Kate Simko album

With her deep stylish take on house and techno, classically trained composer Kate Simko is also a producer and DJ who has launched her latest album “Lights Out” alongside an exciting live show project that encompasses a rather unique audio-visual experience. With her previous releases on labels such as Ghostly International and Spectral Sound her new EP 'Sit Back' is a collaboration with Anthony Collins and has just hit the shelves now on Supplement Facts. The 2-tracker features Run & Tell plus the single of the same name featuring Brothers Vibe.  With such a strong debut album now to her name Kate’s moved her attention to her innovative multimedia show and finds an hour to tell Pulse about the challenges of writing an LP, working with Tevo Howard and why despite such a hectic travel schedule making music on airplanes just isn't for her.

Kate Simko on Pulse

Pulse:  Congrats on your debut album! How does it feel now its out? Is there a sense of accomplishment as an artist? Kate Simko: Thank you! Yes, there is a sense of accomplishment, and also a sense of relief. It was a long process getting the album out, so it feels great to see the final copies at the store, and move on to new music.

Were there any challenges you faced in writing and producing your debut album?  Yes, mainly there were challenges with logistics. It’s not a hot time for full-length artist albums (especially on double-pack vinyl) in dance music, so there was some heartache with labels. But, in the end, I’m very happy it all ended up on Hello? Repeat and all is well.

Airports, planes etc all seem to provide producers with an alternative production space, Are you an artist that can produce whilst on tour? And if so is this reflected at all in the album?  You know, I used to make music on planes and airports a lot. But, then I realized that the mix was always wrong in my headphones, so it was extra work in the end. Also, I’ve been more into using outboard gear, so that has me more into the physical studio space too. I made some of Lights Out in Buenos Aires, but I brought some machines and monitors with me for the trip. Now I just catch up on email and chill at the airport.

Were you conscious in creating not only dance floor tracks but also ones for home listening too?  Yes, I wanted the album to be something you can listen to at a club (or after hours) or in your car, or at home.

Tell me a little about your live performance and how is your album translated into a show?  I record all the individual parts from each song, and drop them into the live set. All of the percussion is separate, as well as the bass, melodic parts, and textures. Basically I memorize the names (and colors) of the different clips then improvise by bringing them in-and-out of the live set, in real time. It’s like a live sound collage. I just geeked out and checked – there are 440 audio files in my current live set.

If you had to explain what’s unique about your AV show in one word to someone – what would you say?  Interactive

Now your album is out what’s next for you? – Is it straight back into the studio?  After the album, I wanted a change of pace so did a couple collaborations, a bunch of remixes, and started a film score project. The EP with Anthony Collins just was released on Supplement Facts, and there is one with Camea, Tevo Howard, and Matt Tolfrey on the way too. Funny, I hadn’t collaborated with anyone since Andres Bucci in 2004, then out-of-nowhere there was this burst of collaborations. Now I am eager to get in the studio before I leave for Europe next month! I have a few new songs started, excited to finish them up.

You’ve recently worked with Tevo Howard – how was that experience and how did it come about?  Working with Tevo has been great. We met in Chicago and starting making music together last year. Our first record, called Polyrhythmic, will be out this fall on Tevo’s label.

I hear a rumour that you may be moving to London – is this right and isn’t Berlin the place to be?  The rumours are true, plan is to move to London in 2012.  I think London is the best music city in the world. There is a rocking scene for pretty much every genre. Also, I am hoping to get involved with the film community there and pursue more music for film.

I’ve just noticed a return to Fabric in your diary, how was the gig last time?  The gig last time was incredible! It was my second time at the club, but first time in Room 1. I did a live audio-visual set from the stage and it was a proper concert. The sound system in that room is amazing. Next time back is September 24th at Fabric – looking forward.

What does Kate Simko enjoy outside of the studio and clubs? Is there a non-musical side to her?  Ha yes there is a non-musical side. This summer I’ve been into rooftop gardening, ballet, exploring independent clothing designers in Chicago, and doing tourist stuff here when friends come to town.

Finally for the super curious amongst us, why the title, Lights Out?  Lights Out came from an experience flying into Buenos Aires at night. I was flying back from Sao Paulo and we went through a crazy summer storm. There was lightning everywhere and it was a very reflective plane ride. When we arrived to Buenos Aires, there was a power outage and most of the city looked pitch black from the sky. The story goes on, but the name comes from flying into BA, lights out that night. 

Kate Simko on Pulse