KattattaK! Season 15 Finale!

 

This Saturday, 5th April 2025, will be the Season 15 Finale at the Kimkattia Dome!

For this Season Finale, DJ Katt is going to dig through her recent favorites playlist and spin some tunes guaranteed to get you moving on the dancefloor: from some 80s favorites, some EDM bangers and some retrowave grooves it's all about the BPM! Doors open 5:45pm SLT for the preshow then the show kicks off at 6pm SLT. If you're not here, you're missing out!

Mark your calendar because next Saturday: April 12th, DJ Sia Aurora - The Deviant DJ - will be back in the dome to spin some of her great tunes for you while Katt takes a week out on the other side of the turntables!

Why Do the Dutch DJ?

The Netherlands’ Unstoppable Reign Over the Global EDM Scene

The Dutch Invasion of Dance Music

Ever noticed how many of the world’s biggest DJs seem to come from the same tiny country? From festival kings like Tiësto and Armin van Buuren to modern chart-toppers like Martin Garrix and Oliver Heldens, the Netherlands has become a dance music factory. But why? What is it about this place—famous for windmills, tulips, and canals—that also produces world-class DJs at an almost industrial rate?

Let’s take a deep dive into why the Dutch don’t just love dance music—they dominate it.

A Culture That Lives and Breathes EDM

One of the biggest reasons Dutch DJs take over the scene is that dance music isn’t just popular in the Netherlands—it’s part of the national identity. While house and techno were underground movements in many parts of the world during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the Dutch embraced it right away.

In the early days, clubs in Amsterdam and Rotterdam were spinning house beats imported from Chicago and Detroit, blending them with European electronic influences. Before long, the Dutch were creating their own signature sounds—first with trance in the ‘90s, then with hardstyle and big-room house in the 2000s.

Just listen to Tiësto’s “Adagio for Strings” (2004) or Armin van Buuren’s “Communication” (1999) and you’ll hear the birth of Dutch trance. Or, if you want something heavier, check out the early hardcore/gabber scene with Paul Elstak’s “Luv U More” (1995).

Festivals That Create Superstars

Dutch festivals aren’t just massive—they’re a rite of passage. The Netherlands is home to some of the most famous and well-run dance music events in the world. A few standouts:

• Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE): Part festival, part conference, all business. This is where aspiring DJs rub shoulders with industry giants.

• Tomorrowland: Okay, it’s in Belgium, but let’s be honest—it’s packed with Dutch artists and influences.

• Defqon.1: The mecca of hardstyle, a genre largely pioneered by Dutch DJs like Headhunterz and Wildstylez.

• Awakenings: If you love techno, this is your holy ground.

• Mysteryland: One of the longest-running electronic music festivals in the world, dating back to 1993.

These events don’t just bring crowds; they create careers. It’s no coincidence that almost every major Dutch DJ got their big break at one of these festivals. Take Hardwell, who skyrocketed to fame after tearing up Amsterdam Music Festival in 2013.

Schools for Superstar DJs

Most kids learn algebra. Dutch kids? They learn how to make beats. The Netherlands is one of the few countries where you can actually go to school to become a DJ or producer.

• Herman Brood Academy in Utrecht has alumni like Martin Garrix and Julian Jordan.

• Conservatorium van Amsterdam is where some of the best technical music minds sharpen their skills.

• Pioneer DJ School literally teaches the art of DJing with the best gear money can buy.

Martin Garrix, for example, was only 17 when he released “Animals” (2013), but he already had years of formal training under his belt.

Dutch DJs Know How to Market Themselves

Ever wonder why so many Dutch DJs go viral? It’s not just luck. The Dutch understand the power of branding, social media, and networking like no other. Martin Garrix, for example, blew up thanks to smart use of YouTube and SoundCloud, while Tiësto built a global empire through constant reinvention.

A great example is Don Diablo, who turned his futuristic brand into a movement with his label Hexagon. Or Afrojack, who went from underground producer to a Grammy-winning artist by working with pop stars like Beyoncé and Pitbull.

The key? Dutch DJs don’t just drop tracks and hope for the best. They build fan communities, work with influencers, and use streaming platforms to dominate charts.

The Dutch Mindset: Open, Innovative, and Pragmatic

There’s something about the Dutch mentality that makes for great DJs. They’re forward-thinking, innovative, and not afraid to experiment. They also have an open attitude toward nightlife, which means electronic music has been accepted as a legitimate art form for decades.

Take Oliver Heldens, for example. Instead of sticking to the standard big-room house formula, he created his own genre—future house—blending deep house and EDM into something fresh. His track “Gecko (Overdrive)” (2014) changed the game.

The Sound of Dutch EDM: A Suggested Listening List

Want to experience the Dutch EDM magic for yourself? Here’s a playlist that takes you through the decades:

1. Tiësto – “Adagio for Strings” (2004) – The anthem that put Dutch trance on the global stage.

2. Armin van Buuren – “This Is What It Feels Like” (2013) – A perfect blend of trance and radio-friendly vocals.

3. Hardwell – “Spaceman” (2012) – The sound of the big-room house explosion.

4. Martin Garrix – “Animals” (2013) – A track that took over every festival and club worldwide.

5. Afrojack – “Take Over Control” (2010) – One of the most influential electro-house tracks.

6. Oliver Heldens – “Gecko (Overdrive)” (2014) – The birth of future house.

7. Headhunterz – “Dragonborn” (2011) – A must-listen for hardstyle fans.

8. Don Diablo – “Momentum” (2017) – A futuristic take on house music.

9. Ferry Corsten – “Punk” (2002) – A trance classic with a rebellious edge.

10. Nicky Romero – “Toulouse” (2012) – One of the most iconic drops in EDM history.

Conclusion: The Dutch Will Keep Dominating

At this point, the Netherlands isn’t just a hub for DJs—it’s an EDM empire. With an unbeatable combination of music culture, world-class festivals, DJ schools, and marketing savvy, the Dutch show no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re raving at a massive festival or just vibing to a house mix, chances are, a Dutch DJ is behind the decks.

So, why do the Dutch DJ? The real question is: how could they not?

KattattaK! S15E9 "Girls in Fast Cars"

 

Tonight at the Kimkattia Dome!

Girls in Fast Cars: The Synthwave Dream in Overdrive

Neon-lit highways, pulsing drum machines, and the unmistakable hum of a turbocharged engine—few images capture the essence of synthwave quite like girls in fast cars. A staple of the genre’s aesthetic, this concept isn’t just about speed; it’s a tribute to 80s futurism, independence, and cinematic cool.

From the moody soundscapes of The Midnight to the high-energy outrun anthems of Kavinsky, synthwave artists weave stories of fearless women behind the wheel, racing into the neon night. It’s a nod to cult classics like The Wraith (1986) and Miami Vice, where sleek machines and synth-heavy soundtracks fueled a generation’s obsession with rebellion and escape.

Lyrically and visually, these fast-driving femmes symbolize autonomy—unbound by time or convention. Whether it’s the cyberpunk noir of Gunship or the vaporwave-influenced aesthetics of artists like Dana Jean Phoenix, the image of a woman tearing down a midnight highway is both retro and futuristic, evoking a world where destiny is written in neon.

In synthwave, girls in fast cars aren’t just passengers; they’re icons of speed, style, and self-determination—burning rubber across an endless digital dreamscape.

New Club Group!

Make sure you join our new "KattattaK" (<--- click this link) group (previously Katta's Krew) to keep up to date with all the shenanigans at Kimkattia: 

How to play the Danish dice game Grådige or Greedy

How to play the Danish dice game Grådige or Greedy

Today I learned that the Second Life boardgame known as "Greedy" is not - as I assumed - just something invented for Second Life but is, in fact, based on a 'real life' game allegedly of Danish origin! Who knew?

The following is from hyggestyle.co.uk, a website devoted to living the Scandinavian lifestyle, so all credit to them for this information!

Greedy is a high-scoring game in which players roll dice for points. As well as being a fantastic after dinner game, it is also great for travel, pubs or holidays as you only need a few dice in your pocket, some paper and a pen (and it’s fabulous for kids who need to practice their math!). You roll 5 dice, move aside only the dice you want to use for points, then re-roll the remaining dice. As long as you keep scoring you can keep rolling (if you’re feeling lucky!); your points will accumulate as long as you keep rolling valid throws. You can stop at any point, but if none of the dice you roll score you lose your turn and any points you made during that turn. 

OBJECT: To get scoring dice on every roll, and to be the first player to get more than 10,000 points.

YOU WILL NEED: 5 dice, a shaker and pen and paper

GET STARTED: Each player must roll at least 400 points during one turn to get into the game. The player’s game-entry score and subsequent scores are added up below their name on a piece of paper.

PLAY:

The first player rolls five dice and decides which dice they want to use for scoring. If they don’t roll any 1s, 5s or other scoring combinations, their turn is over and they must pass the dice to the next player.

You don’t have to remove all the dice that count on your roll, only the ones you want to use for scoring.

If you roll no scoring dice, your turn is over and you lose all the points you rolled on that turn.

You may stop rolling at any time, take your points and pass the dice on.

Only 1s and 5s count by themselves. Other numbers can count as three-of-a-kind, straights or full houses – but not pairs; any of these combinations must be rolled in one go.

When one player reaches 10,000 points (or any final score you decide on), all other players get one more turn to try to beat them.

The highest score then wins the game; the more players you have the lower you might want to decide the winning score to be!

SCORING:

5s = 50 points each

1s = 100 points each

SCORING COMBINATIONS:

If a single 1 is rolled…………………..100

If two 1s are rolled…………………….200

If three 1s are rolled…………………1,000

If a single 5 is rolled……………………50

If two 5s are rolled…………………….100

If three 2s are rolled…………………..200

If three 3s are rolled…………………..300

If three 4s are rolled…………………..400

If three 5s are rolled…………………..500

If three 6s are rolled…………………..600

4 of a kind (must be in one roll) e.g. 4x2s = 1500 points

5 of a kind (must be in one roll) e.g. 5x2s = 2000 points

A straight (must be in one roll) (1,2,3,4,5 or 2,3,4,5,6) = 2000 points

A full house (must be in one roll) e.g. 3x4s & 2x5s = 2500 points

KATTATTAK! S15E8 BACK TO 1985

 This week at KattattaK! we are going back to 1985, a year that's poignant to DJ Katt and one that she says defines a lot of her musical tastes today. Why is that?

1985: The Year British Synthpop Morphed Into Something Else

By 1985, the golden age of British synthpop was both peaking and fraying at the edges. The sound that had once stormed the charts with icy futurism and neon-lit melancholy was evolving, mutating, and in some cases, disappearing into something more commercial, more eclectic—or simply more dated.

At the top of the pile, Tears for Fears delivered Songs from the Big Chair, a masterclass in big-budget, transatlantic synth-rock. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" was everywhere—spacious, sleek, and a perfect marriage of Roland synths and radio-friendly ambition. Likewise, Depeche Mode toughened their edges with Some Great Reward, wrapping industrial clangs around anthems like "People Are People."

But it wasn’t all glossy triumphs. The Human League, who had defined synthpop’s early ‘80s blueprint, stumbled with Hysteria—a record that felt trapped between past innovation and future uncertainty. Meanwhile, Ultravox was running out of steam, and Heaven 17 softened their once-sharp social commentary into slicker, but less biting, grooves.

Elsewhere, new names were twisting the genre into fresher shapes. Pet Shop Boys crashed the scene with "West End Girls," bringing a detached, urbane cool that set the stage for synthpop’s next evolution. Scritti Politti, with Cupid & Psyche 85, married synths with funk and glossy American R&B, a move mirrored by Paul Hardcastle’s electro-jazz hybrid "19."

Synthpop wasn't dead in ‘85, but it was shifting. The raw minimalism of 1981 had been traded for polished, MTV-ready hits, while underground scenes were already plotting its next reinvention. The sound that once belonged to cold machines was now inescapable, for better or worse.

NO KATTATTAK THIS WEEK!

Please note that due to a RL-conflict, Katt will be unable to present KattattaK! this week, so the next KattattaK show will be on March 22nd.

The Timeless Beat: How the Roland TR-808 Shaped Synthwave and Retrowave

Few instruments have left as deep an imprint on electronic music as the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer. Originally released in 1980, the drum machine was initially overlooked due to its unrealistic drum sounds. However, its signature deep bass kicks, crisp snares, and futuristic hi-hats became a defining feature in hip-hop, dance, and eventually, the nostalgic worlds of synthwave and retrowave.

Synthwave and retrowave, both heavily inspired by 1980s aesthetics, owe much of their rhythmic backbone to the 808. The machine’s warm, analog drum sounds perfectly complement the genre’s lush synthesizers, cinematic atmospheres, and neon-drenched nostalgia. Songs like Kavinsky’s Nightcall and acts such as The Midnight and Timecop1983 prominently feature 808 beats, blending them seamlessly with shimmering pads and arpeggiated basslines.

What makes the TR-808 indispensable to the genre is its ability to capture a timeless yet distinctly retro-futuristic feel. The rolling toms and reverb-heavy snares create a sense of space reminiscent of classic ’80s movie soundtracks, while the machine’s sequencer allows for the steady, hypnotic rhythms that define synthwave’s driving pulse. Even modern producers who don’t use the original hardware rely on software emulations to capture its unmistakable sound.

From cyberpunk cityscapes to late-night highway drives, the 808’s influence echoes through the neon glow of today’s retrowave revival, proving that some beats never go out of style.

Otherworld by Jessie Frye, released 28 March 2025

KattattaK! S15E7 KattAurora playing the music of yesterday's future!

 Come along this Saturday evening, March 8th 2025, for another of DJ Katt's retrowave mix-tape sessions!

Jessie Frye: The Synthpop Queen You Should Be Listening To

Jessie Frye’s new album Otherworld drops March 28 which has Katt all kinds of excited. She loves this girl, and has been (often to the point of parody) promoting her music for a couple of years at every opportunity! So who the hell is Jessie Frye? You may well ask...

In a world where synth-driven pop often struggles to balance authenticity and nostalgia, Jessie Frye has carved out her own electrifying space. Hailing from Texas, Frye’s music seamlessly blends retro aesthetics with modern production, creating a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. With shimmering synths, anthemic hooks, and emotionally charged lyrics, she channels the spirit of ‘80s icons like Madonna and Pat Benatar while keeping her feet firmly planted in the present.  

Frye’s breakthrough came with Kiss Me In The Rain (2020), an album that radiates neon-lit energy and dreamy romanticism. Songs like “Faded Memory” (featuring synthwave heavyweight Timecop1983) exemplify her ability to craft infectious melodies that linger long after the music stops. Her vocals—equal parts sultry and soaring—add a layer of vulnerability that makes her music feel deeply personal.  

But Frye isn’t just a nostalgia act. She brings a modern edge to her sound, fusing synthwave’s cinematic qualities with pop’s accessibility. Tracks like “Angel” and “The One” pulse with danceable beats and cinematic crescendos, proving her ability to evolve beyond any single genre. Her songwriting is heartfelt, often exploring love, longing, and self-discovery—making her music a perfect soundtrack for late-night drives and introspective moments alike.  

Whether you’re a longtime fan of synthpop or just dipping your toes into the genre, Jessie Frye is an artist worth paying attention to. She’s not riding the retro wave—she’s shaping it. If you haven’t already, plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and let her take you on a neon-drenched journey through sound.

https://www.jessiefrye.com/

[Experimental] KattattaK! Archives available on our stream!

[Experimental] KattattaK! Archives available on our stream! 

Are you ready to experience a nonstop sonic journey through the KattattaK! Archive? Broadcasting 24/7 exclusively at Kimkattia, this stream is your gateway to an eclectic mix of sounds, memories, and musical treasures. If you have ever missed a Saturday night's KattattaK! or want to relive some of the episodes going back several seasons, you're in luck.

We say [Experimental] as this is a testing phase to make sure hardware and software is able to do what Katt tells it to without whining like a spoiled child :) 

Episodes are being streamed in order, without their "preshow" segments.