Australian producer Kate Stein brings her mesmerising sounds to TAU with the Death Stocked EP, her debut with Adana Twins’ label. Currently based between New York City and Los Angeles, Kate merges a variety of styles to produce captivating cuts that embody the ethos of dance floor liberation and self-expression. A confident performer who has appeared at House of Yes, Mayan Warrior and Cityfox Experience at Brooklyn Mirage, among many other notorious spots, Kate is also carving out her own lane with her productions. On Death Stocked we get two original cuts, with a bumper selection of reworks…

WWD: Hey Kate, great to speak with you! Where are you at present and what have you been up to?

Hi!  I’m in LA right now, after spending the weekend in NYC.  I played at the Brooklyn Mirage last Thursday which was a lot of fun! I have had a few months of downtime here in LA where I have been focusing on making music, and also going to a production school to develop my skills as a producer.

WWD: Congratulations on your new Death Stoked EP! It’s a fantastic release. What was the meaning behind the title and also Dome Brain?

Thank you, I’m stoked it’s out in the world!  I finished these tracks around mid 2021 and it feels like a lifetime ago.  During that time I was going through a lot of change and growth in my personal life, and there were definitely feelings of darkness.  Death Stocked was pulled in reference to the (sometimes uncomfortable) cycle of life, death and rebirth.  I was doing a lot of psychedelic breathwork amongst other healing practices at the time – and it was a confronting theme for me.  Dome Brain was a feeling that came to me in regards to human stupidity.  Reminding me that while we are all out here doing our best, we are also just a sack of cells cruising around in this life without a clue!  A reminder to try not to take anything too seriously 🙂

WWD: Death Stoked EP is your first release on Adana Twins’ TAU label. Did you approach the label first or vice versa?

I have been a fan of the label for a while, but hadn’t really considered it as an option as I wasn’t personally connected.  Luca (Curses) introduced me to Benni from Adana Twins and it ended up being a fit.  I was so stoked that the Adana Twins were into the EP and we were able to work together, they have been really sweet and supportive!

WWD: The EP features excellent remixes from Curses, Zombies in Miami, and Leonor. How did they come on board for the remixes?

For any release I have had so far, it has been really important for me to feel super inspired by and excited about my remixers.  I am honestly a HUGE fan of all 3 remixers on the Death Stocked EP, I play their music regularly and draw a lot of inspiration from them.  I reached out directly to make it happen.

WWD: What do you think about their different interpretations of Death Stoked and Dome Brain?

I really love how diverse the EP is.  Curses went above and beyond making two mega cinematic remixes, honestly I was so blown away I couldn’t believe it!  The Leonor remix is probably the one I have played out most, I love how the track has a pared back trippy feel, which is really nice to give some space and  breathing room in the middle of a set.  The ZIM remix is super summer dreamy feel, I love how it makes me imagine travelling through time and space.  The EP has a little bit of everything and keeps your attention.

WWD: Which other artists would you like to remix your productions?

Love this question!!  I always have an aspirational list of producers running in my notes, checking right now I have the following on it: Simple Symmetry, Damon Jee, Juan MacLean, Fango, Terr.  Half of these guys are friends, so let’s see what the future holds 😉

WWD: What are your plans for the next few months? Will you be appearing at any festivals?

July I have a few bookings on the East Coast, and in August I will be at Burning Man.  In between I am hoping to squeeze in a few Europe dates, so let’s see what unfolds!  I have been very focused on making music this year, so I haven’t pushed touring as much.  I’d like to attend Garbicz although I’m not booked to play it, I had an amazing time in 2019 and really want to go back!

WWD: You are originally from Australia but now live in New York. How does the electronic music scene compare between the two?

To be really honest, I am pretty out of touch when it comes to Australia!  I left Aus at the end of 2011, and back in those days I didn’t have a strong connection to electronic music, I was a lot deeper into indie bands and that whole world.  I would love to play in Australia and get to know it better, the pandemic cancelled half of my Aus tour that I had lined up, and it hasn’t been the easiest to go back until recently.  Hoping at the end of this year I can connect!  And as for comparing it to NYC…..I mean both places LOVE to party.  I think everyone knows Australians have a crazy party bone…..and I know for fact New Yorkers do too!!

WWD: When you’re not in the studio or touring, how do you like to unwind?

I am a big chiller these days, which is why now splitting half of my time in LA has been good for me!  I love yoga and spend a lot of time cooking, dont really eat out much.  I live in Laurel Canyon really close to some beautiful hiking, so in the afternoons I usually walk to a lookout.  I try to get into nature as much as possible, but I am also kept (very) busy by also juggling a career in set design between NYC + LA (my secret life!) – so usually when I have time off I’m pretty low key and catching up on sleep

Kate Stein ‘Death Stoked’ EP is out now on TAU. Buy / Stream at bit.ly/Tau035