Kito, born Maaike Kito Lebbing, is an Australian-born producer, DJ, and songwriter. Her journey began in the small town of Denmark, Australia, where she first dug into the music scene by DJing at local clubs. It was around 2008 that her career took off when she secured her first official release through the renowned UK Dubstep figure, Skream's label, Disfigured Dubs. Shortly after in 2009, Kito joined forces with Australian vocalist Reija Lee, forming a successful duo which eventually led her to make the move to London in 2011. There, they caught the attention of global superstar Diplo and continued to release music through his indie powerhouse label, Mad Decent. Kito parted ways with Reija Lee in 2014 but continued to delve into her craft, refining a distinctive sound that drew inspiration from London's bubbling and vibrant dance music culture. During this time, she explored the realm of left-field pop, gaining recognition for producing tracks for prominent artists like Banks, Mabel, Jorja Smith, and Empress Of.
In 2018, Kito embarked on a new chapter, moving to to Los Angeles and soon thereafter, releasing her captivating EP, "HAANI." The EP showcased her electronic and bass production skills, enriched by collaborations with talented artists from around the world, such as Hudson Mohawke, Kodie Shane, Broods and Trinidad James. Embracing the vibrant LA music scene, Kito continued collaborating with various musicians, including Pussy Riot, Fletcher, and Tinashe, and eventually signed with Astralwerks. The following years saw her soar to new heights, earning her first Gold record for the track "Bitter" with FLETCHER, garnering over 200 million combined global streams.
In 2021, Kito unleashed the "Blossom" EP, a mesmerizing collection featuring collaborations with esteemed artists like ZHU, Channel Tres, Dillon Francis, Jeremiah and others, firmly solidifying her as a versatile and innovative producer and artist.Beyond her accomplishments in the studio, Kito has been highly sought after for her remixing prowess, with artists across diverse genres like Saweetie and Doja Cat, CHVRCHES, Marina, and AURORA tapping into her creative touch.
Additionally, Kito remains an active touring DJ, playing renowned festivals such as Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, and Listen Out in 22 as well as performing at exclusive events for luxury brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Zadig and Voltaire.
2023 is off to the races for Kito who is returning back to her roots, working with Mad Decent on a forthcoming body of music. In May 2023 she released "Cold Touch” with the label, which is a striking single featuring A.I.-generated vocals from Grimes showcasing her continuous pursuit of groundbreaking musical experiences.
