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The wonderful @katesteinnyc in charge of the decks this week. You'll realize straight away why we asked her on the podcast. Originally from Australia but recently moved from NY to LA, her motto of "dance like you mean it" and "zero fucks" is just what we are looking for when entering a dance floor.
Interview with Kate
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➢To start off tell us what song puts you in a good mood in the morning?
I love listening to nostalgic music, music I grew up listening to with my parents or on the radio, music from my childhood, 60’s / 70’s hits. Something that makes me feel like I am living in a simpler time. I try to avoid using my phone/electronic devices in the morning, so records are my go to.
➢Who were your first music inspirations and are they similar to your current influences when it comes to producing your own music?
My first musical inspiration was very far from the electronic scene and the music that I now produce. I loved listening to artists like AFI, The Mars Volta, Placebo. I was really into punk, rock and some emo music as a teen - It wasn’t until my mid 20’s that I started actively taking interest in the electronic / house music scene. Before I was all about live music, mosh pits and seeing bands perform at festivals. I still draw a lot of inspiration from punk, post punk and psych rock - remixing favorite artists like Les Savy Fav or recording live guitars from friends in punk bands.
➢What pushed you to become a DJ / Producer?
I wanted to pursue DJing and production and a second career as I sensed it was a lifelong journey with so many avenues to explore. I wanted to challenge myself, learn new skills. I also work as a spacial designer/art director and while I love working with visual and tactile components, I felt like the sonic sphere was lacking in my life. I wanted to actively engage with people and what better way to do so than on the dance floor?! DJing gave me a way to travel with intention and purpose.
➢2020 has been a difficult year for the music scene, how has it changed within your hometown and what do you think will be different in the future?
I call my hometown New York as I have lived there the last 9 years. NYC was hit very hard with venues, clubs and bars now struggling to stay afloat with high rent prices and minimal government support. NYC is a very resilient city and I believe that there will be a resurgence in creativity and DIY venues, parties and performance. People are leaving the city so rent prices are dropping, providing an affordable space for artists to work and live.
➢Once things return to a certain normality, which festival would you want to go to first? (It could be a club if you got no festival in mind)
Its not a “festival” but I would hands down go to Burning Man, I’ve been going the last 7 years and it is by far my favorite cultural event. It’s not about the music for me but about the people, the interactive art and explosive creativity and self expression.
➢Lastly, regarding this mix, can you tell us a little bit of your thought process behind choosing the tracks you chose?
I have just moved to Los Angeles in the last two weeks so this mix is based off that feeling. I took a lot of inspiration from my new surroundings, the desert, tall palm trees, wide open roads. While looking for music, a story formed in my head; California dreaming. The reverb fueled and distort heavy mix tells the story of a mysterious cowboy traveling across country in search of greener pastures. The search for a new home, serenaded by a myriad of nostalgic guitar riffs and whispers of familiar voices all heard on the open road. Such a journey can be a lonely one, but romance can be found in the unknown too. The sounds chosen for this mix are ones that complement the visuals around me getting to know the freeways and blue skies out West.
