Longtime NTS associate and dance-floor specialist Kasra V serves up a full throttle energising mix that goes beyond speed limits.

Fresh off celebrating 10 years of his NTS residency and launching his new label V-sion. Kasra marks an exciting new chapter with a hot 4-tracker named: VSION 02. We’re stoked about his first solo release as it intoxicated us like no surprise. Hypnotic 90s tribal rhythms breathing the abstract spirit of New York avant-garde offering a glimpse into Kasra’s distinctive sonic universe.

During this standout year we checked in with Kasra whilst visiting his brother in Oslo planning up the new year. With club season in full-effect Kasra knows what we need and treats us with a nearly 80 minute mix, inspired by his recent set at London’s Club Are. Buckle up for a driving, tribal induced journey through the high-energy sounds of the 90s.

Heyy Kasra, I’ve been so much looking forward to this day, it’s such a pleasure to have you with us. How’s pre-winter treating you, and where do we find you today?

Hey! Thanks for having me. I’m writing to you from Oslo, Norway. I’m here visiting my brother for Christmas and making plans for next year!

These colder days could be the perfect time to heat up the studio. Do you find yourself diving deeper into the studio this time of year? What does a typical day in the studio look like for you and do you have a routine? 

I try to make music every day, so the seasons don’t really change that. That said, I switch things up when needed. Sometimes I’m writing music, other times I’m digging for tracks, tagging them in Rekordbox, or going to a record store.  It just depends on what I’ve got planned for the weekend.

Speaking of which, you’ve made some incredible records on labels like Shaytoon Records and Radiant Records. While those releases really set the tone for 2023, a real gem has been waiting to be unleashed in 2024. Your first solo release on your newly minted label, VSION02. Please take us with you: What can you tell us about this release? What inspired it, and how does it feel putting it out there?

I’ve been working on this release for about two years, alongside other projects, and when I put together the compilation, it felt natural to follow it up with my own release. It’s partly inspired by ’90s New York tribal sounds, like Victor Calderone, but also heavily influenced by Xcor. Right now, I’m in a place where I have specific sounds and samples I use a lot, which allows me to carry my style across different genres.

It must be so exciting releasing on your own label and sharing your vision. What more can we expect, are you slowly cruisin and occasionally putting something out or will there be more V-sion action coming up?

I’m not in a rush, but I do want to keep releasing music on a regular basis. I just wrapped up the third release on V-Sion! Every release comes with some kind of merch. For the first two, I did T-shirts, but for the third one, we’re stepping it up. We are collaborating with one of my favorite clothing brands—more details coming soon!

Finding inspiration and staying creative can be a challenge at times. How is that process for you? Do you have any tips or practices you can share?

Sometimes all you need to do is get out and do different things. I’ve been practicing visual arts a lot this year, making things out of glass, drawing, collaging etc. I felt it’s been really helpful for me to explore creativity from a different angle. At the same time I need inspiration from outside, such as hanging with friends, going to Cinema, getting out of London , and visiting museums. 

Another big source of inspiration for me these days is listening to recorded sets from legends like Frankie Knuckles, Tony De Vit, Sasha, Larry Levan, and Junior Vasquez online. It’s amazing to hear live recordings, like Larry Levan at Paradise Garage in 1985—it feels like tapping directly into the source. That’s something I really love about the internet.

With clubby season in full-effect there’s been some iconic gigs along your way, playing at places like RAUM, Panoramabar and soon at the Radiant Love NYE party. Any standout moments you’d like to share?

I had an amazing time closing Club Are’s first birthday party in London a few weeks ago. It’s been so cool to see a new party thrive in just a year. Another big highlight was, of course, closing Pbar, thanks to Sedef for the invite. The past few years have been incredibly rewarding, especially since I had almost given up on music before lockdown. All of this really feels like a gift.

Finally, what can you tell us about this mix you’ve put together for us? How did you approach the mix, and what kind of energy can we expect? 

This mix is inspired by the set I did at Club Are—it includes a lot of the songs I played there. This is me at my peak energy, going full throttle. Enjoy!