Kaskade recently announced his seventh album Fire & Ice (a 2-disc release – Disc I, Fire, features 10 original songs, while Disc II, Ice, features all 10 tracks remixed by Kaskade), which will get an exclusive iTunes release on October 25, and a full release everywhere else on November 8. The album features Ms. Grey on track 10, “Room For Happiness”! Check out the track listing and what Kaskade had to say about the album via the press release and album trailer, both below.

Kaskade – Fire & Ice | Press Release & Trailer ::

TRACK LISTING ::
01/ Eyes (feat. Mindy Gledhill)
02/ Turn It Down (feat. Rebecca & Fiona)
03/ Lessons In Love (feat. Neon Trees)
04/ Lick It (feat. Skrillex)
05/ Llove (feat. Haley)
06/ Let Me Go (feat. Marcus Bently)
07/ Waste Love (feat. Quadron)
08/ ICE (feat. Dada Life & Dan Black)
09/ How Long (feat. Inpetto & Late Night Alumni)
10/ Room For Happiness (feat. Skylar Grey)

KASKADE ANNOUNCES ‘FIRE & ICE’ DOUBLE CD ALBUM TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 8 ON ULTRA MUSIC, iTUNES EXCLUSIVE OCTOBER 25

SEVENTH STUDIO ALBUM INCLUDES COLLABORATIONS WITH SKRILLEX, NEON TREES, SKYLAR GREY AND DADA LIFE

FEATURES HIT SINGLES ‘EYES’ AND ‘TURN IT DOWN’

KASKADE TO HOST BACK-TO-BACK ‘TRICKS OR BEATS’ SHOWS AT ROSELAND BALLROOM NYC TO CELEBRATE ALBUM RELEASE OCTOBER 28TH AND 29th
SUPPORT ACTS ANNOUNCED BELOW

2011 has been an incredible year for producer and America’s number one DJ, Kaskade. The November 8 release of his seventh studio album, the double CD ‘Fire & Ice’, on leading dance label Ultra Music, is a perfect tail-end to the year, and an insightful prelude into what promises to be an even bigger 2012 for Kaskade.

Kaskade (aka Ryan Raddon) has spent the last twelve months creating the double disc album in his Santa Monica studio, following on from his 2010 album ‘Dynasty’ which debuted at no.5 on the iTunes Overall Album chart. A conceptual first in dance music, ‘Fire & Ice’ explores both sides of Kaskade’s personality, with the two discs serving as a soundtrack for a total nightout.

The Fire disc contains ten original songs geared firmly toward the dancefloor. From lead single ‘Eyes’, which BBC’s Pete Tong used to open his Essential Selection show, to ‘How Long’ and ‘Llove’, Kaskade’s signature anthemic lyric-driven house is displayed at its best. His collaboration with Skrillex, ‘Lick It’, serves up a growling slice of electro, but never forgets the musicality and melody that underpin Kaskade’s productions, qualities that are re-affirmed in the disc’s closing track, his collaboration with Skylar Grey, ‘Room For Happiness’.

On the second disc Ice, Kaskade chooses to remix all ten songs from Fire himself. Designed to serve as a counter-point to the first disc, Ice provides the perfect down-tempo post club experience, showcasing his musical versatility. The remixed ‘Eyes’ draws on sparse, sonic textures akin to James Blake and Nicolas Jaar. Kaskade transforms his Skrillex collaboration ‘Lick It’ into slow-burning electronica, perfect for a late night drive home. Most of all Ice serves to emphasize the emotive lyrics that underpin Kaskade’s songs, easily missed at high-tempos. Ice offers the perfect chance to observe an artist who builds his music from the words up, a rarity in contemporary dance music.

“The first thing I think about when I make music, is the melody and the lyrics,” said Kaskade. “Production styles come and go, but good songs can stand the test of time. People might know ‘Eyes’ as a big-room dance music anthem, but underneath it’s a beautiful song. The ‘Fire & Ice’ concept allowed me to present my music to people in a new way, and show that my music can work at many different tempos and styles outside a club setting.”

From his ground-breaking double residency in Las Vegas at Marquee and Encore Beach Club, to headlining the 20+ date amphitheater tour IDentity this summer, curating a legendary BBC Essential Mix, and being named America’s Best DJ by DJ Times and Pioneer, the renowned producer Kaskade has simply not stopped in 2011. With the release of ‘Fire & Ice’ his incredible rise to the pinnacle of dance music shows no sign of slowing down.

Full support for his Roseland Ballroom ‘Tricks Or Beats’ show has been announced. On October 28 Kaskade will be joined by Alesso, Le Castle Vania, MNOR, Sleepy & Boo and on Saturday October 29 Theopholis London, Alvin Risk, David Waxman.

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Tickets are now available for Ms. Grey‘s upcoming November 1 show at The Roxy Theatre, which will be her first solo gig in Los Angeles! Special guests She Wants Revenge will be on-hand to perform a DJ set before the concert.

Click the photo below to view info on purchasing tickets!

NOVEMBER 1, TUESDAY
THE ROXY THEATRE – WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

Ms. Grey will be appearing at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California. She Wants Revenge will be performing a special opening DJ set beforehand.

The Roxy Theatre – Tickets | TicketWeb ::

8:00 PM Pacific

9009 West Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

$12 (General Admission)

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UK-based website Digital Spy has published a lengthy interview with Ms. Grey - the interview covers various topics, including whether or not she’s currently writing for Cheryl Cole, the most important lesson she’s learned in her career so far, and a brand new upcoming collaboration with DJ Kaskade is also revealed!

Read a few excerpts below, and click the title to view the full-length interview.

Interview w/ Skylar Grey | Digital Spy ::
Are you nervous about people hearing your solo material?
“Not really because it’s just my art and people can either take it or leave it. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to get it out there and let them have their opinion.”

Are there any particular tracks you’re excited for fans to hear?
“Yes, there are a couple! There’s this one song called ‘Final Warning’ that I’m really excited about because I love the contrast of my vocal sounding very soothing and my harsh lyrics. There’s another that I’m extremely excited about which is actually a collaboration, but I don’t know where it’s going to live exactly. I worked on it with Kaskade and it’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”

Who else are you writing songs for?
“I’m currently just waiting until my album is done and out before I focus on writing for other people again. I never really focus on writing for other people, to be honest. Every song I’ve ever written was for me to sing. Maybe if I’m writing for a rapper, but I’d still write it as though it was for myself and then sometimes I’m actually asked to do the part.”

We hear that Cheryl Cole is working with Alex Da Kid on her new album and that he has asked you to write with her…
“I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t even know who that is.”

The X Factor USA started recently; did you ever consider entering one of those shows before you got signed?
“No, probably not. They’re a great opportunity for people, but I worked my way into this industry through a totally different route. It’s definitely not for me, but I can see it would be great for a lot of people.”

What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far??
“I would say that nobody is going to work harder for your career than yourself – the one with the vision. No matter how many people you hire, nobody is going to get is as much as yourself does. So it’s really important to be your own leader at all times and not hand it all off, otherwise the whole empire will fall apart.”

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Complex has published a feature on Ms. Grey in their Complex Individuals section, and PopDash’s David Renshaw has posted his interview conducted just prior to her embarking on her current European tour with Bruno Mars. Check out excerpts from the PopDash interview, along with a mention in Music Week, and click the Complex Individuals article to view the full-size image!

Interview w/ Skylar Grey | PopDash ::
PopDash: What is the meaning behind the pseudonym ‘Skylar Grey’?

SG: When I was Holly, I felt like I was out of control of my own life and very influenced by others, to the point where I didn’t really know what I wanted. I decided to retreat to the woods and live in isolation, and combat my fears. That’s where I created Skylar Grey – the superhero version of me. I chose “Skylar Grey” because Grey, to me, represents life’s grey areas, and while most people are scared of the unknown, I relish it. Being receptive to what the unknown has to offer is how I have found all of my greatest opportunities. Skylar comes from my love of the skies – grey stormy skies.

PopDash: We love your song ‘Invisible’. Can you tell us how you felt when you wrote it?

SG: It was kind of a culmination of my life’s journey up to that point. When I was kid people thought i was weird because I was singing folk songs with my mom. When i was in high school I wasn’t blossoming the way the other girls were and battled an eating disorder. I felt awkward and unnoticed. I left high school when I was 17 and moved out to LA where I landed a record deal. I thought I was finally on my way to being successful at what I love and then things went downhill. The album didn’t do well and I asked to be let out of my record deal. It felt like no one was noticing my efforts or talents. All of these experiences led to the creation of the song and I think everyone feels this way at some point in time. It was very therapeutic to write Invisible.

PopDash: And do you still feel the same emotions when you perform it?

SG: I actually feel empowered because I know that while Holly may have felt that way, Skylar Grey doesn’t. I’m no longer invisible. I’m INVINSIBLE.

PopDash: Finally. What would be your advice to any young songwriters keen to break into the music industry?

SG: Just be real. Have something to say. Practice. Don’t ever give up. Also check out David Foster’s 10 Tips for Songwriters on YouTube. He’s a genius.

Out This Week | Music Week ::
“….songwriting sensation and Alex Da Kid-signed Skylar Grey steps into the spotlight this week with her debut single Invisible, after collaborative success on 2010’s best-selling single Love the Way You Lie….”

Complex Individuals | Complex ::

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UPDATE | VIDEOS ::

The three exclusive MTV Push live performance videos have been made available for streaming in select countries – check them out below!

Beautiful Nightmare (Live) | MTV ::

Weirdo (Live) | MTV ::

Medley (Live) | MTV ::

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During the month of October, Ms. Grey is the international MTV Push Artist! Check out your country’s official MTV website to view your respective Skylar Grey Push Artist feature – select countries will also have access to three exclusive live videos for “Beautiful Nightmare”, “Weirdo”, and her special hook “Medley”!

October’s International MTV Push Artist | MTV ::

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Although most recently scheduled for an October 3 release, Ms. Grey‘s single “Invisible” has been made officially available for early purchase in the United Kingdom via iTunes! It has been made available in the form of a 5-track EP, including 3 remixes of “Invisible”, as well as the promo/buzz single “Dance Without You”.

If you reside within the United Kingdom, be sure to take advantage of this early offer as you can currently purchase the entire 5-track EP for only €1.49!

TRACK LISTING ::
01/ Invisible - 4:12
02/ Invisible (Kaskade Remix) - 7:00
03/ Invisible (David Lynch Remix) - 4:18
04/ Invisible (Dirty South Remix) - 6:21
05/ Dance Without You – 2:46 

Invisible (Remixes) EP | iTunes UK ::

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The official GRAMMY website has uploaded a new video and article recapping their September 28 DJ Skee hosted special Up Close & Personal With Alex Da Kid And Skylar Grey.

Check out the photo, article, and video below, and click the photo to view the original feature page on GRAMMY.com.

Alex Da Kid & Skylar Grey Are All In | GRAMMY.com ::

SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 — 10:40 AM

By Chuck Crisafulli / GRAMMY.com

A great piece of music, like any great piece of art, can speak for itself. But when the artists behind the music are willing to speak freely about their work, motivations and inspirations, it’s a tremendous opportunity for fans and fellow music makers to get a unique, in-depth understanding of the creative process.

This was the opportunity offered on Sept. 28 at Up Close & Personal With Alex Da Kid And Skylar Grey, an event presented jointly by The Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing and Los Angeles Chapter. The evening consisted of an insightful, open-ended conversation with GRAMMY-nominated producer Alex Da Kid and GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Grey, moderated by renowned DJ, entrepreneur and music mogul DJ Skee.

Alex Da Kid made his initial splash in the industry producing such hits as Nicki Minaj’s “Massive Attack” and B.o.B’s “Airplanes.“ Working with Grey as a co-writer and vocalist, more mega-hits have followed, including Eminem’s GRAMMY-nominated “Love The Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna, P. Diddy’s “Coming Home,“ Lupe Fiasco’s “Words I Never Said,“ and “I Need A Doctor” for Dr. Dre’s long-awaited Detox album. The pair have also collaborated on Grey’s forthcoming debut album, Invinsible, due in January.

DJ Skee served as an engaging and energetic moderator, asking the pair a series of direct, informed questions while keeping the tone light and conversational. (It’s no surprise given that he’s an on-air personality for Los Angeles radio station KIIS-FM and hosts no less than four Sirius XM Radio shows.) Several questions centered on the respective journeys that brought the two panelists to the current points in their careers, and two very different paths were described.

Up until age 19, Alex Da Kid said he had every intention of becoming a professional soccer player, and didn’t take the full plunge into music until he began pursuing a college degree in audio technology. “The things that create a hit record I don’t think I learned at school,” said Alex Da Kid. “But I might not be here if I didn’t go to school.”

Grey started out as a child performer in a folk duo with her mother, singing songs such as “Never Smoke Tobacco” and “We Are The Colors Of The Rainbow” for audiences at libraries and elementary schools. “Eventually, I told my mom I was going solo,” Grey recalled, to which DJ Skee responded, “Good career move.”

The two described their first meeting via email after Grey’s music publisher suggested she contact Kid. “I sent him a long, aggressive email, ‘You’re awesome! We have to work together,’“ said Grey. “He sent me a one-word response, ‘Cool.’“ Alex Da Kid eventually sent her one of his beats, over which Grey created the hook for “Love The Way You Lie,“ and an artistic partnership was born.

Some of the most interesting moments came when the duo discussed the contrasts in their creative processes. Alex Da Kid explained that he was a proponent of a “create whenever you can” approach, and said that he’d begun naming the music files on his laptop after the specific situation that inspired them, such as “Alex made a beat when he had the flu,” “Alex made a beat on the airplane.” Grey admitted to having a much more fragile sense of inspiration, and said she has often turned to the seclusion of a cabin in the woods in order to pursue and develop her artistic vision.

The two occasionally teased each other about their experiences working together, including when Grey revealed that after they first played the track “I Need A Doctor” with her voice on it for Dr. Dre and Eminem, Alex Da Kid “helpfully” suggested that maybe Lady Gaga could sing Grey’s part.

“Before I could say a thing,” Grey recalled with a smile, “Eminem turned around and said, ‘No.’“

The discussion was followed with a short but moving performance by Grey, who sat at a piano to sing a medley of her most familiar work, including “I Need A Doctor” and “Love The Way You Lie.“ The evening concluded with a question-and-answer session during which the trio offered practical advice and guidance.

“Have a great team around you and trust them,” said Alex Da Kid, while Grey offered, “Take risks.”

Speaking once again to the theme of opportunity, DJ Skee said, “A lot of people are running away from the music industry. I’m running into it.”

Noel Phillips from the UK-based Flavour Magazine recently interviewed Ms. Grey in anticipation of her upcoming October tour with Bruno Mars. Check out an excerpt from the interview below, click its title to read the full-length interview, and also check out dates and ticket information for the tour at SkylarGreyMusic.com!

Grey is No Longer Invisible | Flavour Magazine ::
“….It’s fair to describe you as the lady behind some of the biggest hip hop hits and one of the leading featured vocalist currently around. Some artists tend to say that their creative process is unexplained while many find comfort in hiding away to write, others like to put pen to paper on a train or in a coffee shop. How do you go about writing your music?

First I have to be in the right head space. By that I mean, I have to set aside a specific amount of time for me to focus on my writing. Second, my environment is a huge factor. I grew up in Wisconsin in the woods so that kind of serene, natural environment is best.

You’ve been described as “music’s most deadly secret weapon” – how does that feel?

Like whoever said that should have more power in this industry.  [Laughs]…

It’s fairly obvious that you are no longer invisible and you seem to always be looking glamorous. How would you describe your style? 

It’s just another facet of my art, which reflects who I am inside.

How long does it usually take you to get ready for a performance or a night out partying?

I hate being rushed, but not that long. I like to be comfortable.

You were recently announced as Bruno Mars support act on his European tour. Can you find out for us, who exactly the lady is that he wants to walk down the aisle with in his recent single, ‘Marry You’?

I don’t know who it is, but I’ll ask him and I probably won’t tell you… [Laughs]….”

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