Kate Doherty has long been a favourite in the local scene, playing alongside electronic music's best: Aurora Halal, Tangela and Helena Hauff … (to name a few). After a few years in the city, Kate has settled on beautiful Darkinjung Country, finding the ease and inspiration they need to show up to the booth inspired and authentically themself. 

As a DJ, Kate operates on a sliding scale through techno, house and funky electro; a blend of sound that energises the room and always feels in sync with their surroundings and personal taste. 

Ahead of their upcoming show at Club 77 we caught up with Kate to chat more about their signature style, staying grounded and how they’ve come to use nerves to their advantage.

You’ve played across some of Sydney’s most distinctive dance floors — from Pavs to Lovejoy to Headnoiz — each with their own energy and sound. Your sets feel adaptable yet unmistakably yours, how do you balance that flexibility with staying grounded in your own musical identity?

Reflecting on my early years of DJing, I was definitely more influenced by what I thought was expected - playing it safe, or playing at gigs that didn’t fully align with me. Those sets often left me feeling disconnected and inauthentic. These days, authenticity is something I value more than ever, and that’s what keeps me grounded.

I always try to get a good sense of the vibe the promoters are going for, the time slot I’m playing, and the styles of the other DJs on the lineup - that helps shape my set. Ultimately, I love so many different styles of music that I’m not even sure it counts as being adaptable, I’m really just staying true to what feels right musically. Reading the room is obviously important, but I’m not up there trying to be someone I’m not.

I also opened for Helena Hauff this year. So far I’ve found nailing support in the face of big expectations (and spaces) nerve wracking. What advice would you give to DJs navigating the pressure of those high-stakes sets?

Oh awesome! Helena is such a boss! I’m not sure I’m the best person to give advice — haha! I still get nervous before every set, especially big support slots, and it can be really hard to push through. My expectations of myself are ridiculously high… then add the stress of playing in an unfamiliar booth, using a mixer I’m not used to, and wondering what kind of shape the turntables will be in. There’s also that pressure to warm up the floor, build the vibe while still keeping things a bit restrained. There’s a lot to think about!

What’s helped me most is sticking to the basics: packing my bag properly (still a challenge with records - I always overpack!), knowing my music inside out, and reminding myself why I love doing this in the first place. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to impress, but I’ve found the best sets happen when I’m present and actually enjoying it. I don’t think the nerves ever fully go away, but I’ve learned they’re a good thing. Working with them instead of fighting them makes a big difference.

Your sound moves fluidly between techno, house, and electro — always with a distinct funk-infused edge. Where do you go digging when you're searching for those standout, cornerstone tracks that shape a set?

I have a few go-to record stores — Hub301 Records in Melbourne, my new favourite, Fanatico Records in Marrickville, and a couple of spots overseas like Juno and Phonica. I’ll also dive into Discogs and Bandcamp rabbit holes from time to time! A lot of the tracks I play aren’t necessarily rare or expensive; they just have that spark. 

I literally feel a physical rush when I hear a track I connect with. I’m always chasing that feeling when I'm digging for tracks over any specific genre, producer, or label.

You’ve been mixing for over two decades, now based on Darkinjung Country. What continues to draw you back to the city? And are there any Club 77 sets or moments that have particularly stayed with you?

When it comes to parties, the Cenny Coast scene isn’t very big. Shout out to Naughty Noodle, who do an incredible job keeping the queer scene alive up here! Look up FunHaus Factory to check out their events! As for Sydney, I’m always drawn back. Whether it’s to play a set, have a dance, or just hang with mates. I love Sydney, but the pace and intensity, especially after living here for 3 years is a lot! Being able to balance that with the more laid back feel up here is something I really value.

And Club 77 - honestly, there’ve been far too many special moments to pick just one. Big shout out to the amazing team behind Sevs! Their genuine care for the music and the community is something I have so much respect for. Annnd the sound system is always a dream to play on. When everything aligns in that room, it’s hard to beat.