FAVOURITE DAYS FESTIVAL REVIEW: CASISDEAD @ Camp and Furnance

As part of Favourite Days Festival, Camp and Furnace hosted CASISDEAD for the Liverpool leg of his 'Artificial Interference' Tour. The festival celebrates grassroots music, showcasing local talent alongside established artists, with over 60% of the lineup coming from the North West.

CASISDEAD is an artist of many aliases, formerly known as Castro Saint or C from T. He emerged through the Grime scene in 2005 alongside MCs like Manni D and Kyzer under the collective Proppa Production (or “Proppa P”). In recent years, CAS seems to have dragged himself out of the UK underground, with Tyson Fury using his single ‘V12’ in promotion for his second fight against Deontay Wilder, and more recently being the face (or mask) of the adidas Originals x Newcastle United streetwear range. 

After multiple reinventions of sound and name, his long-anticipated BRIT award winning second album ‘Famous Last Words’ did not disappoint, immersing his listeners into a cinematic, dystopian underworld, riddled with gritty observations of crime, fame and music, all soundtracked by 80s synths. His acclaimed story telling of paranoia, loss and guilt offers insights into his unexplained disappearances and decades of anonymity. 

Following his recent success supporting CAS at the Newcastle Boiler Room last month, Liverpool artist KOJ opened the show, alongside DJs No Fakin’, w/Love and Conduit Sound. KOJ, formerly known as Wavey Joe, intertwines classic hip-hop sounds with an undeniable Grime essence, infused with his Ghetts-esque storytelling and his infectious flows.

KOJ has been at the forefront of Liverpool Grime, with ‘A Reminder’ quickly reminding the audience of his influence in the genre and city. KOJ made sure to bring the vibes, with his tune ‘Chosen One’ alluding to his 2022 beef with Reece West, highlighting his impact in the scene and his progression as an artist since. His fan favourite ‘Blue Notes’ with West Midlands producer Jakebob was received amazingly by the crowd, with mumblings of new fans between songs.

Another crowd favourite was his collaboration with Manchester production team The Mouse Outfit in ‘Vulnerable’. While “trying to make proper p”, KOJ switches Manni D for his special guest Liverpool’s own Philly D, performing their hit ‘I Tried’. ‘A Roadman’s Tale of Home’ cements KOJ’s lyrical ability and message – a great representation of Liverpool and North West talent and struggle. 

Their TRiBE II event at Kazimier Stockroom on 27th November is not one to miss, with KOJ and Philly D performing alongside DJ Amber Rose, Dub Defenders and Mace the Great.

CAS made sure to make up for his minimal visits to the city throughout his career, performing songs from his debut album ‘The Number 23’, ‘Famous Last Words’ and some of his sporadic releases between. Successful producer Mystry was on decks for CAS, alongside other members of his new collective DEADTEAM.

He performed his 2017 single ‘Too Much Drugs’, a D&B alliance with Chase and Status, followed by a fond dedication of his song ‘Slags’ to the women in the audience. His single ‘What’s My Name’ was met with a swarm of hopeful phone cameras after bringing out Giggs for his verse the night before at the Troxy.

CAS displayed his musical diversity, from songs like ‘All Hallows’, to newer tracks like his unlikely collaboration with American bedroom popstar Dora Jar for his twisted tumultuous love story ‘Venom’. He debuted unreleased tracks, as well as his newly released Conducta remix of ‘Steptronic’. He attended to his older fans, playing both Tre Mission’s original and Faze Miyake’s remix of ‘Play’, whilst ensuring to play his newer hits like ‘Traction Control’. 

CAS ended with ‘Pat’s Earrings’, his ode to the Eastenders legend herself Pat Butcher and her iconic earrings, exploring his difficulty navigating drug and sex fuelled twenty first-century relationships. His varied genres and influences reflected in the crowd, from Channel U listeners to university students, both CAS and KOJ’s performances (with the work of Favourite Days Festival) allowed for an inclusive, safe and enjoyable atmosphere and an unforgettable event.