Katsy Lee — A Melodic Odyssey Fueled by Limitless Passion

Katsy Lee: A Passionate DJ-Producer’s Rise

Katsy Lee, a Filipina DJ-producer, recently shared her experiences, challenges, and advice with us. Her remarkable achievements, including performing at Ultra Music Festival, highlight her dedication and talent.

Ultra Music Festival Experience

This year, Katsy Lee found herself among renowned DJs like Zedd and Charlotte de Witte at the Ultra Music Festival in Europe. This was a significant accomplishment, representing a personal milestone and a moment of national pride. The opportunity to perform on such a prestigious stage was profoundly meaningful for Katsy.

How did it feel to represent your country at Ultra Music Festival? What was the most memorable moment of your trip?

I’m still, and always, in disbelief and in great gratitude. The most magical memory I take home from Ultra is honestly the friendship and wisdom given by our colleagues and patrons from all over the world. They are beautiful people — each one an incredible, unique being. :”) This year we get to go on the Oasis Stage in addition to the Beachville and Boat Party stages, and I am just so overwhelmed at how life can just spring these surprises. I never would have dreamed of it. Really, I can only be grateful. Thank You❤️

Katsy’s experience transcended performance; it was a valuable cultural exchange and artistic growth. She deeply appreciates the global music community that supports her art.

It’s worth noting that Ian Sndrz and Jenil, other exceptional Filipino DJ producers, have also graced UMF stages in previous years. Their success further underscores the Philippines’ growing presence in the global music scene.

Balancing DJing and Music Production

How much stamina do you need to divide your time between DJing and producing music?

A lot of stamina and discipline is needed to be both a DJ and a producer. Though the two are synergistic — DJing with a producer’s mindset is something I aspire to, and producing with a DJ’s mindset is also very important (inspired by several great artists including local heroes I’m honored to call my mentors: Funk Avy, Mark Nicosia, and Mecha — all stellar battle DJs as well as producers — and several maestros including local icons Ace Ramos, Martin Pulgar, Manolet Dario, Kat DJ, Marc Naval, Mars Miranda, Marc Marasigan, David Ardiente, Salamangkero / Noel de Brackinghe, Aryan Magat, Nix Damn P!, Sky Dominique, Nicky Jurado, Supreme Fist / Paul Macapagal, John Sedano, Franco Zarate, Patty Tiu, Tom Taus, JENIL, Ian Sanders, John Odin, Parnassus, Mark Thompson, Beach Please / Sophia Guerrero and Charles Lesaca, Siangyoo, Rhon Rebleza, Pae Dobles, Miaow, Roy de Borja, Gavin Skewes, Arthur Tan, Mukhi, Manila Junkie, Dara Carmina, Patrick Rizarri, Arden Formento, Marco Pedro, Tom Suplico, Katsu, obese.dogma777 / Jorge Wieneke, Alinep, Mica, Breaking Silence / Shore Ramnani, DIMAS, DJ Buddah, Kiko Nepomuceno, Kit Guerra, Antz Santiago, Bombi Balquiedra, Marie Garcia, Razikyle, Jared Celemin — to name just a few of these incredible storytellers, producers, visionaries, and battle DJs — I have so many more I can list but Jared might run out of ink😅 p.s. I so badly want to contribute an article on our local artists because everyone from veteran to new has so many different and amazing things to offer) in my experience they are vastly different disciplines when tackled as individual tasks. For the longest time I vacillated between what I saw as two different feelings: DJing being dependent on several more external factors, akin to surfing waves that comprise the audience, the theme of the night, the venue, the time, even the DJ’s own honest and sincere mood; production being what I saw as a writing exercise akin to scribbling in a journal, or crafting words in a novel. One ebbed and flowed; the other was static. I thought of production as a written hypothesis from start to finish. I found myself shying away in the DJ booth when I’d been producing that afternoon, because my mind had been taking a different approach. Not to mention the time management one needs (add to that social media / management, etc.) :’3 But as life goes on, one attempts to learn the art of commanding their voice, wielding a message, and writing a story even as a room looks on (DJing), alongside the art of a handshake that echoes beyond the walls of one’s studio, even with work that starts off solitary (production.) One realizes one needs to be both uncompromising in their vision but receptive to the constant flow of things, in both disciplines. This is something I admire about artists who are naturally great at this, and what I hope for and aspire to. Physical stamina and mental focus for the entirety of one’s endeavors will come, I believe, when one has a clear vision they find in their heart, that they just need to get out. It’s tough, but everyone, in one way or another, is destined to gain a chance to express themselves. There’s no stifling the human spirit.

Katsy views DJing as reacting to audience energy, while production is a more solitary, creative process. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability and openness in both aspects of her work. Listen to Katsy Lee on Spotify

Overcoming Setbacks and Maintaining a Positive Mindset

Do you ever get mad? You always seem so joyful. Have you had any experiences that disrupted your DJ performance? If so, how do you handle such situations in the moment?

I doooooo!:3 hahahahaha. My friends know I can go kroooooo but it’s always a mroooooo. :’3 Basically if I get into scraps, best believe I will be the first to apologize 🥹💖😭 I always feel I’m in the wrong. I think it’s best to acknowledge what you can change (your own mistakes) because you can never change another person’s opinion of you, anyway. :’3 At least you did your part?🥹💖🙈 hahaha:’3

In performances, I do get so mad at myself. Ugh. It’s only recently I’ve been trying to learn to let things go and know, truly know, that there’s sunshine in the morning — and morning always comes:’3

Katsy openly discusses her vulnerabilities and how she manages challenges. She approaches setbacks with self-compassion and resilience, always looking toward a fresh start.

Maintaining Health and Well-being

Do you have pre-performance rituals? How do you stay healthy while working in the nightlife industry, where sleep is often limited?

I’m not the healthiest creature around, but taking time to keep track of where you are at the present is a good way to start, I think. Aside from not getting enough nutrients and sleep, I believe getting mentally, emotionally, and physically lost in the whirl of things can also lead down the rabbit hole of unhealthiness, though sometimes it’s a necessary (if not recommended) storm to go through IF it happens — a lesson. I find what helps is keeping a journal: jotting down dreams, goals, observations, things you aspire to, and things you outgrow. Prayer is a beautiful thing (or a similar practice you may believe in.) Nothing disconcerts more than a bad ego, and nothing kills the latter more than the peace in knowing there are so many bigger, grander things than our trivial mortal caprices.

Katsy highlights the importance of self-awareness and maintaining well-being, even amidst the demands of her profession. She uses journaling and mindfulness to stay grounded.

READ ALSO: 12 ASIAN FEMALE DJS MAKING WAVES

Advice for Aspiring DJs: Finding Your Unique Voice

What guiding principles do you strive to impart in aspiring DJs and why do you feel it’s important to do so as a seasoned DJ in the local scene?

It’s a cliché, but really, one very important thing is to find oneself, in order to share the best we can with others. We are wandering minstrels gifted with the honor and privilege of being able to share the deepest parts of ourselves with great numbers of people. As such, it’s a beautiful thing to be introspective, quite like philosophers on the tip of the rabbit’s fur, as in ‘Sophie’s World’. We have the responsibility of reflecting personal moments both of joy and pain onto art that enriches and entertains. And when they say “find your sound” — it took me so long to start to figure it out, and I’m constantly trying — I think maybe it’s a process, a journey. One cannot force it. You may have vision, and that’s always a good blueprint — but until life gives you enough learning to build a heart, it doesn’t strike as hard. Don’t worry — it’s a process. What you are now is what you need to be at the moment. Life can be tough, but we will be what we are meant to be — or long to be.

Katsy emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and authenticity for aspiring DJs. She believes that a unique style emerges organically through experience and personal growth.

Read also: 13 Asian Female DJs Forging the Future of Electronic Music

Katsy Lee’s story exemplifies the dedication and passion required for success in the music industry. Her commitment to her craft, combined with her willingness to share her insights, makes her an inspiring figure for aspiring DJs and producers.

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