The Eighth Note is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians. A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.
Up next is Katie from The Sensonauts.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
Kia ora, I’m Katie – the Original Sensonaut from The Sensonauts. Music is the thread through everything The Sensonauts create. We dream up experiences and explorations through the senses, music, dance, joy and more. Personally I also DJ, typically channeling hefty basslines, transcendent melodies and what were recently described as ‘irresistibly dancey’ beats.
What have you been working on lately?
All sorts! We have Intro to Digital DJing workshops coming up real soon on Sat 12 and Sat 19 Sep at Laundry Bar. Taught by experienced DJ/producer Paige Julia, these are always popular and a great, welcoming way to begin DJing. The 19 Sept session is just for femmes, because I’m passionate about supporting more femmes in the dance music scene. Also coming up is A Sensory Adventure as part of Wellington On a Plate, 13-17 Oct. This event explores the qualities of music and food at the same time, to see if it intensifies your sensory experience of both. It’s going to be pretty special – a chef and a musician (to be announced soon!) will collaborate on an inventive menu of delights. As each dainty item of food tickles the taste buds, you’ll hear a matching piece of music designed to tease out the utmost sensory aliveness. And we’re bringing back ‘Moon Cycles: Bike Extravaganza’ on 31st Oct with Bicycle Junction, which was postponed in March due to lockdown. That will feature well-known DJ Marcos Alonso weaving fun tunes into creative performances activating the senses, all on bicycles amidst the city! Recently we created a Bass Massage event which combines exquisite sound, a gorgeous soundscape and physical massage – it was a hit so we may bring it back.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
Check out The Sensonauts on Facebook or thesensonauts.com for all the latest creations and what we’re up to.
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Miles Davis – Kind of Blue
Portishead – Dummy
Peter Gabriel – Peter Gabriel 3 (because of the song Biko)
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
I’d like to explore working with Rhian Sheehan at some point. We are always looking for new creative collaborators including musicians, and venues (especially for parties) – feel free to get in touch!
What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in or run events in?
It’s been great running the DJ workshops at Laundry Bar. And I loved DJing my first official paid gig at Moon Bar for Femme and Bass, such an amazing crowd and night! But my favourite venue so far was running a 200 people intentional party out at Shelly Bay. Such a luscious location, I’m sad it can’t be used any more.
In the experiences you create, how do your creations take shape?
We are always dreaming up some new and unique idea. They come from all directions, sometimes inspired by a sensual, phsyical experience, or random thoughts in the shower. Personally I’m looking to create experiences that I would adore being part of if someone else devised it. Someone commented on a new creation we announced recently: ‘*becomes a puddle of sensory experiential bliss*’ – and that is exactly where our ideas come from, the imagination of that incredible, crazy bliss! Then we collaborate with all kinds of amazing creatives to develop the ideas, from musicians and theatremakers, to circus performers, chefs, perfumiers and more. The Sensonauts are influenced by Burn culture – Kiwiburn is dear to our hearts and the burner community has supported/enabled all kinds of crazy ideas and explorations. We love to make immersive parties combining guided intention setting, talented musicians, creatives of all kinds, a safe, beautiful space to dance and express.
Where/when is your next gig?
Intro to Digital DJing – Sat 12 Sep for Everyone / Sat 19 Sep for Femmes – see buytickets.at/thesensonauts
