The phrase “hotly-tipped” often gets tossed around, but for Gaskin, it’s a well-earned title. The Northeast-based DJ/producer has built a reputation across the UK’s underground house scene, and his unique sound has attracted the attention of tastemakers like Chris Stussy. Fresh off his three-track EP “Closer” on Stussy’s label Up The Stuss, Gaskin is quickly proving that he’s one to watch. Recently, we sat down with him to discuss his journey, influences, and vision for the future.
Discovering House and the Drive to Create
Gaskin’s journey into house music started young, thanks to a household filled with music lovers. “I was brought up around house music,” he explains. “My Mam and Dad always used to go to events and have music playing when I was a kid.” The passion grew from there, with Gaskin learning the ropes on his brother’s turntables. “When I was 16/17, I finally got my own pair of decks and started DJing at house parties.” But it was a trip to Ibiza in 2016 that cemented his love for the underground scene. “I fell in love with underground music... after my first summer and making some good connections in the scene, I knew to take my DJing to the next level I needed to start making my own music,” he adds. That realisation led him to invest in Ableton and become “massively addicted to making music.”
Crafting ‘Closer’: A Dancefloor Experience
Gaskin describes his latest release, Closer, as designed to “create moments on the dance floor.” He elaborates, “The track has a lot of emotion in it and was influenced by a lot of music that had already been released on Up The Stuss but with my own style to it.” The EP is a slick blend of synth-driven house with electro elements, offering listeners “heavily requested IDs” that reflect Gaskin’s knack for energising soundscapes.
Gaskin: Forging a Unique Sound and Identity
Finding a unique style in a crowded music scene isn’t easy, but Gaskin’s sound is already recognisable. “My sound has formed over 5+ years of hard work,” he explains. “I absolutely love the old-school 90s house, the old-school hot creations style, and the new electro-type style, which is popular at the moment. If you listen to my tracks, I would say it’s a good mix between all of them.” For other aspiring producers, his advice is straightforward but powerful: “Just work hard, really, and don’t give up. It takes years to finally start making a name for yourself... I sent Stussy over 100 tracks before he even downloaded one.”
The Power of Mentorship and Memorable Moments
Being invited by Chris Stussy to go b2b on his UK tour was a huge moment for Gaskin. “To get invited to play on one of your biggest inspirations’ UK tour and do a b2b closing was something I will never forget.” For Gaskin, the experience underscored the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and persistence.
Looking Ahead: New Horizons and Projects
For Gaskin, future goals include pushing his label Bass Jamz, which is gearing up for a Bali tour. “We have a lot of exciting releases and events coming up,” he shares. And when asked about collaborations, he’s quick to mention his dream of working with Chris Stussy and Locklead, along with vocalists, for potential album projects. Gaskin is clearly ready to take his career to new heights: “Big thanks to Stussy for all the guidance over the last few years and for letting me put my stamp on one of my favourite labels.”
Gaskin’s story shows that perseverance, authenticity, and a strong support network can propel emerging talent to the forefront of the scene. With “Closer” now out, he’s inviting us all to experience his sonic journey—one dance floor moment at a time.
Gaskin
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