Absolute Talks To Music Artist Juliet Sikora
Known to many for her energy driven productions on the likes of Suara, Material and her own Kittball imprint, Juliet’s work and effort within the studio certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by those within the world of house. Following her first release on Opaque Music alongside German duo Tube & Berger, a longstanding relationship both in and out of the studio with the pair led to a string of notable releases including their Beatport topping 2013 collaboration‘ComeOnNow(Set It Off)’, which was later picked up by Pete Tong’s FFRR imprint, coupled with a highly successful and ever-expanding record label. Born in Strzelce Opolski, Poland, Juliet’s journey into electronic music started early through the piano and developed extensively throughout her teens.
With a combination of raw passion and academic nous, she soon entered into the music industry after obtaining a degree in Event Management and now finds herself stepping into the booths of top clubs worldwide on a weekly basis. Juliet is also responsible for the running of Kittball, the Dortmund-based label she co-owns alongside Tube & Berger & P.A.C.O. The imprint currently sits within the Top 10 selling Deep House labels of all time on Beatport.
The label’s catalogue has gone on to welcome the likes of Purple Disco Machine, Andhim, DeMarzo and Basti Grub to name just a few, and looks set to continue flourishing under the guidance of Sikora and her fellow Kittball family members. She also heads up ‘It began in Africa’, a charity founded in 2006 alongside Tube & Berger, and a project she continues to support and champion to this day. As a DJ, Juliet frequently finds herself behind the decks and sharing the booth with industry heavyweights at some of the worlds biggest clubs and festivals, including Watergate (Berlin), Rex Club (Paris) and Cocoon Club (Frankfurt), whilst annual Kittball showcases during Sonar’s Off Week (Barcelona) and across numerous European capitals now make up regular fixtures in the diary. As we move into 2017, Juliet looks set to continue her recent string of both solo and collaborative releases, whilst a series of European and Worldwide dates are also set to arrive off the back of recent appearances across India, South Africa and Asia.
Absolute’s Kasia talks to Juliet Sikora
1.For those who don’t known Kittball, what does is stand for and what music do you represent?
Kittball is a collaboration of artists founded by Tube & Berger in 2005. It’s actually hard to say which genre we represent because of all the artists involved in the label. However, the majority of our releases go in the direction of Deep House and Tech House.
2.Tell us how did your collaboration with the German duo Tube & Berger start?
We met like 15 years ago. They called me and asked if I could sing on a track of theirs (funny really, because I’m probably the worst singer in the world!). The truth is, Mr. Berger had fallen in love with one of my press pics and wanted to meet me. During the phone call, I asked them what they thought about doing a track together and this is how ‘Together Now’ was born.
Since then, a lot of things have changed. I took over running the label and Kittball grew from a small bedroom project to a globally acclaimed and well known electronic music label. Now I am also part-owner of the label alongside Tube & Berger and all of our careers have all taken off in a big way.
3.What is your plan for the Brighton gig and do you have any experience with Brighton music events to date?
I have never been to Brighton but I’ve always wanted to go. I can’t wait to see the sights – The Pier, etc. I’ve also only heard good things about the Green Door Store and I’m really looking forward to playing there.
4.Your remix of ‘La Noche’ is out. What were the key ideas or elements to give it it’s feel?
The key element is the original guitar sample. I can still remember the track from it’s first release 20 years ago and I am proud that I’ve been given the chance to get my hands on it.
5.How would you describe what you do to someone who didn’t know you?
I turned my hobby into a career. Touring the world, promoting my music and meeting a lot of interesting people along the way.
6.What music do you listen to when you wind down after long, heavy club nights?
Bonobo!
7.What’s the worst gig you ever played?
The last Loveparade in Duisburg Germany. One of the darkest days for electronic music.
8.If you had a time machine, what time would you go to?
The 80’s. Good music, TV and fashion!
9.Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I’m a huge fan of The Black Madonna and Dennis Cruz, so maybe a collaboration with them would be cool.
10.What’s your favourite sample pack, or do you avoid?
Best sample packs for me are K-Size, they never disappoint.
11.What is your current favourite track or maybe best 3?
- Christian Nielsen – Homeland
- BOT & Craig William – Don’t Fake It
- Simion vs Roland Clark – Voices (Moonwalk Remix)
12.What is your ultimate club classic?
Octave One – Blackwater feat. Ann Saunderson & Urban Soul Orchestra (Full Strings Vocal Mix)
13.Do you collect anything other than music?
Designer Vinyl toys and stupid fridge magnets.
14.What can’t you live without?
My husband and his english humour!
Forthcoming remix of Coco & Villa’s classic 2004 track ‘La Noche’, out now.
https://www.beatport.com/track/la-noche-juliet-sikora-and-made-in-riot-remix/9675972 Kittball showcase at ADE on 20th October
Forthcoming tour of India in November
All shows – http://gigs.gigatools.com/user/JULIETSIKORA