Sound, spirit, and the art of presence with KTK

Berlin might be overflowing with techno talent, but KTK is carving out her own constellation. Rooted in her Greek heritage and fueled by cosmic vision, she blends hypnotic techno, subtle psytrance elements, and minimal bounce into high-energy journeys that shift between groove and gloom. Her sets feel less like performances and more like rituals, where dancers are guided through darkness and light with a precision that is both intuitive and deliberate.

Her rise has been fast but intentional. From appearances at Creamfields and Teletech Festival to regular slots at RSO and Tresor, KTK has already stepped into the spotlight of the international scene. Support from figures like Anetha and KI/KI, plus standout releases such as her debut solo EP Echoes From Syrius on Misguided, show an artist who refuses to follow the obvious route. Instead, she sharpens her identity through sound design, a spiritual approach to creativity, and a lifestyle that balances the intensity of touring with a focus on health, clarity, and well-being.

In conversation, KTK is open about the deeper layers of her artistry. She reflects on what drives her connection to listeners, how she prepares for the chaos of the stage, and the way mindfulness and spirituality shape her creative flow. She speaks candidly about sustaining energy as a touring artist, staying authentic in a fast-moving scene, and the projects that are now shaping her future. What emerges is a portrait of an artist not only building momentum but also defining her own philosophy in real time.

There is something deliberate about the way KTK approaches her craft. Her sets are not built for background noise or passing moments; they are designed to pull people into a heightened state where groove and energy feel like more than just music. For her, sound is inseparable from philosophy, and identity is something that develops as much on the inside as on the dance floor.

“I would describe my artistic identity as existing somewhere between techno and trance, faster BPMs, complex yet straightforward rhythms, always hypnotic and energetic. Perhaps leaning slightly more toward techno, though that depends on perspective.”

“For me, it’s not just about the sound itself but about the state of consciousness it can create. It’s about presence, the way music can shift awareness and open space for something deeper. Over time, my artistic identity has grown beyond the music into a lifestyle. Spirituality, awareness, and high-energy living are not only values I try to capture in my music but also principles I carry into daily life, some days more successfully than others, which is part of the journey. This depth has developed over the years. My approach was always spiritually charged, but initially, it was too abstract to grasp fully. With time and daily practice, the link between my music and my inner world has become clear. Now it feels inseparable music, mindset, and lifestyle are part of the same identity, coming straight from the soul.”

That inseparability is what fuels her process. She is not interested in churning out tracks on autopilot. For KTK, producing is about intuition, empathy, and knowing when the flow is real.

“What motivates me most when producing is tuning into my intuition and letting emotions lead the way. Even before starting, I can usually sense whether it will be easy to connect that day or whether my mind is too occupied with other tasks. For me, producing is never mechanical; I have to be in the right state of mind to create something meaningful. That’s why I try to make music every day, even if it’s just for ten minutes. After those first minutes, it becomes clear either the flow takes over and I keep going, or it’s simply not the day, but at least I’ve tried and stayed connected to the process.”

“In the early stages in the studio, I avoid overthinking and simply imagine what I’d love to hear on the dance floor. When an idea clicks, I feel an instant rush of energy, warmth in the chest, that physical spark. That’s when I know others will catch the same euphoria, and from there it’s about refining the details (and I pay A LOT to that) so the track can truly resonate.”

“When DJing, the approach is similar, but the context is different. Empathy is everything. I’ve spent countless hours on the dance floor myself, eyes closed, completely immersed in sound, so it’s easy for me to switch perspectives and sense what the crowd needs in the moment. Certain rhythms and textures have a particular effect on the body and mind, and I love to explore that. My goal is always to create a shared state of presence, a space where people can let go, connect, and feel something deeply within themselves, yet at the same time beyond themselves.”

That empathy extends to how she prepares for the booth. For KTK, the ritual before a set is as important as the set itself. Technical readiness matters, but so does grounding, focus, and intention.

“I always arrive fully prepared, not by planning every track, but by making sure I’m ready in every sense when I step on stage. Technically, that means having all essentials with me: headphones, USBs (a few of them, just in case), my reverb if required, earplugs (which I’ve never played without for years, to protect my ears!), so I can feel secure and free to focus on the music. Mentally, I ground myself through small rituals, such as lighting incense sticks, hydrating, and feeling confident in my skin and the clothes I wear. These details may seem subtle, but they shape my presence. If the set is very late (or early in the morning), I make sure to rest so my mind stays clear and not overstimulated from travel, which can often be intense. For me, preparation is not about control but about entering the booth centered, present, and open.”

Even with all that preparation, she leaves space for spontaneity. Planning the shape of a set does not mean closing off the dialogue with the audience, and for KTK, that dialogue is what makes each night unique.

“I definitely plan the direction of my sets, considering the party, the lineup, my play time, and the size of the stage. Each factor shapes the flow; a main-time set in an intimate club is very different from a big-room closing performance. I also like to check the lineup in advance to sense the energy before and after me. This doesn’t mean I change my style; I always stay true to my sound. Once the initial direction is set, I plan the first few tracks to create a smooth entrance, then stay open and let the crowd guide me, turning the set into a shared experience. It kinda becomes a dialogue.”

For KTK, creativity is not something separate from her spiritual practice. The two are tightly woven, each informing and strengthening the other. In her world, sound is never random, and decisions in music or career always stem from intuition and alignment.

“As I mentioned, spirituality is definitely my guiding hand in many aspects of my work, both creatively and in the important choices I make. When producing music, I focus on sounds that feel otherworldly and ethereal, not ordinary. I pay attention to every detail, from background noises to subtle elements, ensuring each has a precise place and purpose.”

“Spirituality also shapes my daily life. I follow a strict morning routine and small rituals that set the tone for the day, helping me stay grounded, sharp, and connected. It’s also the one thing that really grounds me during stressful phases, before a release or during intense touring. That doesn’t mean I never feel pressure; it’s about how quickly I can return to baseline and pull myself together. When I face important decisions, I try to listen to my gut and intuition. It’s not always perfect as the analytical mind or strong emotions can sometimes cloud judgment, but ultimately, intuition shows the way forward and helps me stay aligned with my values.”

That sense of presence has become her anchor. In an industry where distractions are constant, she frames success in terms of clarity of purpose and the discipline to protect it.

“As you said, the industry is full of distractions, and presence becomes the anchor that keeps me connected to my vision. At the core, it comes down to one question: how much do you want it, and what impact do you want to have? Once that’s clear, the decisions become simpler; you either let the noise take over or stay sharp and aligned. Of course, balance is key; the occasional fun distraction or moment of play is part of life, but it’s about not letting it swallow your essence.”

“A small personal story here: before I started touring full-time, I studied sports, was a personal trainer, and was very committed to fitness. Discipline, a sharp mind, focus, and presence were essential in training; one moment of inattention could literally break your bones. I think that’s why focus and presence feel so natural for me today; it has become my default system. For me as an artist, mindfulness is the same anchor; it keeps me present, grounded, and able to channel my energy into everything I do.”

Behind the high energy of her sets and productions lies a strict routine; discipline is essential for longevity. KTK treats her health as an investment in creativity, knowing that maintaining balance throughout the week enables her to handle the chaos of touring.

“I believe the body is capable of balancing a lot, which is why I maintain a very healthy routine on normal weekdays. I wake up early, follow my morning rituals, eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, read to stimulate my mind, meditate, do yoga and breathwork, and hit the gym from Monday to Thursday (sometimes Friday if I’m not traveling). I mix up my workouts, including weights, Pilates, and running, to challenge my body in different ways, and I go to bed by midnight. This keeps me balanced, strong, and mentally sharp, so that when touring, I can handle 2–3 days of less sleep and stress without feeling completely drained. On the road, I can push through because my default state is one of regeneration and resilience. After a tour, I need a day to reset, which I usually spend in the gym. I rarely skip Monday's leg day. It’s tough, heavy, sometimes brutal, but I show up for myself and afterwards I feel like Wonder Woman hahaha.”

That discipline is not just physical. For KTK, protecting her mental space is just as crucial as maintaining her body, because both are directly tied to creative clarity.

“For me, body and mind are unapologetically intertwined. I strongly believe in the power of the mind over matter. Your body is only as strong as your mind allows it to be. Being aware of this connection means being intentional about what you feed your mind: how much you scroll, what content you consume, and where you place your attention. The daily amount of energy we have, for most of us, is finite, and if it’s spent on distractions or things that don’t matter, there’s less available for creativity and decision making.”

“I’ve learned that cultivating this awareness requires constant practice and attention. The more consistently I work on protecting my mental space, the more I can channel my energy into creative pursuits and key decisions in my career. It’s a skill that develops gradually, but has a major impact on long-term performance and clarity.”

Even as she refines her sound and strengthens her routines, KTK is already shaping her following creative chapters. She speaks about upcoming work with a mix of excitement and restraint, preferring to let the music reveal itself at the right moment but still dropping hints about what is to come.

“I have a few inspiring projects coming up and A LOT of new music I can’t wait to share, though I like to let the music and magic reveal itself when it’s the right time. What I can share for now is a special collaboration with someone who inspires me as an artist and human and has also become a wonderful friend. Together with BIIANCO, we created a high BPM, high-energy track featuring very rhythmic, psy-influenced elements and her unique vocals. I’ve been playing it for a few months, and the reaction on the dance floor has been incredible every time. I’m really excited to share it with you very soon!”

For KTK, however, the journey is not only about the next single or release. It is about remaining open to creativity in all its forms, while staying committed to the sound she wants to stand for.

“For now, music is definitely my main focus, developing my craft as much as possible and spending as much time as I can in the studio, challenging me in different ways to always keep my creative juices flowing. I might explore different genres just for fun, but my priority is to truly capture and shape the sound I want to stand for. That said, I believe creativity unfolds in many forms, and as someone who constantly seeks new impulses, I’m certain my creativity will lead me wherever it wants to manifest. Music will always be my main ride, but I’m open to exploring how it can intersect with other crafts and experiences.”

“In the end, I see my artistic journey as an ongoing experiment, a space to play, feel, transform, and discover new ways to channel energy and emotion.”