KASPA. “You have to network and connect with like-minded people”

We had a little chat with Poland born and UK raised Producer Kaspa., who definitely knows how to create lo-fi music sought after by Spotify Playlist curators. Find out what he had to say about his favourite plugins, social media, the importance of data and much more:

How do you feel about the evolution of digital music streaming services?

I feel like the digital music streaming services are life changing for independent musicians. The “bedroom” producers are no longer “bedroom” producers. There are people who are really successful using a laptop and headphones. It’s just amazing what the new age allows us to do. I love the internet, it allowed so many people to become everything they wanted to be. Without SoundCloud I would never be here making an interview with ForTunes, I would never be uploading my music to Spotify. It’s really an awesome thing, really glad to be making music in this modern age.

Name 3 plugins you would not be able to live without and tell us why.

Goodhertz Wow Control
Baby Audio Spaced Out
IkMultimedia Amplitube 5

The Goodhertz Wow Control is simply the best plugin to add that analogue warmth to your sound. I use it on all my tracks. As a lofi/ambient composer the organic sound of analogue tape or vinyl is important. There are so many presets and different settings that you can play around with. It shapes the sound so nicely and it’s worth every penny. I will actually be posting a full review of the VST on my instagram page. Any plugin by Goodhertz is amazing. I Highly recommend it.

Baby Audio Spaced Out – It’s a beautiful looking delay/reverb plugin. I use it a lot on my guitar parts. It is perfect for the ambient side of my production. The interface is really pleasant to the eye and makes it really easy to use. There is a huge library of presets but you are also free to create and design your own sound. “Spaced out is a lush wet – FX generator, built for sending your sounds and vocals into weightless, heavenly orbit” – BabyAudio.

Amplitube 5 – It is a plugin which I use to record all my guitars. It is amazing how far we came with technology. This VST is a guitar amplifier simulator – It includes a lot of real life amplifiers which you can use and record. The amount of effects and pedals that you can use is outstanding, it gives you so much to work with and allows you to create your own unique guitar tone. It is by far my favourite guitar plugin which I use in all my projects and recordings.

You got into music by learning how to guitar – How do you think this shaped your sound as a producer differently from someone who starts with a DAW?

When I turned 10, I received my very first guitar. I used to practice 5 to 6 hours a day from my own initiative. I was really addicted to playing the guitar and I wanted to get good at it.
Right now, my established skills have helped me so much with my production. I managed to learn music theory which has really benefited me. Playing the guitar has helped the signature Kaspa. sound, which will stay with me forever. It definitely allows me to be an original artist and create innovative projects. However, you definitely don’t have to play an instrument to be a successful music producer. I know a lot of people who make music by ear and they don’t play any instruments. It’s all inside your mind and how creative you are.

How do you deal with your visual concept on social media?

I stay consistent with posting on social media. However, for me, when it comes to Instagram, it’s quality over quantity. I like to plan my posts in advance, focusing on creative ways of keeping my Instagram original. Usually I mix between pictures and videos together just to keep it interesting and different. It feels organic to post about my life, hobbies, life events and of course music. I could definitely say that my platform is really personal and people who follow me will learn a lot about me as a person and a musician. I keep everything professional when it comes to social media.

Where do you see music production in 10 years from now?

I see a lot of improvement with my production all the time. Kaspa. releases from last year are nowhere as good as what I do right now. I feel like I progress everyday. 10 years from now I see myself “sailing” through the music industry, right now I feel like I’m in a lifeboat going through a choppy sea. I love it and it’s an amazing adventure, however its a constant, everyday hustle, which sometimes has an impact on your well being. I’m super grateful for all the opportunities that came my way but I would definitely like to experience “smooth sailing” as everything gets a bit stressful sometimes. I would love to work with more artists and musicians in real life, all my collaborations are done through the internet. 10 years from now I would definitely like to focus on recording artists in studios and collaborating more in real life.

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Name 3 major mistakes you made and other musicians could learn from.

I wouldn’t necessarily say we make “mistakes”. We are always learning, always figuring it out. A musical career can be difficult but not impossible. When I was around 15 I was reading an article by Dave Lombardo (Ex drummer of Slayer). The article was about the business side of music and how important it is to learn about the business side of the music industry. When I was 15 I definitely didn’t think enough about that. I was convinced that to do well I’ll just have to make a lot of music and get good at it. That’s all very true, however, now I’m 23. I can’t say this enough but the business side and the networking side of your career is actually much more important than the music itself.

Don’t get me wrong, yes you have to be good at producing or composing, however that is 40% of the whole pie. The other 60% is being around in the community, speaking to people, giving value, being around, building a brand. This is my top tip and advice for anyone getting into music production or already producing. When I was around 18 I heard a quote which said “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and it stayed with me forever.

How important are data insights for Kaspa.?

I use data a lot in my posts and uploads. I study the algorithms and see when is the best time to post, how to get bigger engagement and just overall more traction. Using combined data from music streaming platforms and social media platforms helps me with accurate marketing towards an audience that is interested in my music and my platform.