FATE’s genre-fluid storytelling unfolds with calm precision in her KOF Project set

In an era where DJ sets often chase immediacy, FATE’s performance for the Utero series by KOF Project opted instead for emotional intention and inward focus. Far from being a showcase of sheer energy or aesthetic, the set unfolded as a carefully crafted journey, one that allowed stillness and movement to coexist.

Filmed at Utero, the conceptual studio behind KOF Project, the set was deeply in tune with the platform’s vision. Built around the idea that music unites across cultures and genres, KOF invites artists to explore sound in a space where creativity and equality are at the core. It was in this spirit that FATE delivered a performance shaped not only by musical choices, but by personal philosophy.

As she describes it herself: “What I want to convey with this set is to bring the listener to a state of balance.” From the very first track, that objective was clear. The pacing was deliberate, designed to ease the listener into a calm, reflective state. “By relaxing their souls and energising their bodies, I want to guide them on an inner journey,” she continues, and indeed, this interplay between tranquillity and rhythm formed the central dynamic of the set.

FATE’s perspective on music is one rooted in emotional meaning. “Music is not just a sound, it’s an expression of emotions and thoughts,” she explains, and her set seemed to reflect that conviction at every turn. Rather than building towards a predictable climax, the performance moved like a narrative, letting each track breathe and evolve. “Each track invites the listener to explore a moment, a feeling. Sometimes peace, sometimes movement.”

The deeper purpose behind her selections became even more apparent as the set unfolded. “My goal is to use the power of music to give hope, to liberate, and to inspire people to find themselves,” she says, a sentiment that shaped both the structure and emotional tone of the session. And it wasn’t just about sound. “I want to free the listener not just through music, but through their emotions as well.” The transitions, the tonal shifts, the pauses — all served to open space rather than fill it, encouraging personal reflection rather than passive reception.

At the heart of this experience was FATE’s unique blending of genres. “I love blending tracks from different genres such as EDM, House, Progressive House and Organic House, creating a unique flow and atmosphere.” That genre-fluid approach allowed her to shift emotional registers without losing coherence, resulting in a set that felt both fluid and focused.

The only point of critique that caught my attention in the set was the transition between 57:50 and 58:12. It gave the impression that a more syncopated or off-tempo track was about to follow, which disrupted the flow slightly.

Born in Turkey's Izmir and now based in London, FATE began her musical journey in 2022 with her first sets in a North London pub. Since then, she has gone on to perform in Soho and share stages with names like Valerón, Jess Bays and Zhu. Her style is less about technical showmanship and more about connection, translating her inner world into sonic form.

Beyond her performances, FATE is guided by a clear artistic vision. She seeks to remain grounded in her truth, to transform her internal energy into music, and to plant seeds of hope through every set. Her work aims to create sounds that resonate with the heart, while turning the stage into a space where energy flows freely. Driven by the belief that music can transcend borders, she hopes to inspire self-discovery and shape sonic stories where even silence speaks. Collaborating with like-minded, soul-led artists is key to her process, as is her ongoing commitment to never lose the magic of dreaming.

FATE’s set for KOF Project’s Utero series did not rely on volume or spectacle. Instead, it offered a space for stillness, clarity and subtle transformation; a quiet but resonant reminder of what music can become when it’s grounded in intention.