ITPS060 KATATONIC SILENTIO

Katatonic Silentio is active as a DJ since 2006 with several projects, she’s a sound artist, live performer and independent researcher based in Milan. Make sure to also check out her upcoming record (IT047) on Ilian Tape. Enjoy!

Hello Mariachiara how are you and what have you been up to recently?

I’m doing fine, thanks. I try to be positive and find new stimuli day after day, although I have to admit that the mood is often erratic. I spend most of my time at home and in the studio, working on new music, doing a lot of research and keeping busy with some sound design work and readings. When I’m not doing that, I’m spending time with my closest friends, who are basically my family. Now that the weather is starting to be nice, there is also room for a few walks or bike rides in the sun. 

You live in Milan. How would you describe the situation there at the moment? 

In Milan it was quite a hard winter, we went through a series of strict lockdowns, we are more or less coming out of it now. Things seem to be getting better but at the same time they are still very unstable: the decrees change every fortnight or so, which means that we go from times when there is the freedom to go out for a banal lunch to times when you can only go out for the bare essentials. At the moment a lot of things are going to close down again: museums, restaurants, shops – if not the essential ones – not to mention activities that have never resumed such as cinemas, theathres and all activities related to the world of culture. 

2020 was a pretty crazy year. How did you cope with it and would you like to share anything you discovered during this time that helped you like music, books, movies, food, thoughts or whatever?

I have tended to deal with it by stepping up the ‚home‘ things I used to do, such as reading and making and listening to music, which again remains my lifeline. I read a lot about politics, critical theory and philosophy, which helped me to better understand some dynamics related to the current world condition. I have spent a lot of time alone, and this has led me to review some things in my life, ask myself questions, find other perspectives and points of view. I also tried to took care of myself by working on my breathing, some light meditation techniques and some exercise. And then, spending time in nature whenever possible and with my friends.

What annoys you or has pissed you off lately?

Certainly pissed off at the lack of protection we have here for all professions related to the music and cultural sector, but by now it has become almost resignation. 

What excites you besides music?

Reading, for sure, is the thing that comes second after music. I also really enjoy walking around randomly without a precise destination, drifting around. I find it very relaxing, it helps me reflect. 

Anything coming up you want to share with us? Any shout-outs or final statements?

Well, I think Tabula Rasa is a final statement in itself!