Today, we dive into the world of Kasra V, an artist deeply connected to the leftfield genre. We explore his unique perspective on music, his collector mentality, and the influence of his Persian roots. Kasra shares his thoughts on the evolving nature of taste and the beauty of discovering hidden gems.
Kasra, one thing that I understood about you is that you are a lot into the leftfield genre. Do you consider yourself kind of a leftfielder?
My definition of leftfield would be people who take elements from certain genres but still have their own unique drive. They do things in their own way. There are even people who can be considered leftfield within the classical world. It’s more of a lifestyle, a bit rebellious, but also about trusting yourself and doing what you want.
So, to you, leftfield is kind of an escapism?
I think there’s a certain snobbism in music that I don’t agree with. It’s not like I sit there criticising people for liking house music or soul on YouTube. But the artists I’ve always been drawn to are the ones who stand out and do something different. When I was younger, there were artists whose music I didn’t understand at first, but later on, I would get it and appreciate their uniqueness.
It’s like with movies or books, sometimes it takes time to understand and appreciate them.
Exactly, it’s like that with both books and movies. There are things I watched as a child that I didn’t fully grasp, but later on, I would watch them again and appreciate them. It can go both ways. Sometimes you realize something is amazing, and other times you realize it’s not as good as you remembered.
It’s interesting how things can be perceived differently over time.
Yes. Sometimes certain things make sense in their time, and it’s also funny how things can come back into popularity. There are times I listen to music and think, “Oh my God, I love this now,” even though a few years ago, I might not have liked it. It’s a personal journey of evolving tastes.
You’re a digger, right?
I’m a collector, not just of records but of various things. I collect from different sources, not just records. For me, it’s about finding unique and interesting items. Sometimes I buy something simply because I like how it looks, without even listening to it. It’s about embracing randomness and finding hidden gems.
Have you had any crazy collector stories or memorable discoveries?
Many of my discoveries come from digging through dusty basements or unconventional record stores. There was a store in London called Lucky Seven where I used to find a lot of records that were considered undesirable by others. I would find hidden gems there for a very cheap price. It’s always exciting to find something unique and valuable in unexpected places.
What about your Persian roots? How do they influence your music?
My Persian roots are a significant part of my identity and have an influence on my music. Having lived 17 years of my life in Iran, it has shaped a big part of my personality. As I grew older, I started appreciating the music and sounds from my roots. It’s not the only thing that inspires me, but it’s a part of who I am.
Do you collaborate with other artists from the Iranian electronic scene?
I’ve collaborated with artists from both inside and outside Iran. Inside Iran, there are talented artists like Temp-Illusion and Sote, whom I admire. Outside Iran, I’ve connected with artists like Pardis and SIT, among others. It’s interesting how we are drawn together by our shared heritage and love for music.
How do you perceive the Iranian electronic scene both inside and outside the country?
The Iranian electronic scene has been gaining more recognition in recent years, both inside and outside the country. There are talented artists pushing boundaries and creating unique sounds. Inside Iran, it’s a growing movement, while outside Iran, there are artists who have established themselves internationally. It’s a diverse and exciting scene to be a part of.
What can we expect from you in terms of future releases?
I have several upcoming releases and projects. I have several Flower Storm EPs planned, which is our collaborative project with Sepehr. I’m also working on mixtapes and planning a compilation for my 10-year anniversary on NTS Radio. There’s a lot of new music in the pipeline, and I’m excited to share it with everyone.
We look forward to hearing your new releases. Thank you Kasra!
Thank you. It was a pleasure talking with you.
Listen to Hyperdelic below:
