Photo of Kate Simko

Photographer - Dan Wilton; Styling - Hayley Nunn; Makeup - Anna Wild

Articles

If I were 22: Kate Simko

Chicago-raised electronic music producer Kate Simko says get out there while you're young, and don't be afraid to pull the plug on dead-end projects.

Kate Simko
3 min read

At 22, I drove with my father and my belongings across the United States from Chicago to Los Angeles. I’d just graduated with a degree in music and was offered a job as a receptionist at an animation company. The idea was to start out there and work towards in-house composer. The job offer phone call came through the day I submitted my final project for university. They said I needed to be there in two weeks! At the time I’d planned to spend the summer in Chicago and figure things out – I took a risk to try something new, and I’ll never regret it. The best things in my life have come from taking risks.

Life seems to get increasingly complex. Travel and do what you want to do now! Experiences enrich your life and what you have to give as a person and artist. 

Sometimes you need to walk away from a project or relationship. I used to try every single avenue to make a situation or collaboration work, and spend energy trying to fix a dead-end situation. Now, even if I’m far down a road, I realise that things often don’t work out as planned sometimes. You might go into a project thinking it’s the best thing ever, but if it’s not working out it’s better to just cut your losses and walk away. Creative projects don’t always pan out as planned, and people in the music industry can be complicated (to put it nicely!).

I’ve learned it’s important to not only be good at your craft, but also get inspired by your surroundings and meet people. As a young, idealistic artist I put a lot of emphasis on perfecting my craft. The truth is that it’s a balance of talent and getting out there. If you close yourself off to the world and focus on honing your skills then you won’t be able to share them.

I think that’s what life is about really – being the best person you can be. When you’re 22 and just entering the ‘real world’ as an artist it’s an ideal time to start good habits. Get ready to work hard, and always strive to be the kindest, best person you can be, no matter what challenges are put in front of you. Learn from those around you. Learn to listen more and talk less. Embrace each experience, bad and good, as a part of the journey. Life in the arts is a roller coaster – enjoy the ride!

Kate Simko is an electronic music producer, film composer, live performer, and DJ.
www.katesimko.com