KTK is an emerging artist from Berlin, blending her Greek heritage and cosmic inspirations to craft immersive techno narratives. Though still a newcomer to the scene, she has already performed internationally, making waves with her fast, hypnotic, and energetic sound. Her performances take listeners on a journey through light and darkness, groove and gloom, drawing dancers in like sirens. Her productions have already garnered support from industry heavyweights like Anetha and KI/KI. KTK combines diverse styles to create something entirely new, with a sound that is hard-groovy, fast, trancy, and bouncy.
For the first time, BEC and KTK have collaborated on new music, creating a 5-track release to arrive on the 9th October on BEC’s imprint EMBARGO. Both Berlin-based, yet with UK and Greek heritage, their collaborative effort combines the finely contrasting sounds of each artist, matching the raw, volatile techno of BEC with the subtle, nuanced Psy influences of KTK. The result is an unflinching medley of beautifully forward-thinking cuts, crafted from the challenges both artists felt in incorporating their respective musical codes.
Being a touring artist leaves one open to the possibilities of stress and fatigue. Finding a balance of traveling light, but bringing enough of home with you to remain grounded, can always be a challenge. Fortunately, KTK offers some solid advice for touring artists to ease the potential pains of busy airports, crowded airplanes, and ever-revolving hotel rooms with her On The Road Essentials.
Laptop
My laptop is my number one essential on the road. I always travel with my MacBook, and it’s simply the backbone of my creative process. It’s handy, reliable, and there are always situations where you need it, whether it’s for double-checking something, managing files, or just having all your data close at hand. When I know I’ll have downtime in hotels or at the airport, it’s the first thing I reach for. I use it to sketch quick ideas in Ableton, sometimes just for fun, sometimes those little sketches grow into full tracks. I often hum melodies or rhythms in my head, and if my laptop is nearby, it’s so satisfying to try to capture them right away. If it isn’t, I’ll record the idea on my phone and recreate it later, if I have some time in the hotel. This workflow keeps my creative juices flowing no matter where I am, and I actually enjoy making use of those random in-between moments on the road. I never take it to clubs. It always stays safely in my hotel room. And don’t forget the charger!
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Wireless
To make the most of my Ableton sessions on the road, I use the wireless AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ headphones.
They’re not full-on studio headphones, but perfect for sketching ideas and traveling light. I switch between wireless and cable depending on the vibe, and the battery lasts forever. If it dies, I just plug them in. Since they’re also my DJ headphones, they’re always with me anyway. With great sound isolation and super-low latency, they even hold up on airplanes or in noisy spaces. I’ve used them everywhere: sketching tracks in hotel rooms, tuning out airplane noise (no noise canceling tho), and behind the decks at gigs. That versatility makes them a true essential when you live out of a suitcase, one pair that covers all creation, performance, and rest.
Book
Apropos rest, my third essential I never leave the house without is a book. When I can’t look at a screen anymore or just want to rest my head, I grab whatever I’m currently reading. I read a lot, I honestly don’t know how I always make time for it, but I cannot skip it while traveling. I don’t read novels or stories, mostly human psychology or spiritual stuff. Depending on what I’m reading, it can immediately shift my mindset, elevate me, or give me that little boost before a big show. Psshhh, that’s a small hack right there. It’s always in my ba,g and I grab it whenever I feel overstimulated. Traveling can be intense. Reading calms me down and grounds me into another deep level of myself. So always keep a good book that inspires you close. It’s an easy way to reset your mind, stay grounded, and survive long travel days.
Incense Sticks
Another big calming factor for me are my incense sticks. I’ve made it a habit to take them whenever I travel. I’m very sensitive to scents and my brain is wired so that as soon as I smell them, I instantly feel cozy and safe, no matter where I am on the globe. Of course, I don’t light them on the plane haha, but as soon as I arrive at the hotel, I light one up. It’s my small welcome ritual, marking the end of traveling and the beginning of a show night and it immediately elevates my mood. Sometimes I even take them to the club and light one before my set if allowed. The scent hits immediately, warm, intense and mostly loved by everyone especially in a sweaty and packed room. It’s an instant catcher for all senses and adds a little magic to the night. Take a deep breath and suddenly you feel ready, no matter how intense the travel or day has been.
Quick Fire Tips for Touring DJs
- Pack healthy, nutrient-rich snacks for on the go, when you’re hungry, you’re not yourself.
- Always carry a notebook for catching thoughts, lyrics, doodling or whatever.
- Travel light, but take one item that instantly makes you feel like yourself and confident
- Keep a personal grounding ritual, meditation, breath work, stretching, and a calming playlist ready offline.
- Hydrate, always and forever. Dehydrated = not yourself.
