Nvrsoft is quickly becoming one of drum and bass’s most beloved rising stars. Featured by the likes of Bassrush, UKF, World of Drum & Bass, MethLab, DNB Vault, and Drum & Bass Arena – Nvrsoft has released her debut EP, Premonitions, on Shimon’s AudioPorn Records. The EP also features a single recorded in collaboration with her mother, Linda Kay, hitting the #4 position on Beatport within the first week and continuing to chart in the Top Ten for many subsequent weeks.
Kat is currently touring in Europe, hitting Spain, The Netherlands, and The United Kingdom through August, including a spot for AudioPorn Records at the infamous Fabric mega-club.
Nvrsoft, you are one of those blessed stars that have risen up and taken the drum ‘n bass scene by storm, after being signed to Shimon’s label, AudioPorn. What’s the ride been like for you?
That’s a big question! If I could pick one word to describe this year, it would be “bipolar.” I’ve had the greatest year of my life in so many ways; I’ve travelled the world, played on a federal monument, found love for myself, found my voice, developed my own sound, created art with my family and friends, made history, seen kids cry to my music, had shoes thrown at me, found my label and family, done things I used to literally dream of when I was young… It’s been the most surreal and beautiful year of my life.
But it’s definitely been rough at times; I’ve seen countless 18 hour days, fought a lot of mental health struggles, experienced a lot of loneliness, and have really felt the growing pains that come along with such fast-paced life-changing moments. I’ve done my best to conquer the challenges and rise to the demands, but it absolutely has been the toughest task I’ve faced.
It’s all been so worth it though. I’m confident in my future, proud of my progress, and at peace with my mistakes. I can always be better, but I’m very proud of whom I’ve grown to become.
And I can’t answer this question without giving credit to all of the people who support me all over the world. Without my family, friends, label family, mentors, peers, and listeners, I’d be absolutely nowhere. I have a lot of people to thank for helping me build the life I have today.
I know you’re over in Spain right now. How is it going over there? What are you working on for your upcoming stops at Fabric, around the UK, and beyond?
I actually just returned from holiday in Italy, which was the most refreshing thing I’ve done for myself in years. Resting and relaxing is so vital, and I’ve realized that I haven’t done as much of it as I should this past year.
It was good to be reminded of that and learn that lesson. There’s no point to any of this if you lose your passion or lose yourself, at least in my eyes.
I’m in Holland for the next few weeks- I’m actually seeing a friend and artist I’ve looked up to for years this weekend. We’re planning to collaborate on some things while I’m in England, and I’m immensely excited to work with him – and a few other artists – over the summer. I’m also doing a lot of recording with some new live artists I’ve met and other artists outside of the drum ‘n bass world, which is very exciting to me.
But I have to say how thrilled I am to return to Fabric, especially. The first time I was there for AudioPorn’s first label night back in January was the biggest and best set of my life to date. I’m ready for my return and to join with my artistic family again for sure.
I remember you telling me that you come from a musical family. You’ve worked on productions with your mom, Linda Kay. What was that like? How has she and the other members of your family supported you along the way?
Making music with my mom is the single greatest achievement of my life. She’s a genius and a gem; I strive to be more like her every day. Working with her is incredibly transformative, literally, creatively, and emotionally.
My parents and extended family are massively supportive of my art and my work. It’s one of the greatest privileges of my life. They love my music, come to my shows, share my work, and have supported me through everything and helped me build my career.
They truly want me to live a life I’m proud of, and with their help, I’m doing that. I know they’re truly proud of me and believe in me, and I’m so, so grateful for that.
You’ve gone through some drastic changes over the last year between cooking and music. How have you used the pressures of cooking, to fuel your music?
I’ve gone through (most) of culinary school and worked in two Michelin rated kitchens, an industrial kitchen, and a beach-town bed and breakfast over the years. Cooking has taught me so much about hard work and success. I always lacked discipline, and the kitchen was the first real place I began to learn any. I learned to push myself in every single way to do my job and learned what it means to push too hard. And I learned how important repetition and conscious planning are to doing good work; you need to go through 100 trials to get one reliable result.
You can’t give up on things you want; when things are hard or new, focus on your strengths first, and hone those skills. It builds your confidence, and that will help you face things that challenge you the most. If you don’t build confidence, it’s easy to fail, and even easier to lose your own identity within your work and art.
You had quite the relationship with Anthony Bourdain before he passed. How did he help you grow in the kitchen and beyond? What would you say that you utilize now that he instilled in you while he was still on our planet?
Talking about Tony is really hard for me. I never told anyone I knew him while he was alive; I didn’t want to add pressure to his already tough life or be someone that exploited him in any way. He was a great friend and mentor to me like he was to so many others.
I was just one small person in his massive world, but he changed my life in many, many ways. I miss him and will never forget what he did for me in his life.
His birthday, June 25th, is now an international day of celebration of his life. I hope everyone reading this will research a bit about him and join in on the Bourdain Day celebrations each year. We can honor him best by living well, living together, and living fearlessly.
What would you say is your favorite cuisine to bang out in the kitchen? Favorite dish?
I was molded by French and American cuisine and will always be most loyal to those culinary traditions. Boeuf Bourguignon is my favorite dish to make (check out Julia Child’s recipe if you’re curious to make it.)
What other productions are you working on at the moment?
EP #2 (The Hero’s Journey) is in the works for Team AudioPorn. I’m excited to get in the studio with Shimon and hopefully some of my friends over the summer. I have a lot of projects I’m working on, and some potential remixes and collabs in the works.
You’ve been featured with Bassrush, Drum & Bass Arena, UKF, D&B Vault, Methlab, World of Drum & Bass, and many more? What else can we expect from you, Mixtress?
Hopefully, some things you’ve never seen before.
Would you say you like creating music or DJing more? Why? (We couldn’t resist this one!)
Tough call, but definitely creating music. DJing is a fun craft, but art is my only real healthy way of coping with the world. It’s something I just absolutely need to do for myself.
If you could work with any producer, who would it be?
The funny thing is, I will be doing so this summer. So (assuming I stand up to the test) you guys may find out the answer in the near future.
Current Top 10?
Don McLean – American Pie
Shimon – Hush Hush
Elton John – Rocket Man (Nvrsoft Bootleg)
Emalkay – Fabrication (Toronto Is Broken Remix)
Nymfo & Arkaik – Curry
Caesars – Jerk It Out
Hyroglifix & Arkaik – Phone Drone
Benny L – Bullfighter (Serum Remix)
The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony
My Nu Leng – Holy Goof – Gully
Where can we find you on the internet? Post your social links!
Scary to say but,
Just Google me bruh.
