Beatportal Exclusive: Cassian on Homecomings, Collaboration, and What Comes Next

When Cassian stepped onto the stage in Melbourne last November, it was more than just another night on tour. Supporting Anyma at his first-ever Australian show, Cassian found himself playing to a crowd just a short distance from where he was born. It was the perfect setting to debut a track that would quickly become one of the most defining in his recent catalogue: Where I’m From. “That moment gave the song an extra level of meaning,” he reflects. “The version I played was still an early demo, with more lyrics than it has now. But that experience helped me strip it back and focus on the one line that really mattered.” That kind of instinct—to refine, to reduce, to find clarity in emotion—sits at the core of Cassian’s approach as both a producer and a performer.

The Art of Tension and Release

The track has since earned a reputation as a masterclass in tension and release. While the emotional weight of the lyrics is undeniable, the production draws its power from the precision of its arrangement. “All the main elements—the synth leads, the vocals—were there early on,” he says. “But we were still tweaking the structure right up to the last moment. That’s where a track like this lives or dies.” The result is a hypnotic slow-burn that’s found its way into Cassian’s sets across festivals, clubs, and some of the most iconic venues in the world.

Discovering SCRIPT and Building a Creative Alliance

One of the driving forces behind the track’s final shape is rising artist SCRIPT, who caught Cassian’s attention in a sea of inbox noise. “He sent me a few tracks via Instagram DM, and for some reason I knew I had to listen. One of them was ‘On The Low’—I was immediately drawn to the groove, the club sensibility, and the mixing quality.” That DM sparked a creative partnership that’s grown over the past year, including shared work on Anyma’s releases. “I’ve collaborated with SCRIPT a lot recently. He’s incredibly talented, and I’m really excited to see where he goes next.”

What the Dancefloor Teaches You

While Where I’m From has become a standout in Cassian’s sets, its real confirmation came in the reaction from the dancefloor. “Honestly, from that first play in Melbourne, I knew it was something I wanted to put everything into. The support it’s received since—from DJs I’ve looked up to for years—has been incredible. I feel really lucky.” Beyond the emotional resonance, what makes the track connect so strongly is how it unfolds in a live environment. For Cassian, playing his own music in front of a crowd is an essential part of the creative process. “The energy in those moments is everything,” he says. “It forces you to be completely present. And when you’re present, you get this real-time feedback that helps shape how you hear your own tracks. I learn so much from those sets.”

From Club Space to the Sphere—and Beyond

This deep connection to the live experience has only intensified as his performances have scaled. From the raw intimacy of Club Space in Miami to the visual spectacle of the Las Vegas Sphere, Cassian has tailored his sound to suit the setting—while still keeping his approach rooted in emotion and flow. It’s why he feels at home in extended sets, like his upcoming all-night-long session in Brooklyn. “I started out playing longer sets, so I’m really comfortable with them,” he says. “Honestly, my main focus for a six-hour set is planning bathroom breaks and snacks. You get to really build something when you’re given that much time.”

Tomorrowland, the Next Milestone

Cassian’s calendar is filled with milestones, but one in particular stands out: this summer, he’ll make his debut on the main stage at Tomorrowland. “It means a lot. That stage is one of the biggest in dance music, and I never thought I’d have the chance to play. It’s an opportunity I want to prepare for thoroughly.” The set will include premieres of unreleased material and exclusive edits—a glimpse into where he’s headed next.

Balancing the Roles—and Staying Inspired

As a mixing engineer and producer, Cassian has spent over a decade juggling his own artistry with behind-the-scenes work for major acts. From mixing Inhale / Exhale for RÜFÜS DU SOL while on the road, to shaping the music direction of Anyma’s immersive End of Genesys show, the workload can be intense. “Honestly, it can be tough. I’ve had to cancel shows just to make sure things are done properly. But I’ve always worked with artists I’m genuinely a fan of—and that keeps me inspired.” It’s a cycle of creativity that flows in both directions: what he learns from those projects feeds his solo work, and vice versa.

Looking Ahead with No Limits

With over 175 million streams to his name and a discography that spans tastemaker labels like Afterlife and Rose Avenue, Cassian is more excited than ever about what lies ahead. “I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years, and I could never have dreamt of the opportunities I have now. Being able to play my records around the world and hear people singing them back—it’s not something I take lightly. It motivates me to work harder and make even more music.” And as electronic music evolves in real time—especially with the rise of AI—Cassian’s ready to evolve with it. “I think AI will play a huge role. DJs could eventually manipulate tracks live, changing arrangements or creating new sounds on the fly. It’s an exciting future.”