Musicians HAELIUM and Kasztan release new single ‘DOR’

Image credit: SERGINSKI

Under Stemina Recordings, explorative producers HAELIUM and Kasztan share their new collective single ‘DOR’. HAELIUM, a trained and accomplished classical pianist, boast a background in jazz and classical music studies and Kasztan has exercised his musical creativity in numerous ways, notably, writing bespoke music for commercials and signing a soundtrack for The Illusionists documentary to mention a few. ‘DOR’ is a track that has the capacity to alter the mood of listeners for the better with its beat that is packed with offbeats and two-step beats balanced by medium-paced synths. Reverbs sat down with HAELIUM and Kasztan to get more insight on the new single.

Stream / Download: HAELIUM x Kasztan – ‘DOR’

Why did you choose the word ‘Dor’ for the title of this song?

HAELIUM: The idea came from Kasztan: it’s a Romanian word to describe a hopeful and melancholic feeling. This nostalgic yet optimistic sensation reflects the vibe of the track.

Kasztan: there’s something hopeful and melancholic at the same time in the colour and sound of the track. This Romanian word means exactly this feeling. We don’t have a word to describe this kind of nostalgia in the french language. It’s comparable to Hiraeth in Welsh or Saudade in Portuguese.

What influenced the beat of the song?

HAELIUM: Future/UK Garage!

Kasztan: Our love for UK garage!

Tell us more about how your latest/upcoming release was conceptualised?

HAELIUM: I just discovered Kasztan through streaming platforms and saw and loved his music. It was quite a surprise when I saw that he was also living in Paris: so we met and the idea of a collaboration came naturally. He sent me the first draft, and we started to work on it, sending files back and forth!

Kasztan: I’ve been in search of some collaborations for quite some time, but I couldn’t find the right match until I met Haelium thanks to Spotify’s algorithm. We started hanging out together in Paris and decided to make a track together. I remember I had a sketch of a track I didn’t know what to do with it. I sent it to Haelium and he had his magic pads and piano skills on it. Later on, I reworked the structure and mix. Et voila!

Describe a typical day in your studio space.

HAELIUM: I try to keep it fresh: I start to improvise on the piano, just to inspire myself. Then I open Ableton and start to create something. I never start with the same instrument. Sometimes it could be synths or the piano, sometimes drums, even vocals. Then, when I find a nice idea, I add layers and start constructing something. Then a lot of nerdy sound design stuff and mixing, as it helps me keep going through the track and get something I find really deeply emotional.

Kasztan: Coffee first. Then I usually like to start watching some tutorials about production tips. It helps me be more creative, then I work for about 3h maximum because I don’t like staying behind my computer for too long. I walk my dog then and after this, I listen to what I’ve done earlier. Sometimes it goes straight to the trash and sometimes it’s exciting. That’s the magic of it. I’m a daytime producer, I usually stop working around 7-8 pm. I need my family time!

What are the most important pieces of equipment for you?

HAELIUM: I think the two main elements to stay creative for me are my piano and my computer. They always both inspire me in different ways.

Kasztan: Sounds obvious and quite boring at the same time, but that’s my computer.

Describe what an ideal day would be for you?

HAELIUM: Family, friends, and music.

Kasztan: Every day is perfect as long as I have my family around me, that’s very important. And I also really need sunshine.

Do you have a favourite memory of your career so far that you will take with you forever?

HAELIUM: Not a specific one. On tour with friends, in the studio; there are so many great moments I keep in mind.

Kasztan: It’s something global. I’ve been part of several bands in my career, and it never ended badly so the most important for me is what I’ve shared with all of my guys on the road and in the studio. It means a lot to me. These are precious moments.

Who is your musical guilty pleasure?

HAELIUM: t.A.T.u – ‘All The Things She Said’.

Kasztan: I love listening to Christophe, a famous french singer known for ‘Les mots bleus”.

What can we expect from you in the near future?

HAELIUM: Lots of new stuff, collaborations and remixes included.

Kasztan: This single with Haelium marks the launch of my own imprint Stemina Recordings. Stay tuned for new releases from me or other artists.