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Kate Simko - The Bunker Podcast 10 - Apr 2008
lil_al_5
Biography of Kate Simko
childhood/studies:
born in chicago, IL, i grew up close to both of my parent's families, also from chicago. my father's family has a history of slovak musicians, especially pianists. around the age of six, my parents started me in weekly private piano lessons. i remember enjoying the piano from the start, learning to read and play music came very naturally to me.
i began my undergraduate studies at the university of miami, where i studied classical piano and photography. after a short time in miami, i realized that I wanted to move towards recording my own music, rather than interpret the ideas of the classical masters. shortly thereafter, i returned to chicago, where i began jazz piano lessons and eventually switched into the music technology program at northwestern university. there i was taught electronic music production on some of the most classic vintage machines - the original moog, the arp 2600, etc. - as well as newer cutting edge software, such as logic audio and max/msp.
electronic music background:
i was exposed to underground electronic music around 1994. between 1995-1997 i attended many underground electronic music parties in chicago, detroit and st. louis and was blessed to see the some of the most classic dj's and producers perform their music live on a regular basis.
while at northwestern, i had an electronic music radio show on WNUR 89.3 chicago. from 1998-2002 (and continue to do the show during the summer months). also, i served as music director of the streetbeat format (electronic music / hip-hop) at WNUR between 1999-2001. this position allowed me to plan music events, oversee the musical direction of the 20 nighttime dance hip-hop shows, keep up with the weekly new releases at record stores, as well as collect promos and records for the radio station.
why chile?
in 2001, after 4 years at northwestern, i wanted a change of pace and sought out a study abroad program in music composition. looking for a real change, yet a place with relatively advanced technology, chile turned out to be ideal. while in santiago, i met andres bucci, who invited me to put my computer and keyboard in his studio. we ended up working on music together and recording our first record together, as detalles.
since then:
after returning from chile, i finished the music technology program at northwestern. shortly thereafter, i relocated to los angeles to take a job offer making music for digital animations. the job fell through, but i ended up spending almost a year living in los angeles. i returned to chicago in june 2003, where i currently spend my time.
on making music:
when i create music, i do not feel pressed to come up with ideas. i like my music; when i listen to my compositions, i feel relaxed and at peace. while composing, i do not think about the outcome, only the moment that exists at that time. if one person is touched by what i create, it is a success to me.
there are few things that make me happier than listening to a great record, or a sincere song. it feels exciting to leave the record store with a cd or 12” that you know you will be able to listen to time and time again, or to hear a track that can transport you even just one time to a new place. i make music that i would like to hear – honest and unique, that’s all…
