in the evolving electronic landscape, though he has received no further nods since.

DJ magazine and other honors

Kaskade has received multiple recognitions from DJ Times' annual "America's Best DJ" poll, a fan-voted competition sponsored by . He won the award in 2011, marking his first major industry poll victory. He repeated as winner in 2013, becoming the first DJ to claim the top spot twice in the poll's history. Kaskade finished as runner-up in 2015, behind . In DJ Magazine's annual Top 100 DJs poll, Kaskade debuted at No. 51 in 2009. His highest ranking came in and at No. 30. He maintained a position in the top 50 through 2014, placing at No. 36 in 2013 and No. 46 in 2014, before dropping to No. 84 in 2015. Among other electronic music accolades, Kaskade won the International Dance Music Award for Best /Dance Track in 2011 for "Fire in Your New Shoes" featuring . He also secured the IDMA for Best Alternative/ Dance Track in 2013 with "Lessons in Love" featuring . In 2024, Kaskade won Male Artist of the Year at the .

References

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