Firsts with Casnova

Words Notion Staff

February 23, 2024

The west London producer reveals his musical firsts, from festival epiphanies to teaming up with Finn Foxell and kicking it with KAYTRANADA.

The growing intersection between alternative hip-hop and electronic-adjacent genres is clear for everyone to see, but over here in the UK, we’ve needed a poster boy: a familiar figure who can take the crossover to new heights. In Casnova, we may have just found them. Hailing from west London, the producer blends garage, house and the dexterous wordplay of our finest rising rappers to make something inherently new. On his latest project, Alignment EP, he enlists KAM-BU, Bawo and Finn Foxell for verses while Khalia offers up more soulful tones for the infectious four-to-the-floor jam, ‘Need Your Love’.

As well as making intricate dance records, the multifaceted musician runs his own club night, ARTA: a name that encompasses his Iranian heritage and translates to the poignant otherworldly phrase, ‘the cosmic order of stars and planets’. Selling out Phonox with a line up that included Main Phase, A For Alpha and manj is all in a days work for the artist, who has also appeared at revered venues like Fabric, Village Underground and Colour Factory.

This month, Casnova released the music video for ‘Ricky Hatton’, featuring KAM-BU and Bawo. Evoking the blissful nostalgia of ‘90s dancefloors, the slippery UKG number glides effortlessly underneath the wordsmiths’ disparate flow patterns. Although the lyrics pack a punch, it’s a two-stepping drum pattern and glittery melody that steal the show, raising the hand of and championing Casnova as one of the most forward-thinking producers our country has to offer.

First time you fell in love with music?

Seeing Toots and the Maytals live at my first festival made me realise how much happiness can be brought to so many people with music and it made we want to resonate that.

First song you were infatuated with?

The first song I had on loop was ‘Heartless’ by Kanye West. I thought the entire track was so good and the fact he produced and raps over it, I thought it was so impressive.

First gig you ever played?

First gig I remember playing was at Brixton Jamm for my friends event. I was so nervous about messing up but my friends all reminded me that I can just press pause or play if it gets that bad.

First time you worked with someone who you admired?

I’ve always been a fan of Finn Foxell’s music, so to be in the studio on a regular basis with him and make music is very sick to me.

First person you’d recruit if you had a band?

I’d need James Blake on keys, I know we’d be in a good place with him on keys.

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First time you felt starstruck?

I don’t really get starstruck because I see everyone as equals but meeting KAYTRANADA was a cool moment for me. I’ve loved his music for a long time.

First thing on your rider?

I always have bananas and cashews on there to make sure there’s plenty of potassium and I’m well energised for the show. I don’t wanna be cramping up mid-dance.

First track you play when handed the aux?

There’s a refix of ‘Temperature’ by Sean Paul and Sirens by Hard House Banton which hits the spot every time.

First artist you’d add to your dream festival line up?

I’d have to choose OutKast, for the pure amount of bangers they got and the energy they would bring.

First purchase after a major music cheque?

I remember buying a keyboard I had my eye on for a while, it had me buzzing when I finally got it.

Firsts with Casnova

Watch the Video for 'Ricky Hatton' now: