Katerina talks about her debut at Panorma Bar, creativity, the community in Helsinki and her latest release on Rekids.
Label head, radio host, DJ, promoter – the list of Katerina’s talents is an extensive one. The Finnish artist is a prominent figure in the Helsinki music scene, playing a significant role in the some of the city’s most loved institutions such as club Kaiku and FLOW Festival.
Musically she is one of the more creative DJs on the block. Her infectious endorphin-releasing productions incorporate floating ambience, upbeat house tropes, and the occasional dreamy vocal. Her DJ sets are far more nuanced, however. Through her radio show on Berlin’s Comeme Radio, Katerina blends a wide-ranging variety of sounds from folk to techno, and her DJ sets are just as wide ranging. Her feature length sonic explorations have graced renowned mix series such as Dekmantel, Circoloco, Stamp The Wax, and Ransom Note to name a few.
Her natural interest in music and her free-flowing leftfield approach as a selector is putting the Emotysia and Kotarak label head in view of some of the industries most prominent institutions. With a recent release on Radio Slave’s Rekids and a gig at Panorama Bar its safe to say Katerina is starting 2024 strong.
Hey Katerina, thanks for speaking with us. You recently played your debut set at Panorama Bar. Did it live up to your expectations?
It was beyond my expectations. I was surprised at how fast the dance floor filled up. The crowd was ready to go as I played the opening set. The crowd and staff were all very warm and welcoming. It’s easy to fully enjoy the experience and express yourself artistically in a space run with such professionalism.
How have things been for you since then?
Keeping things moving as usual with lots of gigs, studio time, curating events and running two labels. I have no days off.
The fact that you have such a wide range in music taste and skill set is, at least for me, what makes you an interesting DJ. Can you describe your mixing style?
When I was first starting out, I met DJ Harvey, and I asked him if he had any advice he could give me. He told me to remember that with volume, you control the crowd.
Another piece of advice I got when I first started was that the key to a good transition isn’t always about making it seamless and unnoticeable but that the transition can also be the highlight. It can be a very effective way to build tension.
These valuable tips are, to this day, the core of my DJing. Musically, I try to prepare for a range of energies. I’m a sensitive person and react according to the mood and energy of the room. Also, I try to consider the sound system I’m working with because that makes a big difference.
You have been a key figure in Helsinki’s music scene over the years. What makes the city so special for you?
The creative community.
Let’s talk about your latest release the ‘ONE’ EP on Rekids. What was the inspiration behind the project?
My music is a vessel to express whatever I’m going through at the time. When I wrote “One”, it felt as if it wrote itself because every element came flying out of me so fast that I could barely keep up with the recording. It was just a strong feeling inside me, a longing for emotional intimacy that had to come out.
The track “Papu” is dedicated to one of my rescue cats in Sofia. I went to feed the cats one day, and as I walked back to the studio, she followed me like she does sometimes. I write music almost every day, so I guess I’m always inspired one way or the other.
What is your creative process like in the studio?
It’s like I hear either a melody or a rhythm, and I quickly open up a session and start playing. While I’m playing, I adjust the tempo to match what I hear in my head, and then I start recording. I always have a muse for whom I write songs. Secretly or sometimes, not so secretly.
ONE features a contribution from fellow Finnish artist Alexsi Perala. How did the remix come about?
Matt asked me who I would prefer for a remix, and I immediately thought of Aleksi. To be able to work with my all-time favourite Finnish artist is a dream come true. Not only do I love his music, but his humane approach to life.
What’s inspiring you lately?
The creative community in Helsinki.
What do you like to do outside of music?
I have a cat rescue initiative that I run in my non-existent spare time. If you care about cats, then follow us on Instagram @catsofyavorov.
What’s next for Katerina?
I am working on a couple of EPs and my album simultaneously. Lots of music.
