A proper two-hour journey from Katrin Souza…
Katrin Souza’s journey is a remarkable example of turning adversity into creativity. Despite growing up in an orphanage and lacking formal musical education, she overcame significant obstacles to pursue her dreams. Once she discovered the joys of electronic music, she dedicated her nights to studying music production while balancing a full-time job and raising two young children as a single parent. Her first demos received support from Paul Oakenfold and Roger Shah. Given that she had to fend for herself for most of her life, this came to her as a surprise: “I had never really received support or recognition in my life. Somehow, being an outcast felt more comforting.”
Today Souza is a recognized member of the global dance community, managing a full-time music career while raising her two creative children: “My son writes music and my daughter is an artist. I am very proud of them!” Her music releases, spanning over 15 years on labels such as Monstercat Silk, Dissident, and LW Recordings, feature melodic arrangements that linger long after the song ends. Recent production, ‘Paradise Island,’ alongside John Fisherman on the HOROSHO imprint, exemplifies this with its breezy, summery sound and optimistic overtones.
In her two-hour mix, Souza delivers an exceptional journey that highlights the joy of escaping through music. Featuring tracks from Gai Barone, DJ Koze, Guy J, Dave DK, and more, this fluid progressive mix explores a range of meditative flavors which build towards an explosive end.
1. Katrin Souza – Owl Adventure {Manual Deep}
2. Alexander Muguel – Polina {Unreleased}
3. Juan Deminicis – Cycles {Second Sine Remix} {Particles}
4. Paul Thomas & Christian Burns – Enjoy the Silence {Extended Mix} {Black Hole Recordings}
5. Underworld – Two Months Off {Tim Green Remix} {Balance Music}
6. NEPH & Konrad Ritter – Bring It Home {Dave DK Classic House Cut} {Unreel}
7. Dave DK – Jelly Legs {Original Mix} {Pampa Records}
8. Eugene Becker, Idy Ramy – Flashing Lights {Extended Mix} {Colorize {Enhanced}}
9. Cary Crank, Mary Lean – Fight My Fears {Gai Barone Remix} {Sunexplosion}
10. ARTN – The Bold Quest {MNL}
11. Paul Angelo & Don Argento – Deer Cave {Original Mix} {Movement Recordings}
12. Rodriguez Jr. – Twilight Language {Feathers & Bones}
13. John Fisherman, Katrin Souza – Paradise Island {Extended} {HOROSHO}
14. Gai Barone & Giancly Nativo – Via Fermi {Braxton Remix} {Music To Die For}
15. Feral – Polar Sun {Hypnus Records}
16. DJ Koze – XTC {Pampa Records}
17. Marsh, Jodie Knight – Fragments {Dave DK Extended Mix} {Anjunadeep}
18. Michael A – Revival {John Fisherman Remix} {Exia Underground}
19. Nicholas Van Orton – Hello My Name Is {Balkan Connection}
20. Second Sine – I Was There {Original Mix} {YOMO Records}
21. Simos Tagias – Missile {Proton Music}
22. SMFM – Twisted {Guy J Remix} {Push It Records}
Name: Katrin Souza
Location: Russia
Alias/Producer name: Katrin Souza, KSTP, Aømioomørï
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Labels affiliated with:HOROSHO, Black Hole Recordings, Manual Music and more…
I remember it very vaguely. We lived in a village where both of my parents were musicians—my father played the harmonica, and my mother played the piano and sang. They were incredibly talented. From a young age, I could pick up any melody by ear, which amazed them. I recall my mother playing Mozart melodies, and I was able to replicate them on the piano with my fingers after hearing them just once. I was only 3 or 4 years old.
As I grew older, I dreamed of becoming a musician. Unfortunately, my parents struggled with alcohol, which prevented them from sending me to music school. Because of their addictions, I ended up in an orphanage. While there, I listened to the radio, especially at night, and was captivated by the beautiful music they played—later I discovered it was electronic music.
I was thrilled by these melodies but didn’t know the names of the DJs. As I got older, I began studying and researching musicians and DJs, learning about their biographies and becoming fascinated with their music. I had no idea, at the time, that I would eventually create music myself.
When I was around 10 to 12 years old (I don’t remember exactly), my brother brought a tape recorder/radio into the forest, where we were seeking refuge from our father. The radio station played the song “Only U” by Savage. I fell in love with the sound of the synthesizer, the melody, and the bass. It thrilled me. Even then, I began dreaming up melodies in my head, though I didn’t realize it was electronic music at the time. I only discovered this later, when I got the Internet and started researching the artists whose music I had enjoyed since childhood.
I was relatively older when I first attended an amazing concert in 2009, where Tiësto performed in my city. I was both stunned and delighted by how he captivated the crowd with just his presence and skill. Tiësto was an incredibly charismatic performer. That same year, I began writing music. He inspired me, though I didn’t foresee how deeply my passion for music would grow.
I am inspired by a wide range of artists, including Depeche Mode, Röyksopp, StarLink, Guy J, Sasha, 2814, George Michael, Skylar Spence, John Digweed, Robert Babicz, Jerome Isma-Ae, Modern Talking, Savage, Home, Simos Tagias, Dave DK, Blanka Barbara, Paul Thomas, and many others. The list is long and varied.
When it comes to modern electronic music, I enjoy a range of styles, from ambient to techno, depending on my mood and state of mind. For instance, I appreciate the melodic and deep sounds of Rodriguez Jr. and Martin Roth, and I’m also drawn to the progressive music of Guy J and Sasha. Gai Barone’s music, with its soulful quality, speaks to me deeply.
In a melancholic state, I listen to “Little Sunflower” by Buzz Compass. The pads and arpeggios offer mysterious, incredible inspiration, creating a dreamlike sense of nostalgia. The emotions that music evokes are what inspire me. DJ Koze’s “XTC” brings out similar feelings. “Ghost Ship” by Galleon is another favorite; I fell in love with its hi-hats, bass, and pads when I first heard it at around 15. It remains incredibly beautiful to me.
The Chemical Brothers’ “Star Guitar” still gives me goosebumps—it’s a legendary track for me. I’m drawn to the sad notes in music, and Dave DK’s unique approach is a significant source of inspiration. Tim Green‘s remix of Underworld’s “Two Months Off” stands out with its dreamy melody, pads, and vocals. I’ve had it on repeat for over a year.
In general, I find inspiration in the time I live in, where I have the opportunity to create music at home on my computer. With electricity, a computer, plugins, synthesizers, and the Internet at my disposal, I’ve taught myself everything I know.
This access allows me to express myself in ways that bring my soul comfort and joy. I’m deeply inspired by the music of artists from around the world, many of whom I’ve mentioned above. There are countless talented musicians out there who share their joy through their tracks. I send a big hello and hug to all the musicians who make me happy.
This is why I learned to DJ—to share their music in my sets, enjoy it, and offer that pleasure to others. It’s this fulfillment that brings me happiness. Thank you, universe, for all that I have.
I sought inspiration from this album, which I recommend for relaxation and introspection. Reflections presents Earth Day 2024 | Ambient, Chill-out, Downtempo.
I love to reflect and often write Ambient music in this state under my additional alias, Aømioomørï. I’d be happy to recommend my album ‘Warm Hovel. It might sound immodest, but I’ll take the risk because I believe it’s quite special.
I create music in FL Studio and favor synthesizers like Diva, known for its rich and powerful sound, as well as those from Arturia. My setup includes an Arturia midi keyboard, two pairs of monitors—Adam Audio and KRK—and an RME Babyface sound card.
For DJing, I use a small Pioneer controller to perform live shows at home for my loved ones. I also do guest mixes in Ableton. When DJing, I play on a laptop with a record box using my controller and occasionally use Pioneer CDs. I haven’t yet learned to play vinyl, but it’s something I plan to explore. I only began learning to DJ a year ago, having previously focused primarily on writing music.
In fact, I’m working on many original tracks across different styles. For example, I’m collaborating with the talented vocalist Alexandra Savvidi on several tracks, and we’ve already completed a few together. I also just finished a progressive remix for Alexander Savvidi. Additionally, I’m crafting an ambient album under my second pseudonym, Aømioomørï.
I don’t perform that often, as I’ve only recently started DJing. I mostly play locally in my city and nearby regions, at bars and small open-air events. Currently, I’m preparing equipment and setting up a space for live video broadcasts. I plan to regularly stream sessions where I write music and perform DJ sets.
I created this podcast live by recording a set at home using a Pioneer DDJ-SB controller and Rekordbox. It was an improvisational session of music I love mixing. For this podcast, I primarily included tracks from my favorite collection.
Oh, what a tough choice! I love them all equally, and it was hard to pick just one. I ended up drawing lots to choose the hottest track. Haha. The winner is Dave DK ‘Jelly Legs‘.
I recommend listening to my track ‘Lonely Iceberg’. It was written in a moment of sadness.
Oh, what a tough choice! But…
Coco (2017 film): This is the best thing I’ve seen in the last week, cried at the end. It’s about a musician. Highly recommended!
To be honest, I don’t watch TV shows. Instead, I prefer watching various YouTube videos that help me grow both spiritually and professionally. I find that much more engaging.
To be honest, I’m more of an introvert. I usually enjoy spending time at home in my studio, where I relax. Alternatively, I like to retreat to the forest with my laptop and headphones or visit the seashore for a change of scenery.
