As a key member of SIX IMPALA and a driving force in the underground trap and bass scene for years, Toronto-based KaTT is an artist that has always remains ahead of the curve. A true creative who refuses to conform to what should be made, the talented artist instead prefers to envision what could be made, and delivers. From a plethora of high-profile collaborations to releases on the likes of Jadū Dala, KaTT’s musical repertoire is insanely diverse and the future looks bright for him and SIX IMPALA.
We had the honour of connecting with KaTT for a guest mix and interview to talk about the recent health crisis, how to support creatives in these difficult times, his production process and much more. The mix itself is everything KaTT envisions for his project moving forward. A wild variety ranging from trap to bass, and techno to metal, fans can expect just about everything mixed flawlessly from start to finish, so strap in and dive into the musical journey below.
How are you currently doing? What are you doing to stay sane during these strange times?
I’m doing alright these days, staying home and being my usual self by working more than I probably should. This COVID-19 shit really threw a monkey wrench into my annual plans however so I’ve had to completely re-strategize what I was scheduled to do.
I think the biggest thing you can do is attend online music events and buy music. The online event space is such a great new place for artists to get exposure!
How can your regular average Joe support you and other artists until things return to normal?
Like always the best way to support me personally is through our Patreon at SIX IMPALA. If you’re looking to spread your support out into the community however, I think the biggest thing you can do is attend online music events and buy music. The online event space is such a great new place for artists to get exposure!
You recently put out a tweet looking to play online events. What came of that, aside from this guest mix and interview? Any particular events you’re excited about playing or even attending?
Well, I was mixing for fun while under isolation and realized I’ve reached both the skill level and musical archive required to put on improvised sets that still represent myself and my tastes. This led to my announced interest in participating in as many online events as possible. Also, I’m doing a bunch of mixes right now but I’m most excited to work on an upcoming Open Pit event with the rest of SIX IMPALA on April 11th.
we’re going to notice a major upswing in relevance regarding online festivals and events post-pandemic.
What’s your take on the importance of these events, as well as other things that artists are doing their time alone such as streaming?
I think staying connected is very important! The music industry as a whole is definitely going to take a big hit but with this surge of new users attending online events, we’re going to notice a major upswing in relevance regarding online festivals and events post-pandemic.
On that note, what’s your role in the Open Pit community? You’ve been putting on virtual events before it was the norm, what prompted this idea? What are your goals moving forward?
I’m one of the core members of Open Pit, we all sort of share similar responsibilities (minus the dev team, they handle the tech stuff). Our first event was Minecraft Bday Party 2018, we were just looking at celebrating Max Schramp’s bday party with some friends, but then 400 people showed up and we decided to keep pushing from there!
Let’s dive into your productions. In the best way possible, your works are consistently unique and boundary-pushing. Who or what inspires you to create?
I kind of go through a variety of phases when it comes to writing music for KaTT, but they all revolve around a few core genres: trap, techno, ambient, metal and club music. Some of my recent influences are Murder Club, Stigmata, Machine Girl, Death Grips, Mick Gordon and as always, the rest of the guys on SIX IMPALA.
I always tell them to learn what their “inspirational anchor” is and study the different ways to create it. This differs from person to person but it’s simply an element in music that feeds the writer’s inspiration
How do you approach a track? Do you start with sounds or melodies, the introduction or the drop? Is your method controlled or chaotic?
Whenever I teach people about music production I always tell them to learn what their “inspirational anchor” is and study the different ways to create it. This differs from person to person but it’s simply an element in music that feeds the writer’s inspiration (rhythms, harmonies etc). For me, this element is odd/unnatural melodies and pitch sequences – for this reason I always start by making weird synths or sift through fx samples until something clicks and I get that rush!
Does this approach change when collaborating?
Usually yes, but generally because what works for me doesn’t always work for my collaborators. For this reason I usually get people to come up with concepts that I can finish up. I have a really strong sense of what’s needed to complete a song, which makes adding my own flair to existing ideas really straightforward.
If your mix was a pizza, what toppings would it have?
Well this mix is basically all my favourite music so I’m just going to go with my favourite pizza toppings – Wood oven baked dough with oregano, sea salt, pepperoni, spinach, bacon and feta, topped with an olive oil drizzle and chilli sauce.
Tracklist:
Tyler, The Creator – OKRA (KATT RMX)
Eprom -Zweihander
LAXX – STEP ONE
KaTT – SUPERMILKCHAN
KaTT – Touch
xKore – Diamonds
Dog Blood – Shred or Die
VEGACORE (KATT REMIX)
Gaetano Parisio – Ritmatica (A1)
Adam Beyer & Henrik B – Perfect Match
Stigmata – 810 (B1)
Machine Girl – Psycho Signal Jammer
DOOM 2016 – Mastermind
DOOM ETERNAL – RIDE TO THE BASE
Stigmata – Evoke
KaTT – ID
Klahrk x KaTT x Roxas – HYPERTENSION
Death Grips – anne bonny
G JONES – SOUNDTRACK TO THE MACHINE
KaTT – VR. VIPER II
YOOKiE – ID
Salvatore Ganacci – HORSE
Handbraekes – The Qat
KaTT – mother
Machine Girl – GHOST
TNGHT – DOLLAZ
Charlem x girltypeguy – gucci sweater (KaTT x MILKFISH RMX)
six impala – ri pple
Machine Girl – Excrutiating Death
KaTT – ID
six impala – the beast i worship
TIN MACHINE (EMPYREAN TEARS RMX)
KaTT – Ultraviolet
JPEGMAFIA – Baby I’m Bleeding
six impala – trauma
KaTT – Ira
