As we reach the 100 milestone in the Sinchi & Friends series, we are happy to welcome New York resident Kate Stein who provides an intriguing musical voyage reflects on the good and bad or this turbulent year of change. In her words;
‘This mix was made during a really reflective time for me – being based in New York City, 2020 has already been a wild and emotional ride. It was started at the peak of the pandemic when NYC was the epicentre, and I finished working on it in early June, which was a completely different energetic sphere, with mass protests for BLM. I modified the mix before signing off to reflect the feeling of now living in an emotionally charged NYC, and a turbulent United Sates. We are being called to to act, but also to reflect – and most of all to change the core of this country. I hope this mix reflects these emotions!’
1) Introduce yourself?
My name is Kate Stein, I am an Australian DJ/ producer who has been based in NYC for the last 8 years. I have a background in spacial and set design and I love to create immersive environments.
2) What have been your highlights from the last 12 months?
Ha! Honestly after mourning the loss of my summer tour schedule and some big gigs I was really excited about….my absolute highlight has been early nights, a healthy lifestyle and grounding myself in my Brooklyn community.
After so much travel, I’m finally diving into producing in a focused manner – properly setting up my studio and also growing lots of plants in the space. A little slice of heaven.
3) What do you have lined up for the coming year?
I was planning to relocate to the west coast, let’s see when that happens! I have a new love for NYC, its hard to leave.
I want to keep focusing on making music and working with activist and community support groups within my local Brooklyn community.
4) Do you have a favourite track in the podcast?
Yes! Charanjit Singh – Raga Madhuvanti – its a dreamy acid raga track from 1982….this song really helped me build the direction for this mix.
5) What tracks have really stood out for you in the last year and why?
This year has been a whole different energetic approach for me – I am feeling really inspired by obscure and relaxed sounds. But as for a 2020 dance floor banger – I love this track: Cowboy Rhythmbox – 6AM Cowboy (Cowboy Rhythmbox Deviation Variation)
6) Who or what are your biggest musical influences?
Jennifer Cardini is a living legend – she is who inspired me to start this journey!
7) Tell us about 3 DJ’s / Producer’s we may not know but should be looking out for?
A few of my friends! Moo Moonster, Stockholm Sydrome, Lord Fascinator.
8) What is your favourite Venue or Festival to play at and why?
I love playing at Kater Blau – the last time I closed the Acid Bogen and it was so much fun to play morning tunes, the inclusive vibe was so lovely – my parents even made it onto the dance floor and made so many friends!
9) Do you have a ritual before you start playing or straight after?
Ummmmm it used to be a cigarette!…..Now its a glass of Prosecco….
10) What is your favourite bit of kit?
I like my Roland Tr-8 🙂
11) What is your favourite film score?
I have always LOVED the soundtrack to Cruel Intentions. Climax has an amazing soundtrack too!
12) What makes you smile?
Memes ahahaha.