Last month, UNDISCOVERED SF brought us a virtual festival, UNDISCOVERED X that celebrated Filipino culture. The festival highlighted artists, change-makers, and entrepreneurs who are not only changing the game but also making an impact in their field.
On the festival lineup was a talent competition, UNDSCVRD Talent sponsored by UNDISCOVERED SF x Kollective Hustle which showcased diverse, talented groups from around the globe. The winner of the event is artist, 20 year old, Kate Delos Santos from San Diego, CA. Get to know her with DJ Marlino, how she created her EP Note to Self, and see her group, Decent People perform all here on Heavy Rotation!
5 Fun Facts about Kate:
1. She's an independent artist
Growing up, her dad DJ'd and she loved music at a young age. With a supportive family, music became her passion. After high school, Kate started to record music seriously and produce out of her room. She's currently independent and releasing music on her own.
2. She's been able to produce more music during the lockdown
Looks like talent runs in the family because her brother is also a producer. Having an upcoming producer so close, Kate tells us that they're always jamming and making music together. She focuses on the lyrics while he focuses on production.
3. Kate is an avid writer
We all find inspiration differently, but for Kate she writes it all down in her journal. "I'm a big diary keeper and journaled for a long time which is therapeutic. I write poetry and guitar melodies or search for samples online." When writing new music, she matches her poems with the beats she finds then meshes them together to find the right combination.
4. Her latest EP, Note to Self was a process to put together
With so much music to choose from, it was difficult to select what would and wouldn't make it. "It came down to what would sound good when you piece it all together." She rearranged potential songs a bunch of times to get the track list that sonically flowed well.
5. Best advice she received is to be true to yourself and values
Kate shares that it's easy to lose yourself in a busy industry like music. "Be true to yourself and your values then hold that close to your heart because you can get lost in the sauce of this industry. And you need to remember where you came from."
Manila artist Lesha joins Heavy Rotation this week and we catch up with her, how she's been since the typhoons, and her latest track Sad Songs. ICYMI here's the complete interview:
Luckily during the typhoon, Lesha says that her area wasn't as affected like her friends who experienced flooding. "I'm praying for them and everyone who's capable of donating to donate to the drives and help these people out because they really need it."
We switch gears and dive into her new song, Sad Songs which is about a personal struggle she experienced. Going through negativity and noise, she needed an outlet. "I wrote this in a point of view as if I was talking to my anxiety." Lesha wants her music to resonate with people going through any situation. Sad Songs is part of her upcoming EP releasing next year with another single releasing next month. The EP features more upbeat songs that matches her bubbly personality with a dark visual twist.
Catch the music video for Sad Songs below:
