It is already June, which means it is time for a little sonic update. MENA Local Heroes is STR’s monthly guest-curated playlist series, curated exclusively for Apple Music, spotlighting the people, spaces, and communities shaping the region’s sound from within.

For the first edition, we invited Honeycomb Hi-Fi, Dubai’s finest listening bar and one of our favourite places to hear music. Their takeover brought together pre-club selections from Honeycomb’s residents and extended family, creating a little emotional map of the moments before the night begins.

Now, for the second edition, we invited our favourite KLO to pick her tracks.

This time, the mood shifts into something softer, more intimate, and quietly self-possessed. Less “straight to the club”, more “give me a moment, I am reconnecting with myself and selecting the correct lip combination”. KLO’s playlist moves through neo-soul, R&B, soulful textures, and warm, reflective sounds — the kind of music that makes getting ready feel less like a task and more like a small personal ceremony.

Naturally, we asked her why she chose these tracks, what they mean to her, and where she thinks they should be listened to. Preferably somewhere with enough personal space for an emotional breakthrough, but not necessarily a dramatic one.

— What does this playlist represent for you personally?

— This playlist is really my comfort zone — my go-to for anxiety relief, stress relief, and those moments when I need to slow down. It is what I put on when I am doing my makeup, getting ready, or simply taking time to connect with myself through self-care.

Whether I am getting ready for the day or preparing for something I have planned, I almost always play this playlist. It helps me release stress and reconnect with my inner self and my higher self.

— Where would you recommend listening to it — is there a specific place, time of day, or state of mind that feels right?

— I would definitely recommend listening to this playlist when you are trying to connect with your higher self and your inner world. It is perfect for a solo walk or any activity you are doing just for yourself — moments of self-care when you want to reconnect with yourself and, for women, perhaps with your femininity as well.

I feel like this playlist really helps you slow down. In a fast-paced place like Dubai, and with the work I do where I am constantly surrounded by people, I often turn to this playlist when I need to pause, reconnect with my inner child, and get back in touch with my higher self.

To me, this is the kind of playlist you listen to during solo activities, solo dates, or anytime you are doing something just for yourself and want to reconnect and be present with yourself.

— Were there any particular artists, scenes, or sonic references you wanted to spotlight through your selection?

— I guess the sonic reference behind this playlist is really the neo-soul and R&B scene. It is a sound that I rarely get the chance to play, and honestly, it is something I have always wanted to explore more.

That is actually part of the reason why I am working on something special right now. I can't say too much about it yet because it is still taking shape, but this playlist felt like the first step into a personal project I have been developing.

I have always wished I had more opportunities to play this kind of music, but the reality is that most of the sets I perform are in club environments where the focus is on creating energy, building a vibe, and keeping the party going. Because of that, I don't often get the chance to showcase this side of my musical taste.

Creating this playlist was a way for me to share a different side of myself — one that is more intimate, reflective, and connected to the sounds that inspire me on a personal level.

— Is there one track on the playlist that feels especially personal or meaningful to you?

— Definitely “Kiss of Life” by Sade.

My mum introduced me to Sade when I was young, so her music is connected to some very warm and meaningful memories from my childhood. Whenever I listen to her, I am reminded of those moments and of the influence she has had on me over the years.

I have always admired Sade as an artist. She is such a powerful, classy, and elegant woman who fully embraces her music, her style, and her identity. In many ways, she has been an inspiration throughout my musical journey and beyond.

I love her music, her interviews, and the way every song seems to tell a story. For all of those reasons, “Kiss of Life” is the track that feels most special and meaningful to me.

— For someone hearing this music for the first time, what would you want them to notice?

— I would love for them to simply go on the journey. The order of the tracks is very intentional and important to me.

The playlist starts with slower, neo-soul and soulful tracks, then gradually evolves into more R&B-driven sounds. It follows a progression — from moments of reflection and self-care to a feeling of confidence and readiness to step out into the world, whether that is for a party, an outing, or simply the day ahead.

As the playlist unfolds, the energy slowly builds. It starts soft and smooth, then gradually lifts you up and gives you a sense of confidence. In many ways, that is also how I approach my DJ sets. I like to begin gently, tease the crowd a little, and slowly build the energy until everyone is fully immersed in the journey.

That is exactly what I hope this playlist does: take listeners on a journey that starts with introspection and ends with confidence, energy, and a sense of readiness for whatever comes next.

And honestly, we can't think of a more reasonable request from a playlist. A little self-care, a little Sade, a little emotional recalibration, and then, if absolutely necessary, leaving the house.

Listen to MENA Local Heroes: KLO now on Apple Music.