KattattaK! Season 12 NEW SEASON

 

Get Ready for KattattaK! Season 12 Episode 1: Katt's Retro Arcade this Saturday evening at the Kimkattia Dome! Doors open just before 6pm (SLT). Remember, if you're here, you're missing out!

Dust off your neon leg warmers, tease up that hair, and step into the vibrant world of Katt's Retro Arcade! KattattaK! returns for its twelfth sensational season this Saturday at the Kimkattia Dome. This season, Katt is once more taking us on a nostalgic journey back to the dazzling 80s, with an electrifying blend of 80s classics, retrowave, synthwave, and synthpop that promises to keep you dancing all night long.

Katt, will be mixing it up all season long playing the music that pulses through her veins! Embrace the 80s vibe and come dressed in your best retro attire. Think neon colors, leg warmers, high-top sneakers, and big hair — show off your style and become a part of the vibrant tapestry of the night.

The evolution

The evolution of 80s synthpop into synthwave and retrowave is a fascinating journey through musical innovation and cultural nostalgia. Synthpop, characterized by its prominent use of synthesizers and electronic beats, dominated the 1980s, producing timeless hits from artists like Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, and New Order. As the digital revolution of the 2000s unfolded, a renewed appreciation for the distinctive soundscapes and aesthetics of the 80s emerged. 

This nostalgia, combined with advancements in music production technology, gave rise to synthwave and retrowave. These genres blend the classic, analog warmth of vintage synthesizers with contemporary production techniques, creating a sound that is both a homage to and a reinvention of the past. 

Synthwave often evokes the futuristic, cinematic vibe of 80s sci-fi films, while retrowave leans heavily into the nostalgic and stylistic elements of the decade, incorporating retro visuals and themes. Together, they encapsulate a longing for the past while pushing the boundaries of modern electronic music.

No KattattaK! Memorial Weekend!

 


The Kimkattia Dome will be dark this weekend as Katt is taking a week off between the end of Season 11 and the start of Season 12. Happy Memorial Day. 

Watch this space for news on upcoming events including the S12 Premiere!

KattattaK! S11E10 THE SEASON FINALE

 


This week at the Kimkattia Dome we're bringing Season 11 to a close with an all-in Totally 80s set!

Embark on another nostalgic journey at the Kimkattia Dome's "Totally 80s" Night! Get ready to experience the ultimate blast from the past as DJ Katt transports you back to the era of neon lights, leg warmers, and iconic tunes that defined a generation. Break out your shoulder pads and tease up your hair because it's all about the fashion of the 80s! Whether you're channeling Madonna's edgy style or embracing the preppy look of The Breakfast Club, come dressed to impress in your raddest 80s attire!

Kattattak! S11E9 - "Not Eurovision!"


This week at KattattaK! your DJ is lining up another of her "Totally 80s" mixes. Saturday is also the final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, so in honor of that, Katt might play some songs from the 1980s that were entries (not necessarily winners) of the ESC during the decade.

But - I hear you cry - what the heck is a Eurovision Song Contest? - well, let me tell you:

The Eurovision Song Contest is a wildly popular annual event in Europe where countries from across the continent come together to compete through music. Here's a breakdown to explain its overall premise:

1. International Music Competition: Think of Eurovision as the Olympics of music, but instead of athletes, countries send their best singers or bands to represent them. It's like a big musical showdown where each country competes against the others.

2. Diverse Performances: The contest is known for its eclectic mix of musical genres, from pop and rock to folk and even opera. So, you can expect a wide variety of performances, often with colorful costumes, elaborate staging, and catchy tunes.

3. Voting System: One of the unique aspects of Eurovision is its voting system. After all the performances, viewers from participating countries get to vote for their favorite songs, but they can't vote for their own country's entry. This means there's a lot of strategic voting and alliances between countries.

4. Cultural Celebration: Eurovision isn't just about the music; it's also a celebration of Europe's cultural diversity and unity. It brings together people from different countries and backgrounds to share in the joy of music and entertainment.

5. Historic Significance: The contest has a long history dating back to 1956 and has launched the careers of many famous artists. It's also a reflection of Europe's ever-changing political landscape, with countries sometimes using the contest to make political statements or showcase their national identity.

Let's delve a bit deeper into Eurovision's cultural impact:

1. Unity and Diversity: Eurovision serves as a platform for celebrating Europe's cultural diversity while fostering a sense of unity. It brings together countries with different languages, traditions, and histories, showcasing the richness of European culture on a global stage.

2. Promotion of LGBTQ+ Rights: Eurovision has long been embraced by the LGBTQ+ community for its inclusive and accepting atmosphere. Many Eurovision fans and contestants are openly LGBTQ+, and the contest has served as a platform for promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, especially in countries where such issues may still be taboo.

3. Economic Boost: Hosting Eurovision can provide a significant economic boost to the host city and country. The event attracts thousands of visitors, generates tourism revenue, and boosts local businesses. Additionally, the exposure from hosting Eurovision can lead to increased tourism and investment in the host country's cultural sector.

4. Cultural Exchange: Eurovision facilitates cultural exchange between participating countries. It introduces audiences to music styles, languages, and traditions from across Europe that they might not have been exposed to otherwise. This cultural exchange fosters understanding and appreciation between nations.

5. Pop Culture Phenomenon: Eurovision has become a pop culture phenomenon, not only in Europe but also internationally. Its flamboyant performances, quirky personalities, and memorable moments have captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide. The contest has inspired countless parodies, memes, and even a popular Netflix movie ("Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga").

6. Music Industry Impact: For aspiring artists, Eurovision can be a springboard to international fame and success. Past contestants like ABBA (Sweden), Celine Dion (Switzerland), and Conchita Wurst (Austria) have gone on to achieve global stardom after competing in Eurovision. The contest provides a platform for artists to showcase their talent to a massive audience and attract attention from music industry professionals.

So hopefully now you know...

KattattaK! S11E8 "May the Fourth Be With You"


That's right, KattattaK! fans, it's May 4th, also known as Star Wars Day for obvious (...well to most people) reasons. This week is another of Katt's "Anything Goes" Saturday Night Getdown sessions where Katt goes to the jukebox, mashes the buttons and sees what falls out. 
There may be references to Star Wars in there, you'll have to come along to find out. Same time, same place as always, and remember, if you're not here, you're missing out!

Also a bit of sad news has come across my screen this morning. Long time ELO collaborator Richard Tandy, a master at the keyboards, has passed away this week. I grew up listening to ELO in all of its formats, and "Out of the Blue" around 1977/78 was the first 'grown up' album on vinyl I ever heard. I only found out about his passing this morning so there isn't time for me to include a tribute in the main show this week but if you come along early, I'll throw some Tandy-centric ELO into the pre-show. RIP.