Kate Monroe has been kicking up her heels and pumping out tracks for sometime now at clubs like Home and events like Toy Box, Queer Nation and Red Raw. Her distinctively sultry and sexy sound has enthralled and excited the punters so much that not only has she released numerous mix albums, but she’s now also decided to launch her own recording label devoted to her own unique style of house, MAT Recordings. Monroe’s album MAT Black, released in March, is a collaboration of sexy lyrics and sultry sounds, with tracks such as ‘Shame Shame Shame’ by T.Jam and ‘Rolling Stone’ by Myna. Monroe manages to bring elegance and sassy Latin style straight from the club onto your stereo. ITM bailed Monroe up to pry her about all the juicy details her new venture and album as well as what music means to her and what its like to juggle a DJing and producing career.
How did you get into the whole DJing scene?
I began DJing 12 years ago but music was a huge part of my life from when I was a kid, my parents always had music playing jazz, blues and soul were on all the time. I sang gospel, played piano, etc.
You are referred to as ‘The First Lady’ of house music. Is it more difficult for a female, do you think, to succeed in this industry?
I was named ‘The First Lady Of House’ by Jools at a record store a couple of years ago, being an American girl it kinda fit. Is it harder for a girl? My career doesn’t really show that to me but I think there are more opportunities if your are a guy. I guess as a chick you get used to making your own opportunities.
When it comes to releasing your own CD, how do you choose the tracks that will make the cut?
It’s great releasing my own CD, because I get to license tracks that I love. that’s what its all about for me ‘The Love’.
What about when DJing live, gow do you know what’s going to get the crowd going?
I don’t know the specific answer to that, music is just my thing I can’t imagine doing anything else. If I’m not dancing or singing at the top of voice in my truck, I’m writing or playing new tracks.
What prompted you to venture out and create you own label?
I had wanted for a while to get more control over my projects and starting Mat Recordings is the beginning of that. I am a big fan of the ‘Costes’ series of compilations, in that the artwork on the CD covers is very specialised and moody, the music is a bit off the beaten track and I wanted our first releases to reflect that same thing in an Australian context. The Mat series is three CDs – the first Mat Black taking you from the dinner table to the edge of the dancefloor, Mat White the full dance floor, and Mat ’?’ the recovery… We also can’t wait to get more Australian content on the mixes as well as signing some artists for originals.
What is Mat Recordings going to specialise in?
Beautiful, funky ,slinky, sexy, house. But if it’s good but it’s not ‘House’ and people will want to hear it we will try and release it.
You have performed at large events such as Queer Nation, Toy Box and the Pride NYE Party. Do you prefer these large scale gigs to the smaller ones?
I love the big and small equally. The bigger events have that amazing feeling of, like, “damn look at all those hands in the air!”. The smaller venues have that intimacy that suits house music. Either way I love it!
What’s the best part about being a DJ?
The music.
What about the worst?
Sometimes the hours are a bit of a burn.
Do you enjoy seeing other DJs or do you find it difficult to just enjoy the music without dissecting it?
I love getting to other DJs gigs but it doesn’t happen often as I work all weekend.
If you didn’t have music, what would fill its void?
Nothing could possibly fill that. A good view and a jug of margaritas might start.
Where do you see dance music going in, say, the next five years?
I think that we are going to see a lot more class product out there as smaller labels climb up. Releasing on line will change the whole field.
Do you have an idea about what kind of legacy you want to leave the dance world?
If I left any lasting impression I would hope it would be that I love what I do and refuse to take myself too seriously.
You can catch Kate Monroe in Sydney at Sublime and Deckbar regularly. Her mix CD ‘Mat Black’ is out now on Mat Recordings.
In 2004 Kate was voted number 12 on the Technics inthemix50 DJ Poll, moving up a staggering 15 positions! Where will she feature in the 2005 poll? It’s up to you, so be sure to cast your votes:
http://www.inthemix.com.au/50/
