You saw off a busy 2016 working with Jamie Jones and the Colombia National Symphonic Orchestra, which was billed as “the first concert of its kind in Latin America”. How was the experience putting on such a show in South America? How was 2016 on a whole for you?
2016 was a busy year! After a couple years of writing and recording, I released the debut album of my project London Electronic Orchestra. I produce the electronics and write for harp, strings and other instruments. It’s definitely a project of passion and was a highlight!
And then DJ wise I was back touring which is always a blast.
The show with Jamie in Colombia was incredible! It was a lot of work, as another London-based orchestrator and I created orchestral versions of a full set of Jamie’s music. We performed our past collaborations and over 75 minutes of music total with a 45-piece orchestra. I hope we can do it again!
In light of shock events in the UK and the US – how do you think this will affect music in 2017? Will artists speak out through their art – do you hope artists will do so?
Yes I hope so and think it’s already happening! I have a protest song with vocalist Cari Golden that will be out this spring. We wrote it after Trump was elected. It’s a nightmare he won the election.
Based in London but originally from the US, what makes this a good city to be an electronic music artist?
In my experience, London is the best city in the world for music. It’s flourishing in all genres, and there are so many music fanatics here. I’ve met countless amazing people from the electronic and classical scenes here, and am inspired all the time.
Do you have any plans for your classical-electronic project, The London Electronic Orchestra for 2017?
We’ll be releasing a new disco strings single and playing a few international festivals. It’s still a new project so taking it as it comes!
Are there any other projects on the go at the moment that see you combining electronic music with different genres and forms?
The plan is to continue the orchestral collaboration between me and Jamie Jones. The orchestral music is written, so we are ready to spread the prototype worldwide. Besides that, I’m excited to be back in the studio producing my own music again. I’m sharing a studio with a bunch of amazing analog machines so excited to produce new tracks!
https://soundcloud.com/katesimko/sets/tracks-remixes
You head out to Indonesia in February to play Koh club, Bali. How does playing in Indonesia differ from playing in the UK, US, or Europe?
Every country is a little different, but I find more remote destinations are often in the moment listening to the music rather than train spotting specific tracks.
What makes Bali a unique place to go out and experience electronic music?
What do you do to keep busy during downtime on tour?
When I performed at Koh last time it was incredible. The crowd was very passionate, and I absolutely loved the mystical, paradise island Bali. Last time I went to the Monkey Forest and the rice fields for lunch, and a beach club. I hope to be back at the beach and rice fields again! During my downtime on tour I try to explore, and relax and take care of myself as much as possible. Last time in Bali I had a massage at the hotel and went running by the beach. Those sort of things make a nice balance against the late night DJ lifestyle.
Any artists who you’re really into at the moment?
Four Tet, Bonobo, and all the artists on Young Turks records. I’m always listening and learning from them.
Finally, do you have any forthcoming releases scheduled for 2017 that has you particularly excited?
I’m really excited to have a new house music EP out on Leftroom Records next month. Also, really looking forward to the new London Electronic Orchestra disco strings single. Thanks for the interview, and see you soon in Bali!