KattattaK! RETROWAVE MIX

You betta believe it! KattattaK! season 11, episode 6 is this Saturday, April 20th 2024 at 6PM SLT exclusively at Kimkattia. This week, DJ Katt is lining up some great tunes from the Retrowave vaults to stimulate your ear holes and improve your weekend. 

But what the heck are Retrowave, Synthwave, and Vaporwave?

These three genres, though linked by their love for the 80s, offer distinct auditory and visual experiences. Retrowave, the broadest term, acts as an umbrella encompassing a nostalgic yearning for the era. Think Miami Vice aesthetics – neon lights, chrome, and geometric shapes – with a modern twist. Its music pulls from various 80s influences, with pulsating synth lines and catchy melodies reminiscent of video game soundtracks and pop hits.

Synthwave dives deeper into the musical side of the 80s. Think John Carpenter soundtracks or cheesy action film scores. It's a celebration of synthesizer-heavy music, often using vintage instruments to recreate that classic sound. Think driving beats, soaring melodies, and a heavy dose of nostalgia.

Vaporwave subverts the nostalgic approach. It utilizes heavily chopped and slowed-down samples of 80s smooth jazz, pop, and elevator music. This creates a dreamlike, often unsettling atmosphere, with a critical edge. Visually, vaporwave employs surreal imagery, often featuring distorted versions of classic 80s icons. It's a commentary on consumerism and the superficiality it perceives in that era.

In essence, retrowave is a neon-lit love letter, synthwave a musical time machine, and vaporwave a distorted reflection. All three offer a unique journey through a reimagined 1980s landscape.

KattattaK! S11E5 Anything Goes!

 

Saturday, 13th April 2024 @ 6PM SLT:

This week at Kimkattia, DJ Katt is back with another of her Saturday Night Getdowns. This week, "Anything Goes" (and it probably will). 

"Anything Goes" is a classic song from the 1934 musical of the same name by Cole Porter. It's a lively, upbeat tune that captures the freewheeling spirit of the Roaring Twenties, even though it was written a bit later during the Great Depression. The lyrics are full of witty references to social and cultural scandals of the time, with Porter's signature clever wordplay. The main theme is that in a crazy world, anything goes – morals are relaxed, traditions are tossed aside, and having fun is the priority. "Anything Goes" has become a standard and has been covered by many famous artists, from Tony Bennett to Lady Gaga. It's also been featured in movies, most notably, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, near the start in Club Obi-Wan (yes, George Lucas really did use that name), in Shanghai during the movie's opening chaotic music scene. 

Of course, this has nothing to do with this week's KattattaK! but we thought you might like the reference :)

The Sound of Deviance: DJ SIA @ Kimkattia!

This coming Saturday, April 6th 2024, The Kimkattia Dome plays host to another set by our very own DJ SIA (Sia Aurora) The Sound of Deviance. Tunes start to spin around 6pm SLT (9pm EDT). You can find us here

A Solo Act: Examining the Rise of Women in Rock, Pop, and Indie Music (2024)

The historical dominance of male solo artists across rock, pop, and indie genres has demonstrably shifted in recent years. Female soloists are experiencing a period of unprecedented commercial and critical success. This article explores the contributing factors to this phenomenon.

1. Unfiltered Emotional Expression:  A defining characteristic of this trend is the willingness of female soloists to express vulnerability in their music.  Studies by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative (2023) highlight a correlation between increased emotional depth in lyrics and audience connection. Artists like Phoebe Bridgers (indie rock) and Olivia Rodrigo (pop) directly address complex themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and societal pressures, resonating with a wider audience seeking emotional authenticity.

2. Genre Transgression:  Gone are the days of neatly categorized genres.  Female soloists are actively blurring genre lines, creating a more dynamic musical landscape.  St. Vincent's (indie rock) incorporation of electronic elements and Grimes' (experimental pop) defiance of categorization altogether exemplify this trend. This genre fluidity allows for a more complete artistic expression, attracting a wider fanbase previously confined by genre limitations.

3. The Democratization of Music Distribution:  The rise of digital platforms like Bandcamp and social media allows for a more direct connection between artist and audience. This empowers solo artists, particularly in the indie sphere, to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build dedicated followings.  This not only fosters creative freedom but also empowers a diverse range of female voices to reach a global audience.

4. Songwriting Prowess:  Ultimately, great music transcends gender.  The current wave of female soloists is distinguished by their exceptional songwriting abilities.  Artists like Mitski (indie rock) weave poetic narratives into their music, while Taylor Swift (pop) continues to craft undeniably catchy hooks.  This focus on strong songwriting ensures their music endures beyond fleeting trends.

5. A New Generation of Role Models:  The success of these female soloists is having a profound impact on a younger generation. By seeing accomplished women leading musical movements, young girls are empowered to pursue their own musical aspirations. This dismantles the historical perception of music as a male-dominated domain and paves the way for a future where female solo artists are not just the present, but the norm.

In conclusion, a confluence of factors -  emotional expression, genre-bending, technological advancements, songwriting strength, and a new generation of role models - has propelled female solo artists to the forefront of rock, pop, and indie music. This trend signifies a significant shift in the musical landscape, one that promises a future filled with the diverse and powerful voices of women.

 

KattattaK! S11E4 - Totally 80s -

 This week at the Kimkattia Dome - Katt returns with another of her 80s mixtapes to take you on a genre-defying trek across a decade. 

KattattaK! - Get Ready to Rewind with DJ Katt Aurora!

Calling all neon warriors and synth-wielding survivors! KattattaK! is the live show that blasts you back to the electrifying heart of the 80s. This isn't your parents' nostalgia trip – it's a full-on immersion experience led by the dynamic DJ Katt Aurora.

DJ Katt, spins fire with her infectious energy and encyclopedic knowledge of 80s music. More than just dropping beats, Katt drops knowledge! KattattaK! is a buffet of 80s sounds. We're talking New Wave with The Cure, and power ballads that will have you reaching for the high notes. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! We're getting lost in the synth-pop heaven with Strawberry Switchblade and Human League. And we're unearthing the hidden gems of the decade with some deep dives.

KattattaK! isn't just about music, it's about the whole 80s vibe. But KattattaK! isn't a one-way street. This show is interactive! The chat in the room will test your 80s trivia and keep the energy pumping, in short, this show is your ticket to the ultimate 80s party. So dust off your neon, tease that hair, and get ready to KattattaK! with DJ Katt Aurora. This live show is gonna be totally rad!

KattattaK! S11E3 TOTALLY 80s

Hey, KattattaK! fans, we've got a treat for you tonight, DJ Katt is back in the NEW Kimkattia Dome and will be spinning some upbeat 80s tracks to put the spring into your step as we move into Spring 2024.

Spring's Soundtrack: 80s Beats and Blossoming Joy

Spring's arrival is a natural mood booster, but add a soundtrack of 80s music, and the effect becomes truly infectious. Here's why this specific pairing creates a potent elixir of happiness.

Firstly, both spring and 80s music are intrinsically optimistic. Spring is a season of rebirth, with nature bursting forth in vibrant colors. Similarly, 80s music often brims with upbeat melodies, synthesizers evoking a futuristic optimism, and lyrics celebrating love, fun, and possibility. This shared positive energy creates a synergistic effect, amplifying the feeling of joy.

Secondly, nostalgia plays a significant role. For many, 80s music is linked to youthful memories — carefree days spent outdoors with friends, the excitement of new discoveries. Spring's arrival can trigger these same feelings of liberation and possibility, especially when accompanied by the soundtrack of our youth.

Finally, the energy of 80s music perfectly complements the call of the outdoors in spring.  Whether it's a synth-driven pop anthem or a lively dance track, 80s music provides the perfect rhythm for a stroll through a blooming park or a bike ride on a sun-drenched path.

So, crank up the 80s beats as you step outside this spring.  The combination of sunshine, blooming flowers, and the infectious optimism of the music creates a powerful synergy that elevates our mood and makes us feel truly alive.

KattattaK! since 2021: if you're not here, you're missing out!

 

KattattaK! Presents DJ SIA AURORA Saturday, March 16th 2024, at 6pm SLT

This Saturday, March 16th 2024, at 6pm SLT, we welcome back our very own DJ SIA for another of her "Sound of Deviance" sets exclusively at Kimkattia.

Are you tired of the same old club scene? Do you crave a night that's equal parts mosh pit and neon lights?  Then buckle up, because DJ Sia is blasting you back to the future at the Kimkattia Dome, This ain't your parents' basement dance party. This is grunge reborn under a pulsating, futuristic skyscape!

DJ Sia's got your adrenaline pumping with a relentless mix of the most iconic grunge anthems, fist-pumping 90s rock classics, and retro covers so sick they'll rewrite history.  The Kimkattia Dome's state-of-the-art sound system will have you feeling every power chord, while the dazzling light show explodes around you like a supernova.  It's the ultimate collision course between the head-banging glory days and the electrifying unknown.

So ditch the tired playlists and the lame DJs.  Tonight, you're diving into a portal of pure rock and roll energy at Kimkattia Dome with DJ Sia.  This is your chance to unleash your inner rock legend!

KattattaK! S11E2

 

KattattaK! S11E2 this week only at the Kimkattia Dome! Katt has another banging progressive house, trance and EDM session for you so make sure you come along and dance your ass off with us!

Imagine a dance floor odyssey. Gone are the predictable basslines and repetitive melodies. Here, swirling synths morph and escalate, weaving intricate tapestries of sound. Infectious melodies burrow into your brain, demanding attention, while basslines rumble with a low-end growl that compels movement. This isn't background music; it's a full-on sonic journey.

Progressive house caters to the musical explorer, the one who craves aural experiences that rival a heart-pounding late-night escapade. DJs here are more than beat-droppers; they're sonic architects, building intricate soundscapes that seamlessly shift from driving techno to euphoric breakdowns and back again. It's a genre that thrives on emotional manipulation, a hypnotic blend of euphoria and deep grooves that leaves you utterly spent and desperate for more. 

Forget the tired playlists that dominate the mainstream. Progressive house is the rebellious cousin, pushing boundaries and defying expectations. It's the future of house music, a genre that blasts through speakers and straight into your soul. Be prepared to get hooked.