Features

Kito

Kmag talks to Australian dubstep artist Kito about her contribution to music down under and her next step of moving to London...

How were you introduced to dubstep and what were your thoughts when you first heard it?
I think I was 19 when I first heard dubstep and I was hooked straight away. It was right before I went travelling to Europe, which was perfect timing as it hadn't quite hit Australia yet. Before dubstep I practically overdosed on drum & bass. D&B dominates Perth and I think that's what a lot of people that grow up there start to mix. I still love it but these days my musical intake is a lot healthier and varied. I listen to all sorts and take influence from a lot of different music from Chromeo to Mike Patton to Stephen Bodzin.

How would you describe the style of dubstep you produce?
I just asked Sgt Pokes and he said: A magical journey into an enchanted forest made of jam and ice-cream which has grown on the back of an enormous cow deep in the heart of the invisible Burmese mountains. Hahaha!

Dubstep has been a huge success here in the UK, has it had the same effect in Australia?
It may not be the size and strength that it is in the UK but there definitely is a dedicated, passionate scene and parties are getting bigger and better. People are clued up down here!

You have won awards for your talent in Australia, can you talk us through those?
When I first moved to Perth I entered a DJ comp called 'Roller Idol', which I won. It really kicked things off for me in Perth. I started playing a lot more in clubs and on radio and I also was awarded 'Best New Talent' at The Perth Dance Music Awards.

You're signed to Skream's record label Disfigured Dubz, how did this come about?
When I got back to Perth after travelling I was a fairly solitary creature! I was studying and in my spare time locked myself away in the studio. I was on some sort of natural high when I wrote What If. It was really the first tune I'd finished and felt good enough to show anyone. I simply messaged Skream on Myspace and he got in touch that night. I still remember the feeling of excitement when he asked if he could cut it!

N-Type, Benga, Joker and Digital Mystikz all have an interest in you as well. Any news of collaborations with some of these bigger names in the future?
There has definitely been a lot of talk! I've spoken to a number of people about collaborations and I'm really excited to get in the studio when I'm in London.

Your tune LFO featuring Reija Lee is on Dubstep Allstars Vol. 7, was this the track that really put you on the dubstep map?
I'd say so. It's a bit of a cross-over track so it's received support from people not just in dubstep.

I read you are making a permanent move to London this year...
I've wanted to move over for a while. My family is Dutch and ever since I was quite young I felt really connected to Europe and knew I would move there eventually. Obviously music plays a big part in this decision as well as my boyfriend who is from London.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
This past summer in Australia feels like a real highlight for me. I've played some amazing gigs and the lead up to my move to London has been filled with a lot of exciting opportunities and prospects. Of course hearing my music in a club and on radio for the first time will always be really special to me but right now all I can think of is what's to come!

Is there anything else that we should know about?
My forthcoming EP on Disfigured Dubz is out real soon and I've been working on four tracks with Reija Lee, the vocalist from LFO, which are very close to being finished. They're quite poppy and not all of them are dubstep, I think they reflect the summer we've just had. Party vibes!

Words: James Barclay