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{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Kastra
| name = Kastra
| image = File:Kastra (producer).jpg
| birth_name = Ray Decker
| birth_name = Ray Decker
| website = {{url|https://www.kastramusic.com}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.kastramusic.com}}
| occupation = DJ, music producer
| occupation = DJ, music producer
| origin = [[Asbury Park, New Jersey]]
| origin = [[Asbury Park, New Jersey]]
| label = {{hlist|[[Ultra Music]]|AFTR: HRS|[[Armada Music]]|Enhanced Music|[[Musical Freedom]]|[[Hussle Recordings]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Ultra Music]]|AFTR: HRS|[[Armada Music]]|Enhanced Music|[[Musical Freedom]]|[[Hussle Recordings]]}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|[[Timmy Trumpet]]|[[Ava Max]]|[[Fatman Scoop]]}}
| years_active = 2012–present
| years_active = 2012–present
| genre = {{Unbulletedlist|[[Electronic dance music|EDM]]|[[Progressive house]]|[[Future house]]}}
| genre = {{Unbulletedlist|[[Electronic dance music|EDM]]|[[Progressive house]]|[[Future house]]}}
}}
}}
'''Ray Decker''', known professionally as '''Kastra'',''''' is an American DJ, music producer and songwriter from [[New Jersey]]. He is known for his singles "Fool For You", "U & Me" and "Wassup (Listen to the Horns)".<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|date=April 24, 2021|title=Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-airplay/2021-04-24|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Billboard}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Timmy Trumpet & Kastra's 'Wassup' Is a Blast Of Disco House Brightness: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/8492998/timmy-trumpet-kastra-wassup|access-date=2021-02-12|website=Billboard|language=en}}</ref> He is also known for his official remixes of [[Ava Max]] and [[3LAU]], [[Sultan & Shepard|Sultan + Shepard]], and [[Two Friends (DJs)|Two Friends]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Stone|first=Katie|title=Timmy Trumpet and Kastra Release Disco House Track "Wassup (Listen To The Horns)"|url=https://edm.com/music-releases/timmy-trumpet-kastra-wassup|access-date=2021-02-12|website=EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists|language=en}}</ref>
'''Ray Decker''', known professionally as '''Kastra'',''''' is an American DJ, music producer and songwriter from [[New Jersey]]. He is known for his singles "Fool For You", "U & Me" and "Wassup (Listen to the Horns)".<ref name=":22">{{Cite magazine|date=April 24, 2021|title=Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-airplay/2021-04-24|access-date=2021-08-08|magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|title=Timmy Trumpet & Kastra's 'Wassup' Is a Blast Of Disco House Brightness: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/timmy-trumpet-kastra-wassup-8492998/|access-date=2021-02-12|magazine=Billboard|language=en}}</ref> He is also known for his official remixes of [[Ava Max]] and [[3lau]], [[Sultan & Shepard|Sultan + Shepard]], and [[Two Friends (DJs)|Two Friends]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Stone|first=Katie|title=Timmy Trumpet and Kastra Release Disco House Track "Wassup (Listen To The Horns)"|url=https://edm.com/music-releases/timmy-trumpet-kastra-wassup|access-date=2021-02-12|website=EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists|date=11 January 2019 |language=en}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Ray Decker was born in [[Neptune, New Jersey]]. He attended [[Quinnipiac University]] where he received his Bachelor’s in marketing as well as his MBA. Growing up, he played the electric guitar in various local bands, and was influenced by the hard rock and heavy metal scene.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2018-10-10|title=Introducing… Kastra|url=https://ihouseu.com/introducing-kastra/|access-date=2021-02-12|website=IhouseU.com|language=en-GB}}</ref> In an interview with ''Salacious Sound'', he credited those early years as an important part of his sound and development. During a trip to Australia while in college, he was exposed to electronic music and [[nightclub culture]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Interview: Kastra {{!}} Salacious Sound|url=https://salacioussound.com/2013/02/interview-kastra/|access-date=2021-08-08}}</ref> Upon returning, he began focusing on electronic music production rather than playing guitar, because it allowed him to "make an entire song by [himself]".<ref name=":2" />
Ray Decker was born in [[Neptune City, New Jersey|Neptune, New Jersey]]. He attended [[Quinnipiac University]] where he received his Bachelor's in marketing as well as his MBA. Growing up, he played the electric guitar in various local bands, and was influenced by the [[hard rock]] and [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] scene.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2018-10-10|title=Introducing… Kastra|url=https://ihouseu.com/introducing-kastra/|access-date=2021-02-12|website=IhouseU.com|language=en-GB}}</ref> In an interview with ''Salacious Sound'', he credited those early years as an important part of his sound and development. During a trip to Australia while in college, he was exposed to electronic music and [[nightclub culture]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Interview: Kastra {{!}} Salacious Sound|url=https://salacioussound.com/2013/02/interview-kastra/|access-date=2021-08-08}}</ref> Upon returning, he began focusing on electronic music production rather than playing guitar, because it allowed him to "make an entire song by [himself]".<ref name=":2" />


== Musical Career ==
== Musical career ==


=== 2011–2014: Career beginnings ===
=== 2011–2014: Career beginnings ===
Ray Decker began producing mashups and bootleg remixes under the name Kastra in 2011. Many of his early mashups charted in the top 5 on [[Hype Machine]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Breathe In That Air (Kastra &amp; Jon Fox Bootleg)|url=https://hypem.com/track/1z35b/Eminem+vs.+Daniel+Portman+vs.+Zeds+Dead+-+Breathe+In+That+Air+%28Kastra+%26+Jon+Fox+Bootleg%29|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Hype Machine|language=en}}</ref> and were also uploaded to popular YouTube channels such as Proximity. Kastra’s first original releases were in 2012 when he released "Hold A Light" and "Warning" on Antiblaze Records. In 2014, he released the single "Dolla Bilz" on the [[Disco Fries]]' Liftoff Recordings.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-04-22|title=Your EDM Premiere: Kastra - Dolla Billz|url=https://www.youredm.com/2014/04/22/your-edm-premiere-kastra-dolla-billz/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Your EDM|language=en-US}}</ref>
Ray Decker began producing mashups and bootleg remixes under the name Kastra in 2011. Many of his early mashups charted in the top 5 on [[Hype Machine]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Breathe In That Air (Kastra & Jon Fox Bootleg)|url=https://hypem.com/track/1z35b/Eminem+vs.+Daniel+Portman+vs.+Zeds+Dead+-+Breathe+In+That+Air+%28Kastra+%26+Jon+Fox+Bootleg%29|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Hype Machine|language=en}}</ref> and were also uploaded to popular YouTube channels such as Proximity. Kastra's first original releases were in 2012 when he released "Hold A Light" and "Warning" on Antiblaze Records. In 2014, he released the single "Dolla Bilz" on the [[Disco Fries]]' Liftoff Recordings.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-04-22|title=Your EDM Premiere: Kastra - Dolla Billz|url=https://www.youredm.com/2014/04/22/your-edm-premiere-kastra-dolla-billz/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Your EDM|language=en-US}}</ref>


=== 2015–2016: Singles ===
=== 2015–2016: Singles ===
Line 25: Line 25:


=== 2017–present: Style changes and international prominence ===
=== 2017–present: Style changes and international prominence ===
In 2017, Kastra started to transition to more of a commercial sound and began incorporating more future house and progressive house elements into his music.<ref name=":2" /> He released "Feel Alright" with Buzzmeisters on [[Will Sparks|Bourne Recordings]], as well as "About Us" with Landis on [[Aftercluv Dance Lab]]. The following year he released numerous tracks including "Fool Me Twice",<ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Keefe|first=Ariana|date=2018-10-02|title=Kastra, Dramos & Zach Matari Drop “Fool Me Twice”|url=http://www.thenocturnaltimes.com/kastra-dramos-zach-matari-drop-fool-me-twice/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=The Nocturnal Times|language=en-US}}</ref> and "Supreme" which was praised by Karlie Powell of''YourEDM'' for its balance of "softer tones" and layered melodies.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-09-10|title=Kastra Serves Up Bass House Ear Candy with "Supreme" ft. Kid Phil [LISTEN]|url=https://www.youredm.com/2018/09/09/kastra-supreme-featuring-kid-phil-listen/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Your EDM|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2017, Kastra started to transition to more of a commercial sound and began incorporating more future house and progressive house elements into his music.<ref name=":2" /> He released "Feel Alright" with Buzzmeisters on [[Will Sparks|Bourne Recordings]], as well as "About Us" with Landis on [[Aftercluv Dance Lab]]. The following year he released numerous tracks including "Fool Me Twice",<ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Keefe|first=Ariana|date=2018-10-02|title=Kastra, Dramos & Zach Matari Drop "Fool Me Twice"|url=http://www.thenocturnaltimes.com/kastra-dramos-zach-matari-drop-fool-me-twice/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=The Nocturnal Times|language=en-US}}</ref> and "Supreme" which was praised by Karlie Powell of''YourEDM'' for its balance of "softer tones" and layered melodies.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-09-10|title=Kastra Serves Up Bass House Ear Candy with "Supreme" ft. Kid Phil [LISTEN]|url=https://www.youredm.com/2018/09/09/kastra-supreme-featuring-kid-phil-listen/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Your EDM|language=en-US}}</ref>


Kastra collaborated with [[Timmy Trumpet]] and Chuck Roberts on the song "Wassup (Listen to the Horns)", released by [[Ministry of Sound Australia|TMRW Music]] on January 11, 2019.<ref name=":1" /> Kat Bein of [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] praised the song's production and disco-house influences, calling it "a tropical-flavored explosion, a refreshing vacation for your ears".<ref name=":0" /> The song reached #1 on [[Radio Metro]] in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-02-11|title=Radio Metro Chart|url=https://radiometro.com.au/chart|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227113414/https://radiometro.com.au/chart|archive-date=2019-02-27|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Radio Metro}}</ref>
Kastra collaborated with [[Timmy Trumpet]] and Chuck Roberts on the song "Wassup (Listen to the Horns)", released by [[Ministry of Sound Australia|TMRW Music]] on January 11, 2019.<ref name=":1" /> Kat Bein of [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] praised the song's production and disco-house influences, calling it "a tropical-flavored explosion, a refreshing vacation for your ears".<ref name=":0" /> The song reached No. 1 on [[Radio Metro]] in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-02-11|title=Radio Metro Chart|url=https://radiometro.com.au/chart|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227113414/https://radiometro.com.au/chart|archive-date=2019-02-27|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Radio Metro}}</ref>


In June 2019, Kastra and [[Young Rising Sons|Andy Tongren]] collaborated with Lena Leon on her debut single "Walls".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Music|first=EDM com|date=June 21, 2019|title=Platinum-Selling Songwriter Lena Leon Drops Debut Single "Walls" With Kastra and Andy Tongren|url=https://edm.com/music-releases/lena-leon-kastra-andy-tongren-walls|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-02-12|website=EDM.com|language=en}}</ref> Later that year, he released "U & Me", a collaboration with twoDB and Evangelia on [[Strange Fruit Records]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nguyen|first=Taz|date=2019-08-04|title=Kastra & twoDB Join Up On New Smash 'U & Me' Feat Evangelia|url=https://finestofedm.com/kastra-twodb-join-up-on-new-smash-u-me-feat-evangelia/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Finest of EDM|language=en-US}}</ref> The song charted at #8 on Billboard's [[Dance/Mix Show Airplay]],<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|title=Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-airplay/2020-01-17|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Billboard}}</ref> making it Kastra's first Top 10 single.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-01-16|title=Black Eyed Peas' & J Balvin's 'Ritmo' Tops Another Dance/Electronic Chart|url=http://www.billboard.com/index.php/articles/business/chart-beat/8548243/black-eyed-peas-j-balvin-ritmo-dance-electronic-charts|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Billboard}}</ref>
In June 2019, Kastra and [[Young Rising Sons|Andy Tongren]] collaborated with Lena Leon on her debut single "Walls".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Music|first=EDM com|date=June 21, 2019|title=Platinum-Selling Songwriter Lena Leon Drops Debut Single "Walls" With Kastra and Andy Tongren|url=https://edm.com/music-releases/lena-leon-kastra-andy-tongren-walls|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-02-12|website=EDM.com|language=en}}</ref> Later that year, he released "U & Me", a collaboration with twoDB and Evangelia on [[Strange Fruit Records]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nguyen|first=Taz|date=2019-08-04|title=Kastra & twoDB Join Up On New Smash 'U & Me' Feat Evangelia|url=https://finestofedm.com/kastra-twodb-join-up-on-new-smash-u-me-feat-evangelia/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Finest of EDM|language=en-US}}</ref> The song charted at No. 8 on Billboard's [[Dance/Mix Show Airplay]],<ref name=":02">{{Cite magazine|title=Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-airplay/2020-01-17|access-date=2021-08-08|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> making it Kastra's first Top 10 single.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=2020-01-16|title=Black Eyed Peas' & J Balvin's 'Ritmo' Tops Another Dance/Electronic Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/black-eyed-peas-j-balvin-ritmo-dance-electronic-charts/|access-date=2021-08-08|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>


He released "Issues", a collaboration with Modern Machines and Bianca Linta, in November 2019. The song was released on [[Tiësto]]’s [[Musical Freedom]]/AFTR:HRS label and was met with praise from ''DJ Times,''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-26|title=Modern Machines Connects With Kastra For Uplifting Single, "Issues"|url=https://www.djtimes.com/2019/11/modern-machines-kastra-issues/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=The Nexus of All Things DJ|language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Dancing Astronaut]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-22|title=Kastra, Modern Machines, and Bianca Linta debut club primed collaboration, ‘Issues’|url=https://dancingastronaut.com/2019/11/modern-machines-kastra-and-bianca-linta-debut-club-primed-collaboration-issues/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Dancing Astronaut|language=en-US}}</ref> Kastra's remix of "All Your Love" by [[Bonka (duo)|Bonka]] peaked at #5 on the [[ARIA Charts]] in 2020.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=February 13, 2020|title=ARIA Top 50 Club Tracks Chart|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/club-tracks-chart/2020-01-13|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-08|website=www.aria.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
He released "Issues", a collaboration with Modern Machines and Bianca Linta, in November 2019. The song was released on [[Tiësto]]’s [[Musical Freedom]]/AFTR:HRS label and was met with praise from ''DJ Times,''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-26|title=Modern Machines Connects With Kastra For Uplifting Single, "Issues"|url=https://www.djtimes.com/2019/11/modern-machines-kastra-issues/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=The Nexus of All Things DJ|language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Dancing Astronaut]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-22|title=Kastra, Modern Machines, and Bianca Linta debut club primed collaboration, 'Issues'|url=https://dancingastronaut.com/2019/11/modern-machines-kastra-and-bianca-linta-debut-club-primed-collaboration-issues/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Dancing Astronaut|language=en-US}}</ref> Kastra's remix of "All Your Love" by [[Bonka (duo)|Bonka]] peaked at No. 5 on the [[ARIA Charts]] in 2020.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=February 13, 2020|title=ARIA Top 50 Club Tracks Chart|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/club-tracks-chart/2020-01-13|access-date=2021-08-08|website=www.aria.com.au|language=en}}</ref>


In February 2020, Kastra released the single "Around Me" with Blue Ivy and [[RUNAGROUND]] on [[Tritonal (group)|Tritonal]]'s Enhanced Music. He also launched his monthly radio show Niteshift Radio.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-02|title=Kastra - Fool For You (Original Mix) + Interview|url=https://orangecountyedm.com/2021/04/01/kastra-fool-for-you-original-mix-interview/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Orange County EDM|language=en-US}}</ref>
In February 2020, Kastra released the single "Around Me" with Blue Ivy and [[RUNAGROUND]] on [[Tritonal (group)|Tritonal]]'s Enhanced Music. He also launched his monthly radio show Niteshift Radio.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-02|title=Kastra - Fool For You (Original Mix) + Interview|url=https://orangecountyedm.com/2021/04/01/kastra-fool-for-you-original-mix-interview/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Orange County EDM|language=en-US}}</ref>


In May 2020, Kastra produced the official remix of "Stay the Night" by GT_Ofice.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mullins|first=Ellie|date=2020-05-02|title=GT_Ofice record ‘Stay The Night’ receives massive remix from Kastra|url=https://weraveyou.com/2020/05/gt_ofice-stay-the-night-kastra-remix/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-02-12|website=We Rave You|language=en-US}}</ref> He produced the official remix for [[Ava Max]]'s single "[[My Head & My Heart]]", released on November 19, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Charts|first=The EDM|title=My Head & My Heart (Kastra Remix) by Ava Max & Kastra|url=https://edmcharts.net/track/my-head-my-heart-kastra-remix/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=The EDM Charts|language=en}}</ref>
He produced the official remix for [[Ava Max]]'s single "[[My Head & My Heart]]", released on November 19, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Charts|first=The EDM|title=My Head & My Heart (Kastra Remix) by Ava Max & Kastra|url=https://edmcharts.net/track/my-head-my-heart-kastra-remix/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=The EDM Charts|language=en}}</ref>


Kastra's cover of [[Fergie (singer)|Fergie]]'s "[[Glamorous (Fergie song)|Glamorous]]" reached #16 on the Billboard's Dance/Mix Show charts in December 2020, making it his second Top 20 single in the US.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|date=December 26, 2020|title=Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-airplay/2020-12-26|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Billboard}}</ref>
Kastra's cover of [[Fergie (singer)|Fergie]]'s "[[Glamorous (Fergie song)|Glamorous]]" reached No. 16 on the Billboard's Dance/Mix Show charts in December 2020, making it his second Top 20 single in the US.<ref name=":12">{{Cite magazine|date=December 26, 2020|title=Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-airplay/2020-12-26|access-date=2021-08-08|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>


In late 2020, Kastra signed with [[Ultra Music]] and in early 2021 released his label debut, "Fool For You".<ref>{{Cite web|last=PatrickAmesConner|date=2021-03-09|title=Rising DJ and producer Kastra debuts "Fool For You" via Ultra Music|url=https://earmilk.com/2021/03/09/rising-dj-and-producer-kastra-debuts-fool-for-you-via-ultra-music/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=EARMILK|language=en-US}}</ref> The single reached #24 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts.<ref name=":22" />
In late 2020, Kastra signed with [[Ultra Music]] and in early 2021 released his label debut, "Fool For You".<ref>{{Cite web|last=PatrickAmesConner|date=2021-03-09|title=Rising DJ and producer Kastra debuts "Fool For You" via Ultra Music|url=https://earmilk.com/2021/03/09/rising-dj-and-producer-kastra-debuts-fool-for-you-via-ultra-music/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=EARMILK|language=en-US}}</ref> The single reached No. 24 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts.<ref name=":22" />


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
Line 222: Line 222:
|-
|-
|"Teach Me (Kastra & twoDB Remix)"
|"Teach Me (Kastra & twoDB Remix)"
|Joe Bermudez
|[[Joe Bermudez]]
|–
|–
|-
|-
Line 256: Line 256:
|-
|-
|"Mood (Kastra Remix)"
|"Mood (Kastra Remix)"
|[[Zack Martino]]
|Zack Martino
|–
|–
| rowspan="2" |''Non-album singles''
| rowspan="2" |''Non-album singles''
|-
|-
|"Better With You (Kastra & twoDB Remix)"
|"Better With You (Kastra & twoDB Remix)"
|[[3LAU]] & [[Justin Caruso]]
|[[3lau]] & [[Justin Caruso]]
|–
|–
|-
|-
Line 271: Line 271:
|-
|-
|"All They Wanna Be (Kastra Remix)"
|"All They Wanna Be (Kastra Remix)"
|[[Madison Mars]]
|Madison Mars
|–
|–
| rowspan="2" |''Non-album singles''
| rowspan="2" |''Non-album singles''
Line 307: Line 307:
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />

== External links ==
== External links ==
[https://www.kastramusic.com Official website]
*[https://www.kastramusic.com Official website]


[[Category:American record producers]]
[[Category:American record producers]]
[[Category:Musicians from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:People from Asbury Park, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Musicians from Asbury Park, New Jersey]]

Latest revision as of 02:28, 5 August 2024

Kastra
Background information
Birth nameRay Decker
OriginAsbury Park, New Jersey
Genres
Occupation(s)DJ, music producer
Years active2012–present
Labels
Websitewww.kastramusic.com

Ray Decker, known professionally as Kastra, is an American DJ, music producer and songwriter from New Jersey. He is known for his singles "Fool For You", "U & Me" and "Wassup (Listen to the Horns)".[1][2] He is also known for his official remixes of Ava Max and 3lau, Sultan + Shepard, and Two Friends.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Ray Decker was born in Neptune, New Jersey. He attended Quinnipiac University where he received his Bachelor's in marketing as well as his MBA. Growing up, he played the electric guitar in various local bands, and was influenced by the hard rock and heavy metal scene.[4] In an interview with Salacious Sound, he credited those early years as an important part of his sound and development. During a trip to Australia while in college, he was exposed to electronic music and nightclub culture.[5] Upon returning, he began focusing on electronic music production rather than playing guitar, because it allowed him to "make an entire song by [himself]".[4]

Musical career

[edit]

2011–2014: Career beginnings

[edit]

Ray Decker began producing mashups and bootleg remixes under the name Kastra in 2011. Many of his early mashups charted in the top 5 on Hype Machine.[6] and were also uploaded to popular YouTube channels such as Proximity. Kastra's first original releases were in 2012 when he released "Hold A Light" and "Warning" on Antiblaze Records. In 2014, he released the single "Dolla Bilz" on the Disco Fries' Liftoff Recordings.[7]

2015–2016: Singles

[edit]

In 2015, Electric Family named Kastra one of the "10 Most Underrated Acts You Need To Know for 2015".[8] He released a string of Melbourne bounce tracks beginning with "Placebo" on Hussle Recordings as well as "Twilight Zone" featuring Fatman Scoop. "Placebo" was included in Ministry of Sound Australia 2015 Clubbers Guide compilation.[9] That year, he collaborated with DJ BL3ND on "Boomshakalaka".[10]

2017–present: Style changes and international prominence

[edit]

In 2017, Kastra started to transition to more of a commercial sound and began incorporating more future house and progressive house elements into his music.[4] He released "Feel Alright" with Buzzmeisters on Bourne Recordings, as well as "About Us" with Landis on Aftercluv Dance Lab. The following year he released numerous tracks including "Fool Me Twice",[11] and "Supreme" which was praised by Karlie Powell ofYourEDM for its balance of "softer tones" and layered melodies.[12]

Kastra collaborated with Timmy Trumpet and Chuck Roberts on the song "Wassup (Listen to the Horns)", released by TMRW Music on January 11, 2019.[3] Kat Bein of Billboard praised the song's production and disco-house influences, calling it "a tropical-flavored explosion, a refreshing vacation for your ears".[2] The song reached No. 1 on Radio Metro in Australia.[13]

In June 2019, Kastra and Andy Tongren collaborated with Lena Leon on her debut single "Walls".[14] Later that year, he released "U & Me", a collaboration with twoDB and Evangelia on Strange Fruit Records.[15] The song charted at No. 8 on Billboard's Dance/Mix Show Airplay,[16] making it Kastra's first Top 10 single.[17]

He released "Issues", a collaboration with Modern Machines and Bianca Linta, in November 2019. The song was released on Tiësto’s Musical Freedom/AFTR:HRS label and was met with praise from DJ Times,[18] and Dancing Astronaut.[19] Kastra's remix of "All Your Love" by Bonka peaked at No. 5 on the ARIA Charts in 2020.[20]

In February 2020, Kastra released the single "Around Me" with Blue Ivy and RUNAGROUND on Tritonal's Enhanced Music. He also launched his monthly radio show Niteshift Radio.[21]

He produced the official remix for Ava Max's single "My Head & My Heart", released on November 19, 2020.[22]

Kastra's cover of Fergie's "Glamorous" reached No. 16 on the Billboard's Dance/Mix Show charts in December 2020, making it his second Top 20 single in the US.[23]

In late 2020, Kastra signed with Ultra Music and in early 2021 released his label debut, "Fool For You".[24] The single reached No. 24 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts.[1]

Discography

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Album
US
2021 "Fool For You" 40[1] Non-album singles
2020 "Savage" ft. TRIVD –
"Glamorous (Fergie Cover)" 16[23]
"Circles" ft. Alex Byrne –
"Around Me" ft. RUNAGROUND & Blue Ivy –
2019 "Issues" ft. Modern Machines & Bianca Linta –
"You Don’t Know Me" ft. MIMO & Raquel Castro –
"Walls"

(Lena Leon ft. Andy Tongren)

–
"U & Me"

(TwoDB ft. Evangelia)

8[16]
"Take Over Control" ft. Vinny Vibe (Afrojack Cover) –
"Love Like This" ft. SM1LO & Katja Glieson –
"Kill My Vibe" ft. Marat Leon –
"Flexin" ft. DJ ZA & Chris Leed –
"Wassup (Listen to the Horns)"

(Timmy Trumpet)

–
2018 "Tell Me You Need Me" ft. Hannah Sumner –
"Fool Me Twice" ft. Zach Matari & Dramos –
"Supreme" ft. Kid Phil – Supreme (Remixes)
"Renegade" ft. Lauren Mayhew – Non-album singles
"Underdog"

(Freshcobar)

–
2017 "Not Afraid"

(Ft. Bodhi Jones)

–
"Jack 2k17"

(WICKD)

–
"Feel Alright"

(Buzzmeisters ft. Jacob Lee)

–
"About Us"

(Landis, ft. Nisha)

–
"So Good" ft. Damien Anthony and Kalide –
"Everything You Want" –
2016 "Who We Are" ft. Nicole Medoro –
"Switch It Up" –
"Aight!" –
"Lovin’ This" –
"Kangaroo" ft. Buzzmeisters –
"Stay Weird" ft. DNNYD –
2015 "Boomshakalaka" ft. DJ BL3ND –
"#BOUNCEHEAD" ft. Peep This –
"Tooty" ft. Big Ali and DJ Prime –
"Twilight Zone" ft. Fatman Scoop and Tall Boys –
"Placebo" –
2014 "Jiggle It" –
"Knockout" ft. Pkeys –
"Dolla Billz" –
"Move Ur Feet" –
2012 "Warning" ft. Xristo & Michelle Martinez –
"Hold A Light" ft. Chris Sorbello –

Remixes

[edit]
Year Original artist(s) Peak chart

positions

Year Album
AUS
"My Head & My Heart (Kastra Remix)" Ava Max – 2020 Heaven & Hell
"Stay the Night" GT_Ofice ft. xoxomyah – Non-album singles
"Teach Me (Kastra & twoDB Remix)" Joe Bermudez –
"Like Nobody (Kastra Remix)" Vavo –
"Younger (Kastra Remix)" DLMT –
"Say (Kastra Remix)" Asher Postman, Disero, & Annelisa Franklin – 2019
"All Your Love (Kastra Remix)" Bonka 5[20]
"Sayonara (Kastra Remix)" BEAUZ –
"Dollar Menu (Kastra Remix)" Two Friends –
"We Found Love (Zack Martino & Kastra Remix)" Sultan & Shepard & Showtek – Echoes of Life: Day
"Mood (Kastra Remix)" Zack Martino – Non-album singles
"Better With You (Kastra & twoDB Remix)" 3lau & Justin Caruso –
"If You Walk Away (Kastra Remix)" The Rhetoriks – 2018 If You Walk Away (The Remix Album)
"All They Wanna Be (Kastra Remix)" Madison Mars – Non-album singles
"Deja Vu (Kastra & Damien Anthony Remix)" Timmy Trumpet & Savage –
"Skitzo (Kastra Remix)" Joe Bermudez – 2017 New Ginza At Night
"Baby It’s You (Kastra Remix)" Gianna Salvato – 2015 Non-album singles
"Front 2tha Back (Kastra Remix)" Tommie Sunshine & GLOWINTHEDARK –
"Bottles Up (Exodus & Kastra Remix)" Vandalism & Jason Risk –
"808's In The Night (Tommie Sunshine & Kastra Remix)" Eric Sharp – 2014

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart". Billboard. April 24, 2021. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  2. ^ a b "Timmy Trumpet & Kastra's 'Wassup' Is a Blast Of Disco House Brightness: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
  3. ^ a b Stone, Katie (11 January 2019). "Timmy Trumpet and Kastra Release Disco House Track "Wassup (Listen To The Horns)"". EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
  4. ^ a b c "Introducing… Kastra". IhouseU.com. 2018-10-10. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
  5. ^ "Interview: Kastra | Salacious Sound". Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  6. ^ "Breathe In That Air (Kastra & Jon Fox Bootleg)". Hype Machine. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  7. ^ "Your EDM Premiere: Kastra - Dolla Billz". Your EDM. 2014-04-22. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  8. ^ "10 Underrated Acts You Need To Know For 2015". Electric Family. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  9. ^ "Various Artists - Ministry of Sound Clubbers Guide To 2015 2CD". Leading Edge Music. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  10. ^ Aristocat, D. J. "New Kastra & Tall Boys & Fatman Scoop Collab | DJARISTOCAT.COM". Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  11. ^ O'Keefe, Ariana (2018-10-02). "Kastra, Dramos & Zach Matari Drop "Fool Me Twice"". The Nocturnal Times. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  12. ^ "Kastra Serves Up Bass House Ear Candy with "Supreme" ft. Kid Phil [LISTEN]". Your EDM. 2018-09-10. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  13. ^ "Radio Metro Chart". Radio Metro. 2019-02-11. Archived from the original on 2019-02-27. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  14. ^ Music, EDM com (June 21, 2019). "Platinum-Selling Songwriter Lena Leon Drops Debut Single "Walls" With Kastra and Andy Tongren". EDM.com. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
  15. ^ Nguyen, Taz (2019-08-04). "Kastra & twoDB Join Up On New Smash 'U & Me' Feat Evangelia". Finest of EDM. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  16. ^ a b "Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  17. ^ "Black Eyed Peas' & J Balvin's 'Ritmo' Tops Another Dance/Electronic Chart". Billboard. 2020-01-16. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  18. ^ "Modern Machines Connects With Kastra For Uplifting Single, "Issues"". The Nexus of All Things DJ. 2019-11-26. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  19. ^ "Kastra, Modern Machines, and Bianca Linta debut club primed collaboration, 'Issues'". Dancing Astronaut. 2019-11-22. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  20. ^ a b "ARIA Top 50 Club Tracks Chart". www.aria.com.au. February 13, 2020. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  21. ^ "Kastra - Fool For You (Original Mix) + Interview". Orange County EDM. 2021-04-02. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  22. ^ Charts, The EDM. "My Head & My Heart (Kastra Remix) by Ava Max & Kastra". The EDM Charts. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  23. ^ a b "Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart". Billboard. December 26, 2020. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
  24. ^ PatrickAmesConner (2021-03-09). "Rising DJ and producer Kastra debuts "Fool For You" via Ultra Music". EARMILK. Retrieved 2021-08-08.
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