Kaskade

The Olympic Summer Games of 2008 officially begin this Friday on August 8, 2008. In celebration of this international competition and cultural event, 8 of Ultra Records' artists participated in the We8 project. The We8 project was created to foster cultural and artistic exchange between musicians and artists from around the world and express the global connections embodied in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The 8 musicians involved with We8 are Tiesto, Kaskade, Serge Devant, Benny Benassi, Jay J, JES, Lucas Prata, and Cezar, who all hail from Ultra Records, an electronic and dance-music label based in New York City. Sponsored by Coca Cola, the We8 project was host to each artist creating a song based upon a provided theme that embodies the spirit of the Olympics. Each song is available completely gratis, as a DRM-free download and ring tone, which work with all devices. The themes were also provided to 8 featured graphic artists in China including Joyn Viscom, MeWe and Wang Xu, who designed artwork for classic style Coca Cola bottles, each artist and their design was paired with the musician who utilized the same theme.

With people from over 50 countries already having participated by downloading the graphics and tunes, We8 is an incredible success by bridging cultures and people around the world.

Q&A with…Kaskade

WE8 Theme: "Healthy World"

WE8 Bottle Designer: Xin Jing, from China

WE8 Music: "Beautiful World," by Kaskade, from the United States

How would you describe your song, "Beautiful World," and its meaning?

I really tried to think what the athletes give up in order to get where they are, in the Olympics. The hours of training

and sacrifice to make it to that level of competition is amazing to me. The song is about that idea, how people

have to give up the little things in order to achieve their goals – in this case, the Olympic Games.

What elements of the special aluminum contour bottle design most inspired you?

I thought it was so cool how Coke wrapped the bottle with the art to create more of a canvas-type feel.

What was your creative process for developing the song?

When I was first contacted to write some music for this project, I thought about the Olympics and how much I

enjoy watching them. I thought about the athletes and how they have to put aside the small things to be able to

focus on the greater goal of performing to the best of their ability. This also holds true in life, as I tried to not be

bothered by petty things and learn to focus on the real things that bring me happiness.

Once I had the concept for the song, I worked with Marcus Bently (vocals) and Finn Bjarson (bass, guitar) to round

out the sound and achieve what I had envisioned.

How long did it take to create your song?

Once I got the initial concept, it moved pretty quickly. I would say three full days in the studio.

Has any of your other music been inspired by artwork or designs?

Typically, I am inspired by life experiences, but so much of that takes place in the city that I live, San Francisco.

The city itself has a lot of interesting architecture and design that create the template for me

to be inspired.

What inspired you to become a musician/artist?

There are so many reasons. This has always been my passion, to create music. When I was young, the music was

there for me and kept me out of trouble.

What other cultures, if any, have inspired your music?

Japan is my favorite place to visit. Tokyo has to be one of the most-interesting cities on the planet. I have spent a

good amount of time studying the language and culture of Japan and I am always inspired when I visit there.

How do you connect with the world?

I am constantly on tour and I always try to take in the sites and sounds of the local environment. It has been a

great opportunity to see things that I would have never seen.

What role does music play in bringing people of different cultures together?

Music is a universal way to communicate. A song can say so much more than just the words that are sung – it

can convey emotion. This breaks down the communication barriers and lets everyone enjoy the art, regardless of

where they are from.

Have you ever traveled to or performed in China?

I have not been to China, but I look forward to sharing my music with them.

What is your favorite part of the Olympic Games? Favorite Olympic event? If you were going to compete in the

Olympic Games, what sport would you like to try?

Track and field has always been fun to watch. If I were to compete, I would go for the snowboarding. When I am

not in the studio, I try to get some of that in.

What is your favorite Coca-Cola product?

Another Diet Coke, please!

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Xiao Xue • MeWe • Xing Jing • Jiang Hua • Joyn Viscom • Milkxhake • Chen Shao Hua • Wang Xu