In Conversation With KAS:ST

Following up his 2024 debut on HILOMATIK with ‘DGAF’, French producer KAS:ST returns to the label with a new melodic techno banger: ‘Sound Of The Soul’. Known for his boundary-pushing sound and striking audiovisual identity, KAS:ST continues to blur the lines between raw intensity and emotional depth. We caught up with him to talk touring, testing tracks, and the moments that matter most.

You’ve been touring heavily these past years — how many shows are you averaging annually?
I’d say between 70 and 80 shows a year. It depends on the season and the projects I’m working on — some demand a lot of focus and time, so I sometimes pull back from touring to dive fully into the creative side.

Who’s usually on the road with you?
Always Matteo, my tour manager — and also my brother. Having someone that close to me, both professionally and personally, makes everything more grounded and easier to navigate.

How do you manage to stay healthy while constantly on the move?
It’s a challenge, but I try to eat clean, avoid alcohol, and work out when I can. Sleep is huge for me too — it really helps me stay balanced and reset between shows.

For younger DJs just starting out — what’s your best advice when it comes to landing those first gigs?
Work hard, stay consistent, and build your own sound. Don’t just follow trends or copy what’s working for others — your individuality is your biggest strength. That’s what will make you stand out.

What are your tour must-haves?
My USB stick and headphones, of course. But also a good mindset and some flexibility — things don’t always go as planned on tour, so being able to adapt is crucial.

When do you think it’s worth investing in a tour team — and who should be part of it?
Once things scale up, having a solid tour manager is essential — someone who can also handle content capture is even better. That way, I can focus fully on the show, while the moments around it get documented and the vision stays consistent.

Do you test your unreleased tracks live? What do you look for?
Absolutely. I test new music on big sound systems to hear how it really feels. I focus on the structure and how it flows — and I always watch how the crowd responds. That feedback tells me everything.

Top three cities to play in?
That’s a hard one. But I’d say Istanbul, Buenos Aires, and Paris. The energy and connection in those places is just on another level. Each show I’ve done there has left a mark.

Craziest thing a fan has ever given you?
Tattoos. People show me tattoos inspired by my music at almost every show — my logo, lyrics, even abstract designs tied to specific tracks. It’s surreal. Knowing someone carries your music on their skin is a powerful feeling.

What’s the first thing you do when you get home from tour?
I hug my wife and daughter. That moment grounds me more than anything else.