Mike Casil's new album Ripe for Exploits shows that he is ripe with talent. He has the ability to craft and construct textured electronica that avoids sounding Swiss-cheesed diluted in its production but by the same token doesn't sound too dense or oppressive. On top of his general composition skill is the fact that he is able to flow from one style to another throughout the course of his CD while not deteriorating into disjointedness. From edgy and trippy techno that could burn up a dance floor to tweaked out methhead nervousness, from funked out hooked-out grooves to acidy danceableness, from drum-and-bass to breakbeats, and even a bit of industrial, Mike Casil is the kind of thing you want to hear coming out of the "bedroom" DJ scene. There are a lot of folks out there who don't know how to use their computer music programs. Mike Casil does. You can find his music at CDBaby.com - and find out more about him through his answers to our interview questions below.

How did you first get into electronic music?

My interest in electronic music goes back to the Prog-Rock bands in the 70"s, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Yes, Tangerine Dream, King Crimson etc. Keith Emerson's Moog solo on "Lucky Man" left a big impression on me,as did the work of Rick Wakeman, Patrick Moraz and many others.

How did you learn to produce music?

I started with a 4-track cassette and moved up the ladder to computer recording and along the way I learned how to program drum machines and synthesizers. I play some guitar,bass and keyboard however I feel my real strength is arranging. Putting all these sounds that sound un-musical by themselves into something musical. I think this comes from listening to as many types of music as possible, from classical to hardcore and everything in between. But you really have to listen to what's going on. Listen very closely.

How would you describe the music you produce to someone who's never heard you before?

To be honest, it's tough for me to do that for some reason. It's true electronica, all styles and all facets of electronic music. Some songs you can dance to and some songs are for the head, sit back and listen. I suppose if you were drunk enough you could dance to those songs too! I can't limit myself to just one style, electronic music is all about exploration and the future. E-music is the only genre that allows me to express what I hear and feel inside me. I love it.

How did you end up DJing on the radio?

Because of my love for music in general I thought it would be a good way to make living. I went to a school to learn the basics. Did underground rock and jazz shows at a college station in Redlands, CA. and worked with Andrea Enthall on her underground music show at KPFK in Loa Angeles. It was interesting for awhile but it became boring, sitting there by yourself late at night cueing up other people's records.

Do you still DJ?

No. Not in years.

Where do you get the music you listen to?

The Internet retail stores have the best selection. If I want to find an old album from King Crimson or an early Josh Wink record you'll find them on the Internet a lot easier.

What was the last CD that you listened to?

"Una Sangre, One Blood" by Lila Downs. Sometimes she changes octaves quickly like Nina Hagen used to. I like Latin music. Good Stuff.

What are some of the essential elements of software and hardware that you use when you are making music?

On my hard drive you'll find Acid Pro 5, Sony sound forge, Abelton live 4, Intakt-Wired by Native Instruments, and Vocaloid Miriam from Zero-G. Some of my hardware is a Novation KS 49, MicroKorg, Roland 707 drum machine, Boss 202 sampler, Roland 303 Groovebox.

What inspires you when you get in the studio to make a track?

Most of the time it's a single sound that grabs me and I start to build from that one element. The track "Wig" on my CD was inspired by watching the movies "Spun" and "Salton Sea". Tweaked out Madness!

How did you come up with the name "Ripe for Exploits" for your debut album?

I have a lot of songs completed and ready for mastering and sometimes it's tough to come up with song titles, so I open my trusty book of Shakespeare quotations and look for something that sound good or fits the song. "Ripe for Exploits" is from Henry the fifth.

Are there any stories that go to any of the tracks on the CD?

My titles will give a clue as to what I was thinking when I wrote the song. "The Devil Mocks Me" is about the age old dilemma of good against evil, you can feel the tension in the music. Really the stories are the images that the listener congers up in his or her head as they listen to the music. One of my goals is to make music that tells a story without lyrics, just the music. I want the music to tell a story to each individual person that hears my music. My music isn't for me, it's for you.

Did you collaborate with anyone on any of the songs?

No. All the songs were composed and recorded by me. I've tried the collaboration thing but it didn't work out. We had a few good tracks but the time wasn't right I guess. Maybe down the road I'll try it again.

What's up next for you?

I want to start performing my music live. I'm in the process of gathering the right gear to do that. And to promote "Ripe for Exploits". I'm in DIY mode right now so it's really difficult for me to find the time to do everything I need to do to get my music to the public. I'll just keep at it because I have a lot more music to release and I'm in this for the long haul.

We're glad to hear it, and we think anyone who hears his music will too.

-- Questions by Jennifer Warner & Intro by Kristofer Upjohn