Katt's Second Life & Firestorm tricks, tips and hacks [1]

 

Welcome to the first in a series of Second Life & Firestorm tricks, tips and hacks. The truth is, a lot of people who are active in Second Life are really not that technical and find that the interface in the browser of Firestorm can be overwhelming and confusing with so many options, menus and technical options...(and, yes, I know some of you are using Linden Lab's own browser, but I haven't used that in a decade and so some of this may not be relevant to you, but hopefully much of it will be!).

What strikes me is that there are still many everyday things in Second Life a lot of people, not just noobs, don't realize you can do. I am going to start this series by giving a few examples of things I am often shocked to realize people don't know about or don't know you can do. Then I'm going to invite you to send me questions and comments so in the next part of this tutorial I can dig deeper into some of those things and give some insight into them :) 

1. You can zoom your camera around like a drone, you are not restricted to seeing everything from the point of view of your avatar! That's right, you can zoom in and out to see things that are far away! I am always amazed to see people's avatars standing up close to a wall trying to see something for sale or look at a picture or whatever it is. There's no need to do this, and if you are one of those people who still don't realize that it's possible, let me know and we'll go through a tutorial on how to use that camera!
2. Know that there's a unicorn-themed-bathtub somewhere in the store but you just cannot seem to find it anywhere? Use the Area Search feature [under the World menu]: type in the name of thing you're looking for and hit enter. Use the filter tab to select/deselect options if you're not finding it, or there's too many things showing up. You can then 'zoom' to that object or even (if the land permissions allow it) teleport directly to it!

Got a question? Need a tip? Want a hack? Email me at katta.koba@gmail.com and I'll circle back on some of them and give more detailed tricks, tips and hacks here!

Bye for now :) K.

KattattaK! Season 10 Episode 2

 That's right, KattattaK! fans, this coming Saturday, December 9th 2023, is another of Katt's Saturday Night Getdown sessions. This week, we're getting back to our roots and playing 90 minutes of 80s synthpop, synthwave, retrowave and other neon-infused danceable tracks.

Remember, if you're not here, you're missing out!

Music journalists generally define synthpop as a genre characterized by:

• Dominant use of synthesizers: This is the most defining element, with synthesizers often replacing all other instruments or being heavily featured in the soundscape. 
• Simple, catchy melodies: Synthpop melodies are often easy to remember and hum along to, appealing to a broad audience.
• Electronic rhythms: Drum machines and sequencers are often used to create precise and danceable rhythms, a key element of the genre's appeal.
• Emphasis on pop song structure: While experimenting with electronic sounds, synthpop artists still adhere to traditional pop song structures, with verses, choruses, and bridges. Lyrical themes often focus on futuristic ideas, technology, relationships, or social commentary.
• Minimal use of traditional instruments: While not entirely absent, traditional instruments like guitars, bass, and drums are often used sparingly, allowing the synthesizers to take center stage.

However, it's important to note that the specific definition of synthpop can vary depending on the journalist and the context. Here are some additional points to consider:

• Subgenres: Synthpop encompasses various subgenres like electropop, synthwave, and futurepop, each with its own nuances and variations.
• Evolution over time: The sound of synthpop has evolved significantly since its origins in the late 1970s, incorporating influences from other genres and evolving alongside technological advancements.
• Blurring boundaries: Synthpop can sometimes overlap with other electronic genres like new wave and techno, making clear-cut definitions challenging.

KattattaK! Season 10 Preview Episode

 That's right, Kattattak! fans, this week DJ Katt is giving you S10E0, a dive into the world of industrial music to blow away those November cobwebs from your brains. So, you might ask, what the heck is industrial music anyway?

Industrial music is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and is characterized by its harsh, mechanical, and often abrasive sounds. It is often associated with themes of alienation, industrialization, and dystopian futures. Industrial music often incorporates elements of electronic music, punk rock, and noise music. Some of the earliest industrial bands, such as Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire, were experimental and avant-garde in their approach, and their music often featured distorted sounds, tape loops, and spoken-word vocals. In the 1980s, industrial music became more popular and accessible, and bands such as Ministry, Skinny Puppy, and Nine Inch Nails emerged as major stars. These bands incorporated more traditional rock and pop elements into their music, while still retaining the industrial sound and themes. Industrial music has continued to evolve in the decades since its inception, and there are now many subgenres of the genre, each with its own unique sound. Some of the most popular subgenres of industrial music include:

• EBM (Electronic Body Music): EBM is a style of industrial music that is characterized by its use of synthesizers, sequencers, and drum machines. It often has a danceable beat and is often associated with themes of science fiction and technology.
• Aggrotech: Aggrotech is a more aggressive style of industrial music that incorporates elements of heavy metal and hardcore punk. It is often characterized by its use of distorted guitars, fast tempos, and shouted vocals.
• Futurepop: Futurepop is a more melodic style of industrial music that incorporates elements of pop and techno. It is often characterized by its use of synthesizers, vocoders, and catchy hooks.

So, now you know :)

KattattaK! SEASON FINALE (S9E10)

 This week [Saturday, November 11, 2023], will be the season 9 finale of KattattaK! and Katt is planning to play 90 minutes (...maybe 120 minutes if she feels motivated enough) of EDM, trance, dance, and progressive house in the mix. Watch this space for details! 

KattattaK! S9E8 "RETROWAVE"

 

Subject to change at short notice!

Katt is planning on spinning up some Retrowave tunes this week because everyone else is doing Halloween to death (literally?) - Due to RL commitments this week's show might be subject to change at short notice but please, come along and if there's no KattattaK! there will be something even if it's Stace pole-dancing! (Then again, some of you might actually prefer that...)

KattattaK! S9E7 "1981: when punk and pop collided"

This week at Kimkattia: DJ Katt brings you a mix of songs which hit the charts on both sides of the Atlantic in 1981. In the UK it was often hailed as "new wave" music as synthesizers and guitars became friends on the stage for really the first time. 

In 1981, punk and pop music collided in a glorious explosion, giving birth to a new genre: pop-punk. Bands like the Go-Go's, the Clash, and the Ramones took the raw energy and DIY ethos of punk and combined it with the catchy melodies and polished production of pop, creating a sound that was both rebellious and accessible.

Pop-punk's emergence was a major turning point in popular music. It helped to legitimize punk rock, which had previously been dismissed by many as a passing fad. It also broadened the appeal of punk rock, making it more accessible to a mainstream audience. And finally, it paved the way for the alternative rock explosion of the 1990s.

Pop-punk's impact on popular music is still felt today. The genre continues to be popular with fans of all ages, and it has spawned a number of subgenres, such as emo and melodic hardcore. Pop-punk bands have also achieved mainstream success, with acts such as Blink-182 and Fall Out Boy selling millions of records and winning numerous awards.

Finally....a blog update!

 

I've finally updated my blog! I know, right? Check it out: here!

Season 9 UPDATED

 Good news, KattattaK! fans, our back-catalog of episodes is complete now up to S9E6 (this week). This means you can listen to the latest episodes on demand NetFlix-style (only without the annoying monthly fee).

KattattaK! S9E6 "80s Classical"

 

This week at Kimkattia, DJ Katt has decided to unplug the synthesizers and play some great 80s tunes with an orchestral feel. If you don't know your Mozart from your Madonna, your Beethoven from your Bronski Beat and your Tchaikovski from your China Crisis, then this is the event for you. It's like pop music but grown up. Fun begins at 6pm SLT. Bring everyone. Bring cake.

KattattaK! S9E5 "WOW! It's our 100th episode!"

 

That's right, KattattaK! fans, we've reached the milestone of 100 episodes. We hope you'll join us at the Kimkattia Dome for ninety minutes of nostalgia and neon with another of Katt's Retro-Rundowns. You can be sure the dome will be rocking so bring your friends -- heck, hire a bus and bring everyone!

Hurricane Lee Info

 

Saturday, 9/16/23

Due to the storm that's coming into Maine and Nova Scotia, Katt is keeping her fingers crossed that her electric and internet don't vanish this evening. At this time we're still on track for our 6pm SLT, 9pm EDT KattattaK! show but if that changes, we'll have to postpone till next week.

UPDATES!

KattattaK! archives updated!

Season 8 episodes are now fully uploaded through episode 10!

Season 9 episodes 1 and 2 are now available to listen to on demand.

KattattaK! SEASON 9 PREMIERE!

 

And we're back for season 9 of KattattaK! After a couple of weeks of late-summer hiatus, we're back this weekend at the Kimkattiadome for the kick off to season 9. We're kicking it off for September with another round of Saturday Night Retro featuring some new tunes by OMD (...who knew they were still around?), GUNSHIP and Scandroid (aka. Celldweller aka. Klayton....aka...I dunno how many other projects that guy has but he has more alts than most of the people at the Lesbian Teahouse!).

Music begins as always around 9pm EDT thats 6pm SLT but we're usually there a bit before that for some warm up pre-show-tunes and banter so come along and party with us. 

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) is an English electronic band formed in Wirral, Merseyside, in 1978. The group consists of co-founders Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, along with Martin Cooper and Stuart Kershaw; McCluskey has been the only constant member. OMD are known for their synthpop sound, and their biggest hits include "If You Leave", "Enola Gay", and "Maid of Orleans". They have sold over 25 million records worldwide.

Gunship is a British synthwave band formed in 2010 by Dan Gillespie-Sells (of The Feeling) and Alex Westaway (of Does It Offend You, Yeah?). The band's sound is influenced by 1980s electronic music, film soundtracks, and video games. Their debut album, Gunship, was released in 2015 and was a critical and commercial success. The album reached number 22 on the UK Albums Chart and spawned the singles "Tech Noir" and "The Saviour". Their second album, Dark Matter, was released in 2018 and was even more successful than their debut. The album reached number 11 on the UK Albums Chart and spawned the singles "Dark Matter" and "The Holy Mountain". Gunship have toured extensively throughout their career, and have played at festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Electric Daisy Carnival. They are considered one of the leading bands in the synthwave genre.

Klayton is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist. He is best known for his work under the names Celldweller, Scandroid, and Circle of Dust. Klayton was born Scott David Albert in Bethpage, New York, in 1969. He began making music in the early 1990s, and released his first album, Soundtrack to a Headrush, under the name Circle of Dust in 1995. He released several more albums under this name before disbanding the project in 1999. In 1999, Klayton adopted the name Celldweller and released his debut album, Celldweller. The album was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Klayton as a leading figure in the electronic music scene. Klayton has since released 10 more albums under the Celldweller name, as well as several side projects, including Scandroid and FreqGen. Klayton's music is often dark and atmospheric, and is influenced by a variety of genres, including electronica, industrial, and metal. He is known for his innovative production techniques and his ability to create music that is both sonically and emotionally powerful.

Klayton's music has been featured in several films and television shows, including Saw II, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. He has also collaborated with several other artists, including Jonathan Davis of Korn, Seann William Scott, and Criss Angel. Klayton is a highly respected figure in the electronic music scene. He has won numerous awards, including the Electronic Music Producer of the Year award from Revolver Magazine. 

KattattaK! to return in two weeks!

 

We are taking a two week break between Season 8 and Season 9 and we'll be back on September 2nd!

It crept up on us, but we're getting close to the 100th edition of KattattaK! (...wait, what?!) 

It's so hard to believe that what started out as Kimmie saying "You know what would be cool? To have some friends over and to play music at them!" has now grown into a weekly show with almost a hundred episodes on back-catalog! So we'll do something special when we get there, except I don't know what that will be just yet. If anyone has suggestions for a theme, then let me know :)

KattattaK! S8E9 SYNTHWAVE!

 

This week at the Kimkattiadome, DJ Katt presents another Saturday Night Retro Rundown with 90 minutes of pulsating 80s-infused synthwave and retrowave tunes. 

Retrowave, also known as synthwave or vaporwave, is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the mid-to-late 2000s. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and samples from 1980s films, television shows, and video games.

The genre's origins can be traced back to the early 2000s, when French house producers such as Kavinsky and College began experimenting with a retro-futuristic sound. These artists were inspired by the soundtracks of 1980s films such as "Drive" and "Blade Runner," as well as the video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City."

In the late 2000s, retrowave began to gain popularity among a wider audience. This was due in part to the release of several influential albums, such as "Outrun" by Kavinsky and "Miami Nights 1984" by Com Truise. Retrowave also benefited from the rise of online music platforms, such as Soundcloud and Bandcamp, which made it easier for artists to share their music with a global audience.

Today, retrowave is a thriving genre with a large and dedicated following. Artists such as Gunship, The Midnight, and Perturbator continue to produce new music that captures the spirit of the 1980s. Retrowave has also been featured in popular films and television shows, such as "The Neon Demon" and "Stranger Things."

Here are some of the key events in the history of retrowave:

2002: The release of the video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" inspires a new generation of electronic musicians.

2007: The release of Kavinsky's album "Outrun" is a critical and commercial success.

2010: The release of Com Truise's album "Miami Nights 1984" further popularizes the genre.

2012: The launch of the online music platform Soundcloud helps retrowave reach a wider audience.

2014: The release of the film "Drive" features a retrowave soundtrack and helps to introduce the genre to a mainstream audience.

2016: The release of the television show "Stranger Things" features a retrowave soundtrack and helps to further popularize the genre.

Retrowave is a genre that is constantly evolving. New artists are constantly emerging, and the genre is incorporating influences from other genres, such as darkwave and vaporwave. It is an exciting time to be a fan of retrowave, and it will be interesting to see how the genre develops in the years to come.

Kimkattia Update

Wednesday, July 19th 2023. 

This week at Kimkattia, Katt is back with another of her 1980s themed Retro Rundowns. 

Make sure you are at the Kimkattiadome, Saturday, 6pm SLT (9pm Eastern Time). 

Some background information for those interested in learning a bit more about 80's "Synth-Pop": the genre came about as a result of the development of synthesizers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These early synthesizers were large and expensive, but they were gradually becoming more affordable and accessible to a wider range of musicians.

One of the earliest bands to experiment with synthesizers was Kraftwerk, a German electronic music group that formed in 1970. Kraftwerk's music was heavily influenced by electronic music from the 1960s, such as the work of composers like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Boulez. However, Kraftwerk also incorporated elements of pop music into their sound, creating a new genre of music that would come to be known as synth-pop.

Other early synth-pop bands included Gary Numan, Ultravox, and Visage. These bands helped to popularize the genre in the late 1970s and early 1980s. By the mid-1980s, synth-pop had become a major force in pop music, with bands like Depeche Mode, The Human League, and Pet Shop Boys achieving international success.

The rise of synth-pop was due in part to the development of new synthesizer technology. In the early 1980s, synthesizers became smaller, more affordable, and easier to use. This made it possible for more musicians to experiment with synthesizers, and it also led to a more diverse sound in synth-pop.

Another factor that contributed to the rise of synth-pop was the advent of MTV. MTV was a new cable television channel that launched in 1981. MTV played music videos 24 hours a day, and it quickly became a major force in popular culture. The visual style of synth-pop bands was well-suited for music videos, and many synth-pop bands achieved success thanks to MTV.

Synth-pop remained popular throughout the 1980s, but it began to decline in popularity in the early 1990s. This was due in part to the rise of grunge and other alternative rock genres. However, synth-pop has never completely disappeared, and it has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

Here are some of the most influential synth-pop bands of the 1980s:

Depeche Mode

The Human League

Pet Shop Boys

Gary Numan

Ultravox

Visage

OMD

A-ha

Eurythmics

These bands helped to define the sound of synth-pop, and their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Remember also that Kimkattia has an open-door policy, and there is a lot to see and explore here! Feel free to come along and nose around, we love having people here :)

KattattaK! S8E6 GUARDIANS OF THE DANCEFLOOR

Join us again this Saturday night at 9pm Eastern Daylight Time (6pm SLT) for another of Katt's Retro Rundows. We are all Guardians of the Dancefloor this weekend with one mission: to defend the music of the 1980s. Come for the great music and stay for the excellent chat. Remember, if you're not here, you're missing out!

The Guardians of the Galaxy have a long and storied history in the Marvel Universe, dating back to their first appearance in Marvel Super-Heroes #18 in January 1969. The original team was a group of extraterrestrial freedom fighters from the 31st century who banded together to fight against the Badoon, a hostile race of sentient alien reptiles. The team consisted of Vance Astro, Martinex T'Naga, Captain Charlie-27, and Yondu Udonta.

The Guardians of the Galaxy went on hiatus after their initial appearance, but they returned in the pages of Marvel Presents in 1976. The team's roster was expanded during this period, and they also began to travel to the present day to team up with other Marvel superheroes. The Guardians of the Galaxy reached their highest level of popularity in the 1970s during the "Korvac Saga", in which they teamed up with the Avengers to battle a being of immense power who sought to remake the universe.

The Guardians of the Galaxy went on to appear in a number of different comic book series throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but they never achieved the same level of popularity as they had in the 1970s. However, the team was revived in 2008 with a new series written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. This new series introduced a number of new characters to the Guardians of the Galaxy, including Rocket Raccoon, Groot, and Drax the Destroyer. The series was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to bring the Guardians of the Galaxy back into the spotlight.

The Guardians of the Galaxy have also appeared in a number of other media, including the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy, which was a critical and commercial success. The film was followed by a sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, in 2017. The Guardians of the Galaxy are also set to appear in the upcoming film Thor: Love and Thunder.

The Guardians of the Galaxy are a popular and beloved team of superheroes who have a long and storied history in the Marvel Universe. They are a diverse group of characters from all over the galaxy, and they are united by their common goal of protecting the innocent and fighting for justice. The Guardians of the Galaxy are sure to continue to be a popular team of superheroes for many years to come.

Star-Lord: Peter Quill is the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy. He is a half-human, half-alien who was raised on Earth by his human mother and his father, J'Son, the ruler of the planet Spartax. Star-Lord is a skilled marksman and pilot, and he wields a powerful weapon called the Element Gun.

Star-Lord Guardians of the Galaxy

Gamora: Gamora is a skilled assassin who was raised by Thanos, the Mad Titan. She is one of the most powerful members of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and she is proficient in hand-to-hand combat and the use of various weapons.

Gamora Guardians of the Galaxy

Drax the Destroyer: Drax is a powerful warrior who was created by Thanos to kill the Avengers. He is driven by a desire to avenge the death of his wife and daughter, who were killed by Thanos. Drax is incredibly strong and durable, and he wields two large knives.

Drax the Destroyer Guardians of the Galaxy

Rocket Raccoon: Rocket is a genetically engineered raccoon who is a master marksman and explosives expert. He is also a skilled pilot and mechanic. Rocket is a bit of a loose cannon, but he is a loyal and valuable member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Rocket Raccoon Guardians of the Galaxy

Groot: Groot is a tree-like alien who is a member of the Flora Colossus species. He is incredibly strong and durable, and he can regenerate his body from even the smallest pieces. Groot is also a skilled fighter, and he can use his vines to grapple with opponents.

Groot Guardians of the Galaxy

Yondu Udonta: Yondu is a member of the Centaurian species, and he is a skilled archer and tracker. He is also the leader of the Ravagers, a group of space pirates. Yondu is a bit of a loner, but he is a loyal friend and ally to the Guardians of the Galaxy.

marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com

Yondu Udonta Guardians of the Galaxy

Nebula: Nebula is Gamora's adopted sister, and she is a skilled assassin who was raised by Thanos. She is determined to surpass her sister, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. Nebula is incredibly strong and durable, and she wields two energy swords.

Nebula Guardians of the Galaxy

KattattaK! S8E5 "STATE OF INDEPENDENCE"

 

Greetings! KattattaK! is back again this weekend with another of Katt's Retro-Rundowns featuring 80s inspired tunes. Yet again, DJ Katt has a stack of 12" remixes, extended-mixes and other less-often-heard tunes to fill your head with retro nostalgia but this weekend, being the week of July 4th, and given the title of this week's episode there's bound to be a few topical references thrown in (...yathink so?)

According to the internet, (so it must be true), the first independence day themed pop song was "America, the Beautiful" by Ray Charles. It was released in 1972, and it quickly became a popular patriotic anthem. The song is a beautiful rendition of the poem "America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates, and it captures the spirit of hope and optimism that is often associated with Independence Day. The song was a critical and commercial success, and it has been covered by many other artists since its release

KattattaK! S8E4 "MUSIK NONSTOP"

Greetings music lovers! This week at Kimkattia, DJ Katt brings you another in her "Retro Rundown" series of great 80s inspired tunes. She has some more great extended-12" mixes on the turntable ready to tickle your ears with! So, you younger folks might be asking "What is a 12" single?"

The 12" single extended mix is a format of vinyl record that was introduced in the mid-1970s. It featured a longer version of a single song, typically around 6-10 minutes in length, as opposed to the 3-4 minute versions that were common on 7" singles. The 12" format was originally developed for disco clubs, where DJs needed longer tracks to keep the dance floor moving.

The first commercially available 12-inch single with extended dance mixes was Ten Percent by the disco band Double Exposure, originally released in November 1976 by Salsoul Records. The single was a huge success, and helped to popularize the 12" format.

In the 1980s, the 12" single extended mix became a staple of the electronic music scene. Artists like Kraftwerk, New Order, and The Human League released some of their most iconic songs in 12" format, with extended mixes that featured extended instrumental sections, new sound effects, and remixes by leading DJs.

The 12" single extended mix also played an important role in the development of hip hop music. In the early days of hip hop, DJs would often use 12" singles to create their own mixes, by blending together different tracks and adding new samples. This helped to create the distinctive sound of hip hop, and many of the most famous hip hop tracks were originally released in 12" format.

The 12" single extended mix is a versatile format that has been used by a wide range of artists. It has helped to shape the sound of disco, electronic music, and hip hop, and it continues to be a popular format for dance music today.

Here are some of the key milestones in the history of the 12" single extended mix:

1975: Tom Moulton creates the first 12" single extended mix for Bobby Moore's "(Call Me Your) Anything Man".

1976: Ten Percent by Double Exposure is released, the first commercially available 12" single with extended dance mixes.

1980: Kraftwerk release their album The Model, which features several extended mixes.

1981: New Order release their single "Blue Monday", which becomes one of the best-selling 12" singles of all time.

1982: The Human League release their album Dare, which features several extended mixes, including "Don't You Want Me".

1983: Hip hop group Run-DMC release their single "Sucker MC's", which is one of the first hip hop tracks to be released in 12" format.

The 12" single extended mix is a fascinating format with a rich history. It has played an important role in the development of dance music, and it continues to be a popular format today.

[RESCHEDULED] S8E3 "British Synthesizers"

Unfortunately, we seem to have hit a scheduling conflict for a lot of folks last weekend, and so this weekend, Katt is running S8E3 as an encore event! Be sure to come along, you surely won't want to miss this one a second time! 

British synth-pop is a subgenre of new wave music that first became prominent in the late 1970s and features the synthesizer as the dominant musical instrument. It is characterized by its use of electronic drums, synthesizers, and catchy melodies. British synth-pop bands often had a visual style that was influenced by glam rock, science fiction, and romanticism.

Some of the most popular British synth-pop bands include:

The Human League

Soft Cell

Duran Duran

Spandau Ballet

Depeche Mode

Yazoo

OMD

Japan

Ultravox

British synth-pop reached its commercial peak in the winter of 1981–2, when many of these bands enjoyed top ten hits. The Human League's and Soft Cell's UK number one singles "Don't You Want Me" and "Tainted Love" became the best selling singles in the UK in 1981. In early 1982 synthesizers were so dominant that the Musicians' Union attempted to limit their use. By the end of 1982, these acts had been joined in the charts by synth-based singles from Thomas Dolby, Blancmange, and Tears for Fears.

The New Romantic scene had developed in the London nightclubs Billy's and the Blitz and was associated with bands such as Duran Duran, Visage, and Spandau Ballet. They adopted an elaborate visual style that combined elements of glam rock, science fiction and romanticism. Spandau Ballet were the first band of the movement to have a hit single as the synth-driven "To Cut a Long Story Short" reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1980. Visage's "Fade to Grey", characteristic of synth-pop and a major influence on the genre, reached the top ten a few weeks later.

British synth-pop continued to be popular throughout the 1980s, and many of the bands from this era remain popular today. The genre has also influenced a wide range of other music, including electronic dance music, indie pop, and alternative rock.

Here are some of the most influential British synth-pop albums:

The Human League - Dare (1981)

Soft Cell - Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret (1981)

Duran Duran - Rio (1982)

Spandau Ballet - True (1983)

Depeche Mode - Speak & Spell (1981)

Yazoo - Upstairs at Eric's (1982)

OMD - Organisation (1980)

Japan - Tin Drum (1981)

Ultravox - Vienna (1980)

British synth-pop is a vibrant and diverse genre that has had a lasting impact on popular music. It is a genre that is full of catchy melodies, innovative sounds, and stylish visuals. If you are a fan of electronic music, pop music, or new wave music, then you should definitely check out British synth-pop.

 

KattattaK! S8E2 "80s Groove and Soul"

 This week at Kimkattia, DJ Katt is spinning some classic groove and soul from the late 1980s

Saturday, June 3rd 2023, 6pm Second Life Time (9pm Eastern Daylight Time).

Come for the music, stay for the mayhem! Remember, if you're not here, you're missing out!

Kimkattia REBUILD!

Oh dear, it seems like Katt has gone and rebuilt Kimkattia from scratch again...well almost. Be sure to come along and check us out, there's always something new to see! The KattattaK! Dome is now the central focus (literally, the center of the parcel!) but we still have our Buddhist temple and contemplation area because everyone needs to lighten up, chill out and let it go :)

There are still plenty of lush green gardens and a nice path to walk around (and possibly, just possibly, race go-karts around at some stage...)

S8E1 Katt's Retro Rundown!

 

We're back! After a two-week hiatus Kimkattia.com is proud to announce that DJ Katt is returning to The Dome with Season 8, Episode 1! Kicking off the new season with Katt's Retro Rundown, some 80s inspired tunes for your (long) weekend. Remember, if you're not here, you're missing out!

S7EXTRA! KattattaK! Bonus Episode

S7EXTRA! This week is an extra KattattaK! episode! 

Reminder that Katt will be on vacation the following 2 Saturdays so Season 8 will begin on May 26th 

 

S7E10 "RAISED ON RADIO" the season seven finale!

 S7E10 "RAISED ON RADIO" the season seven finale! This week at Kimkattia, DJ Katt will be spinning a bunch of made-for-radio 1980s tracks - you won't want to miss this one!

KattattaK! S7E9 "Tokyo Nights"

This week at Kimkattia - DJ Katt and KattattaK! brings you "Tokyo Nights", a fusion of retro-futuristic neon-infused, 80s-inspired synthwave music that would not be out of place in Akihabara's pachinko and gacha parlors! Wake up! Time to dance!

 

KattattaK! S7E8 "Yacht Rock" beach party

 

Archives are back!

 

Pleased to announce that KattattaK! show archives are [partially] back online and can be accessed via the Radio Kimkattia page.

KattattaK! S7E7 "1987"

This week at Kimkattia, DJ Katt is continuing her 80s retro-journey, this time making a stop at 1987. This was a time of hair-metal, supermodels draped over expensive sports cars and when pop music didn't know what it wanted to be when it grew up!

So come along on Satuday, April 8th, 9pm EST, 6pm SLT and dance with us to some great 80s tunes!

Come for the music but stay for the chat, at KattattaK! if you're not here, you're missing out!!

KattattaK! S7E6 April 1st 2023

 

That's right, music lovers! This week, DJ Katt is taking the time machine back to the year 1982 where she'll be stealing a stack of 45 RPMs to play for you! It doesn't matter if this was the year you first hit the dancefloors, or were still a twinkle in your daddy's eye, there's tunes here everyone will know!

And yes, we know it's April 1st but because Katt grew up British, there will be no fooling around in the dome because traditionally on April Fool’s Day all pranks are supposed to stop at 12 noon sharp, with anyone playing a joke after midday then considered the ‘April Fool’.

KattattaK! March 25th 2023

 

This week at Kimkattia, another blast of electro-synth-retro-neon tunes courtesy of DJ Katt. 

Kattalog 23

Welcome to Kattalog23, 

Katt's latest little publication of black and white photography in Second Life 

Download the PDF here

New Website

Unfortunately, due to a server crash, our original website has been irretrievably lost into the interwebs of eternity but fear not, springing fresh from the ashes is this: a new website.
You are going to have to bear with us while this all comes back together but we certainly hope that it will be sooner rather than later that the site is fully operational. We especially look forward to being able to host our archive of on-demand previous KattattaK! shows but that will take some work!