Artist Name?
Arete & Kaution
Where are you from?
Denver Baby!
What upcoming projects are in the works?
Currently we are finishing up a full-length remix album, which will be releasing free to our fans this October. The album includes remixes of The Black Eyed Peas, Jamiroquai, Imogen Heap among others. We also have a number of original tracks in the works that we are really excited about. In addition, we are beginning production on our second album for the infamous Denver-based hip-hop group, “White Fudge”. Finally, we are expanding our live performances with the inclusion of live percussion and next-generation custom visualizations.
Any production tips for new producers?
For new producers, we highly recommend fully learning the ins and outs of all of your plug-ins and DAW’s. Make a point to gain a fundamental understanding of whatever you are working with at the time. This will increase your work-flow and prevent you from getting bogged down and frustrated. This can be done by taking advantage of the wealth of YouTube tutorials, forums, articles (Sound on Sound articles especially) available for free online. We also try to stay true to the mantra that “well begun is half done”; focus on organization of your sound libraries and setting obtainable goals throughout your creative process. Finally, it is essential to learn (or find someone who knows how) to properly mix and master your material. No matter how much you dig your tracks, if they aren’t there sonically, it is unlikely that it will translate well to the ears of your listeners. Ultimately, it is about experience, literally how many hours you put in the seat, that will determine your success.
What’s one of your favorite plug ins or pieces of hardware to use in your production?
Being live performers, we are avid Ableton Live users and highly recommend it both for live applications and as a primary DAW. Concerning plug-ins, Native Instruments Massive is a fantastic tool for sculpting synth and bass sounds. The level of control is exceptional and the user interface, while daunting at first, is intuitive and easy to navigate; Massive is exactly that in all respects.
What’s your favorite track at the moment?
The XX – Crystalised
What’s your favorite artist at the moment?
ill.Gates, no question. ill is not only a pioneer and an outstanding producer, but one hell of a great guy as well. If you get a chance to either see him live, or better, attend one of his producer workshops, grab it!
What’s your take on the music industry at the moment?
No doubt, it’s a different world. Beneficially, there is a greater amount and better music out there than ever before, but it can be difficult to find the gems amongst the overwhelming amount of music being released. Artists are able to reach out to a broader fan-base than ever before, but with digital distribution, it’s important for new artists to do something truly remarkable to set themselves above the rest. Our primary goal, and the goal of many producers at the moment, is to release music with genuine heart and soul, regardless of genre. If a talented artist is fully committed, in it for the right reasons and has the drive and dedication necessary, then they will be successful regardless of the hurdles faced in the music industry.
Any Upcoming Gigs to be on the lookout for?
Yes, we’re really excited to play Global Fridays at The Church on October 15th! We have a ton of new material that is sure to put some dents in the dance floor 
What are your thoughts on the future of EDM?
A quarter-century on and EDM is stronger than ever. We are stoked to see an enthusiastic new generation of dance music lovers and genres. Furthermore, we are overjoyed at the vitality of the EDM community in the Mile High City! We have always had a solid scene, but we are now one of the dominant cities in the industry, largely because of the supportive nature of our artists, performers, independent record labels (Velcro City Records above all) and the undeniable contribution of Beatport and Beta Nightclub, which regularly bring the best talent in the world to the Mile High City!
How did you get into producing?
Adam Arete:
My father ensured that I tried as many musical instruments as possible: violin, piano, guitar, mandolin and even accordion He and I co-wrote the Colorado Rockies theme song “Play Ball” and were fortunate enough to perform it with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, which was a huge inspiration. Later, I focused primarily on playing keyboard, but not until I started sequencing on my ancient Korg 01/Wfd did I grasp the possibilities of multi-tracking. I DJ’d (DJ Tantra) in the phenomenal Denver rave scene of the mid 1990’s and was bless to have some great mentors who encouraged me to write more original material. I made the leap to solely producing music as the early DAW’s and software became available, Rebirth gets honorable mention, and it’s evolved ever since. I give a ton of thanks to Mark Orosz, who taught me to DJ, Jim Stout (formerly Nebula 9) for sharing his vast knowledge of synthesis and to BT for introducing me to Ableton early on.
Kaution:
I was introduced to the early Denver rave scene and then stared DJ’ing at Tracks 2000 in the late 1990’s. In 1999, I was approached to write an original track specially for the club and the thrill of the writing process hooked me. I began producing regularly with my cousin, Adam Arete, using floor stereo speakers and Sonic Foundry Acid, but then began DJ’ing exclusively and put production on the back burner. I teamed back up with Adam Arete in 2009 to co-produce and co-engineer the White Fudge album “Colfax of Life” (a big thank you to DJ Hero and Ricardo Blanco for the engineering tips). Throughout the rest of 2009 we began to produce and build the catalog of music that we now play in our live act, Arete & Kaution.
If you could work with any one artist, who would it be?
Adam Arete: Jimi Hendrix
Kaution: John Lennon
(In) EDM: BT, hands down. Not only is he a revolutionary producer but his humility, openness and passion are second to none. He is the nerd godfather
What instruments do you play?
Piano, Drums, Guitar and all things electronic!
What are your goals and what do you expect to achieve with music production?
To continue to put out the most original, innovative, funky, dirty, soul-grabbing dance music possible. To push the limits of the combined power of audio and visualization. To continue to build our fan base by being truly ourselves and having an open and genuine rapport with our fans. And, within a short time, to play the major EDM festivals both here in the states and abroad.
What do you have that is new / innovative that you bring to the table?
Our full show consists of completely original Live PA duo with incorporated video synthesis, live vocals, instrumentation and performance art. We are blessed to know some of Denver’s most talented musicians and performance artists as well as video and lighting engineers. This allows us to have an to have an ever-changing live performance tailored to venue, theme and audience.
If you could play at any venue or event, where would it be and why?
Red Rocks at the end of a world tour
What is your favorite meal and who makes it for you?
Adam Arete: What’s that stuff, we used to eat it all the time back in the day?
Kaution: Old Chicago Pizza!
What do you like to do in your free time?
A&K: Free Time?
Adam Arete: Travel above all! I also study the humanities, especially history.
Kaution: BBQ and Disc Golf.
Adam Arete: Oh yea, BBQ and Disc Golf too
Where do you find your main source of support comes from?
Adam Arete: My lovely wife, Lady Shanime, she has supported me on this journey for over twelve years and I couldn’t do it without her. She performs with us as well as doing vocals on many of our tracks. My entire family, including Kaution, are the earth beneath my feet and I am blessed beyond words to have them all. Finally, my VCR family. I couldn’t have asked for more inspiring and wonderful group of people with whom to work.
Kaution: Same as above, but replace lovely wife with partner Gary Skogen.
Is there anything that you would like to say to your fans or the people who support your music?
Thank you! Your love and support truly mean the world to us. You are why we do what we do!
Much Love,
Arete & Kaution
Go Fan Arete & Kaution on their new Facebook Page ->
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arete-and-Kaution/190452975807
A&K were kind enough to load us up with tons of free tunes for your ear pleasure. Stream and download below.
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Arete & Kaution – Diana Ross vs. Basement Jaxx (Original Mix).mp3
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Black Eyed Peas – Hey Mama (Arete & Kaution Remix).mp3
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Imogen Heap – Headlock (Arete & Kaution Remix).mp3
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Jamiroquai – Deeper Underground (Arete & Kaution Remix).mp3
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Peaches – F_ck The Pain Away (Arete & Kaution Remix).mp3
and check out their other work on Beatport.com
