In Session: Kasra

Kasra is a pioneer in the drum 'n' bass scene. The Londoner is committed to showcasing new mutations of the genre at clubs across the world and via his record label of 16 years, Critical Music. Having scored some of the biggest shows on the d'n'b circuit and fostered a new generation of artists who are very much pushing things forward, he turns his attention to our In Session mix.

Kasra’s commitment to high quality, cutting-edge drum 'n' bass has established him as one of the sound's leading label bosses. Critical Music kicked off in 2002 and has become known for its restless release schedule. He is renowned for his level-headed and forward-thinking approach to new music, carrying with him the same passion that brought him to drum 'n' bass in the beginning.

Critical originated in North London and what started as a personal passion project for Kasra has become one of the most well-established labels in the genre. “I started a label because I wanted to be involved in the music I love, to push new artists, new sounds and to present exciting ideas,” he says. This ethos has been maintained through the lifetime of the label with an attitude that is founded on imaginative and ground-breaking approaches to bass-heavy music, from the dancehall influences forming in Sam Binga and Rider Shafique’s ‘Champion EP’ to Mefjus’ neurofunk vibrations.

As time has gone on, Critical’s sound has only diversified as new realms of drum 'n' bass have been explored by its impressive roster, from Enei to Ivy Lab. Critical Sound club nights have travelled everywhere from Croatia to Australia, demonstrating the widening potential of the label, while maintaining a strong base in its hometown.

2019 will see the growth of Circuits, Kasra’s new collaboration with InsideInfo, which is already gaining traction with fans of Critical. Kasra continues to look forward and understand drum 'n' bass as something that can go beyond the traditional and constantly cover new ground. His In Session covers an hour of high definition rollage, all dystopian textures and heaving basslines. It ends on one of his debut productions, released last year, of which we hope to hear more of soon.

“For my first mix of 2019 I wanted to showcase the sounds I’m playing in my club sets," Kasra says. "The mix features lots of unreleased music from across the d'n'b spectrum as well as some exclusive first spins of Circuits and solo material. I hope you like it!”

Tracklist

Circuits - Berlin Outfit

Shyun & Cruk - See It Our Way

Karma - Polar

Kasra - Wing Walker

Hyroglifics - Unconditional

Jubei - A Cold Heart

Alibi - Scuffed

Alix Perez & Monty - Vergo

Serum - Mixed Grill

Particle - The Arrival

Limited - Elephant

TI - Cant Play Dat

Jubei - A Little Dubplate

Break & Total Science - Dogs Dinner

Critical Impact Feat DRS - Crazy

Circuits - Drench

Kasra & Enei - Disappearing Ink

Bou & Stompz - The Abyss

Bungle - Cocooned Edit

Mefjus & Insideinfo - Repentance VIP

Impish - Hive

Levela - Thrunt

Kasra - Focus On The Love

Spectrasoul - Organiser - Circuits Rewire

Break & DLR - City Slickers

Skeptical - Imperial

Kasra - Ski Mask