Alternative Pop from Cate Kileva

Cate Kileva is a new project already making an impact in the sphere of ambient indie electronica via a sonic output built on emotion and innovation. The moniker of Australian indie artist Catherine Traicos, this side project represents a foray into experimental soundscapes, driven by a haunting and dreamy aesthetic that envelops listeners and transports them to new musical landscapes.

Towards the end of 2023, a challenging year that saw the artist craft a batch of self-produced tracks that served as a vehicle for cathartic release and expression, she released her debut single “Bitten” in October, making a compelling entrance and sharing a new side to her existing sonic vision. Followed up two months later, her latest release as Cate Kileva is her sophomore single titled “How You Love,” a stunning continuation of the enthralling musical world she’s so deftly crafting.

On her highly anticipated second outing, Cate’s production talents are amplified by revered mixing engineer Simon Cohen who’s previously worked with the likes of Justin Bieber and Troye Sivan, and mastered by Ben Feggans at Studios 301 whose credits include Cut Copy and Mallrat. While her debut offered a driving energy, her second single delivers a downtempo approach, resulting in a truly gripping sound.

Laying down a spellbinding alternative pop sound, “How You Love” beautifully forms a juxtaposition of delicate instrumental tones and elegant vocals against an ominous darkness of deep bass textures all wrapped up in an intricate lo-fi haze. Opened by soft chimes riding the laid back taps of percussive shots, over the contrasting bass notes, Cate’s alluring voice threads gentle melodic leads that flutter in a balletic dance above the rising energy of the beat.

Adding soft crunch and pattering tones, the beat drives the song forward as the airy instrumentation casts a lullaby-esque scene as dazzling vocals carry poignant lyricism to craft an emotive yet catchy listening experience. Developing with soaring vocalisations, swelling reversed textures and the erratic rattle of drums, the track reaches an intense crescendo before floating back down to the dreamy aesthetic of the intro to bring the song full circle in the finale.

It’s a stunning display of her extraordinary creativity and musical talent to bring the song to life in such a spectacular way. Completely immersive and highly unique, “How You Love” sees Cate Kileva confirm the project’s status as a worthwhile endeavour offering something captivating and entirely new.

Listen to How You Love below

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