A Fresh Energy: Gaskin on Bass Jamz, Creamfields, and His Unique Sound
Gaskin shares how a "fresh energy" and a unique production style fueled his career from Newcastle to international stages.
Introducing Gaskin, a British producer from the North East of England near Newcastle.
Over the last 2 years Gaskin has made a big name for himself in the production world releasing on some of the top labels such as Up The Stuss, You & Me, Locus, After Caposile Music and many more. Gaskin also has a lot of exciting releases forthcoming over the next year.
In 2021 Gaskin started his own brand and record label Bass Jamz which has had massive success over the last year with his number 1 release “Dirty Mindz”.
2024 was been the biggest year of his career so far playing at some of the biggest clubs and festivals across Europe such as Amnesia Ibiza, Pacha Barcelona, Cova Santa Ibiza, Creamfields, Hide & Seek Festival and many more.
Gaskin shares with 6AM how a "fresh energy" and a unique production style fueled his career from Newcastle to international stages.
Hi Gaskin! Thanks for talking to 6AM group; how are you doing?
I’m doing great, guys, thanks for asking.
You’re from Newcastle and have spent the past two years rising through labels like Up The Stuss, You & Me, Locus, After Caposile—and now run your own Bass Jamz label. What was the turning point that made you confident enough to start your own label, and what did you want to do differently from the other imprints you were releasing on?
After producing for 5+ years, I finally got to a point where I took all my favourite influences from different genres and sounds and really started making something that was unique and stood out. I wanted to bring more energy to music on dance floors and use the influence from old school 90s house sounds, which I grew up listening to.
I was never any good at trying to make specific-sounding tracks for labels, but when I just made music without really thinking, this new sound came out, and that’s when I made ‘A Fresh Energy’, which was my first big track that got played all over. This was really a big turning point for me.
What’s been the biggest challenge in running the label while also pushing your own career forward, and how has that experience shaped the way you approach your own music?
The biggest challenge is juggling the time between focusing on your own music, running the label and digging through demos whilst also touring.
We couldn’t be happier with how the label has gone so far, and we are very excited about the tracks we have lined up for the future, as they are going to take our label to the next level.
You had quite a 2024 with debut performances at Amnesia Ibiza, Pacha Barcelona, Creamfields, Fabric, and even a full Scotland tour. Which of those shows felt like a defining step in your journey, and what stood out to you about the crowd or atmosphere at that moment? Any particular show that was your favourite, and why?
Creamfields was definitely one for me, as I got booked for it at the last minute and didn’t really expect anything from it, and then 20,000 people turned up to the stage to watch me. The stage was completely empty before I came on, so to see that many people flooding through really felt like people were getting behind me and supporting my music.
You’ve released on respected imprints like Up The Stuss, You & Me, Locus, and Solid Grooves. What have you learned from working with these labels about how they shape their sound and identity, and has that influenced how you approach your own productions?
Don’t try to make specific-sounding tracks to fit the label, as you will end up stuck. Make tracks without thinking, and be patient, and you will make something unique to yourself that labels are always looking for, rather than similar-sounding stuff.
A lot of people think referencing tracks that are already on the label helps, but it often has the opposite effect. The best music is the most unique music, and I’m sure any label owner would say the same.
Your next six months include some big-name destinations such as Mint Festival, Offsonar with PIV, Hi Ibiza, and multiple Paradise shows. How do you decide what new material to test on these stages, and does performing at such high-profile events change how you prepare your sets?
I’m constantly digging for new music and making new music and always trying to keep my sets fresh for my own enjoyment and the crowd’s enjoyment.
You need to build a good relationship with as many artists as possible to share unreleased music. Also, I dig through old school records on YouTube on a daily basis, so I’ve got a good mix of new and old tracks.
I always like to throw in some tracks that I loved growing up in the scene as well to give the younger generations a taste of the tracks I experienced on the dance floor, which made me fall in love with the scene.
Thanks so much for taking the time. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure!