Written by Kylie Vesey
This week for our latest edition of Family Friday’s we bring you another boss female DJ killing it in the Australian industry, we give you the ice blonde beach babe Kaitlyn.
At the fun age of 23, Kaitlyn has been slaying dancefloors all over, having mastered the art of the decks since she was a teenager. She is no stranger to various clubs all over Australia, having done tours throughout, and breaking into the international market with shows in Kuala Lumpur, Taiwan, Bangkok, Ko Samui and Hong Kong, she has been non-stop in showing the world just what she is made of.
With a love for performing, her huskies, modelling and all things fitness, Kaitlyn is living proof and a role model to girls that if you think it and dream it, you can achieve it.
I caught up with the Gold Coast local to talk tours, releases, the pressure of the industry and what's next.
Come with me as I step Behind The Decks with K Λ I + L Y N
Congratulations on the release of your debut single ‘Think About You’ featuring Veronica Bravo in February. That must have been such a moment for you, what went into creating this track?
Thanks so much! It was such an exciting time for me being my first release, It was a really fun process. I started by recording ideas and singing melodies into my phone, I took those ideas to my team and we got a basic session happening. We sent the idea over to Veronica, she sent her topline back super quick and we absolutely loved what she did!
You began DJing as a teenager. Was it always a dream of yours to produce music and make a career out of this passion?
As a kid, I just loved dance music! I was around 12 when I started collecting the Ministry Of Sound compilations, I’m pretty sure my parents thought I was weird haha. I went to my first festival (Big Day Out) and I was hooked, I knew that’s what I wanted to do! I purchased a set of decks the next week and practised my little heart out, and now here we are.
The beginning of the year saw you kick off your Think About You tour. How far into the tour did you get before restrictions hit and when can we hope to see you back at it?
When it all happened I was only two shows into my tour so it was super disappointing. I’m itching to get back into it! Hopefully, everything will start to calm down soon so my team can start to reschedule all of the shows.
In 2019 you were able to focus on being an artist and quit your 9-5 job which is HUGE. How have recent events around the world impacted what was set to be a killer year for you?
It was such a huge milestone for me to be able to quit my job and focus completely on being an artist, I’m so grateful for that. With COVID, everything has been put on hold and I’m sure it’s going to take a while for things to feel normal again but we will get there.
Your podcast Neon Lights is now two episodes in and includes guest mixes from DJs around the globe. Is this something we can expect from you more regularly as they are so good?
Thank you! It’s awesome to have a platform to play all the music I’ve been loving and also it's great to be able to showcase other talented DJs. I have a heap of amazing artists lined up for the latter half of this year so keep an eye out!
The past four years have seen you nominated in the female TOP 100 DJANE of Australia and Oceania competition. Each year since its inception in 2017 you have placed higher and higher, this year placing 9th. Take me through what this amazing achievement meant to you?
It’s such a great feeling to be climbing the ladder, hopefully, I will place higher again this year!
You have already toured Australia and overseas including Kuala Lumpur, Taiwan, Bangkok, Koh Samui and Hong Kong. Where would you love to tour that you haven't already?
Playing internationally was such an amazing achievement for me. I’ve played in Kuala Lumpur five times now and when I think about it I have to pinch myself! I’ll cherish the memories I’ve made and the people I’ve met forever! It’s always been a dream of mine to tour Europe, they have such a great scene there so I'm hoping that’s next!
Not only are you a DJ you also model and are a huge fitness person. How do you juggle so many different things and what do you do to keep yourself grounded?
I will admit it’s hard to juggle everything and I’m not always the best at it. I make the time a couple of days a week where I go on a long walk. I find that really helps me clear my head and put everything into perspective, I love being around nature!
Being a big room and party DJ you would throw down some bangers. What is that one track you play that you will never get tired of?
Avicii - Levels! It is such a classic and I will never get tired of it. I have to admit it's also a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine!
What has been your favourite moment to date, one that you will never forget?
That’s such a hard one because I’ve had so many great experiences, but if I had to choose one I’d say when I played at Ark Bar in Koh Samui, it’s a club on the beach and the energy there is just crazy!
And finally, we ask all our artists the same closing question. What is the craziest thing you have seen from behind the decks?
Once a girl reached over the DJ booth and stole my phone. I was mid-set when it happened and I had to run onto the dance floor to grab it back lol.
Wow, what can I say, Kaitlyn is certainly someone that has a massive love for the industry and won't stop till she has conquered the world, now that is something I cannot wait to see.
Be sure to show your support for our emerging talent here in Australia by giving Kaitlyn a follow and a listen to what she is putting out, you will not be disappointed.
Be sure to keep up to date with Kaitlyn's latest podcast, Neon Lights, here!