Kilo Tango- What It Stands For (Rising Musician) (November 2021)

Issue Nineteen- November 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

What defines originality? Is it a condition of your being, and the genetic within you, or is it a matter of one’s own taste? Kilo Tango has music that will appeal to the masses, their tastes, and that resonates originality. We read up on her latest aspirations in this guided, yet informative article.

What is the inspiration for the musical and artistic name, Kilo Tango? What inspired your choice, and why so?

“When I was trying to come up with a name, I wanted something that would be personal to me but also unique and fitting for my style of music. My dad had gotten his pilots license, and he started flying airplanes at that time. He had a little plane that he named kilo tango. Since my name is Katie, my family always shortened it to KT, and that is what Kilo tango stands for.”

Where do you believe you are standing, in terms of current levels of success? What defines success for you, if this applies?

“Currently, I am able to make music on my own terms which gives me the freedom to explore and create exactly how I want to. I do it because I love it, and it’s how I process a lot of the things I go through personally. I don’t have anyone telling me what I should sound like or do at all, which is very freeing for me.”

What are three words that completely describe your style of music? Why these words, and in detail?

“Dreamy, melancholic, honest.

I’m inspired by a lot of atmospheric music with harmonies and a lot of layered vocals, and I use that a lot in my music. I usually tend to write slower songs with a bit of a melancholic feel. Writing songs is an outlet for me to work with whatever I’m going through in my life, and it tends to just come out with more of a somber sound. My songs are autobiographical, and for some reason, it feels safe to say whatever I want. My songs are super honest, raw and real.”

If you would somehow not be able to hear, play or even create music for the duration of a year, what thoughts come to mind? Thoughts of isolated desperation, or survival?

“I actually did that once! I was really sick of music and didn’t even listen to anything for a few months. I go through periods where I don’t write or anything because I can’t force it. It usually comes out all at once and it’s something I can’t control. It’s usually good for me to take a step back and just live for a bit.”

When you get on a stage, what are your biggest aspirations, and your challenges? Why and how so?

“Whenever I am performing I like to just be in the moment. I don’t like to put too much pressure on myself to put on a big show or do anything crazy. I just like to do the best I can and hope the audience can enjoy it. I definitely get very nervous and a little shy, so I just try to do my best.”

Where can we find your most recent works, and why should we all do it? What makes Katie Mitchell from Kilo Tango an iconic staple of the time?

“I have all of my music on Bandcamp at kilotango.bandcamp.com as well as on all streaming platforms. If you are looking for something unique and new to listen to that you can relate to with a nostalgic feel, then you might want to check out my music! I am always very true to myself through my music and am very independent in the way that I create it.”

Photos are by Nicolette Passerello @novanicolette on Instagram.