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If you ask DJ Kittysayword, "Everyone is worthy of a good time," Kitty, also known as Catherine Capellán, is a versatile expert in taste and style. She describes DJing as "like a meal. A great party has a bit of everything…it gives a varied and satisfying experience." Whether it's her skill in blending hip-hop, house, disco, and Afro-Caribbean music, or her pop-up events where she sells homemade flan to Los Angeles residents, she feels that every great party is similar to a great meal.
Kitty is mainly located in Los Angeles, but don't be mistaken, she is a seasoned professional from New York City. She was raised in Washington Heights and started her career in the fashion world as an assistant to the renowned model, agent, and fashion advocate Bethann Hardison.
It was during that time that Kitty began her career as a DJ, spending her nights accepting any opportunity she could find, eventually building up a notable list of well-known clients, including HBO, Audemars Piguet, and our own Family Style. "I used to transport all my gear and take the train all the way from uptown," Kitty shared. "But I recall walking towards my first gig thinking, I'm going to give myself three years for people to start taking me seriously in what I'm trying to achieve."
We last communicated with Kitty in December 2024 for our"Where Do You Hangout?" feature in Complex Magazine Issue 001She introduced us to the pleasures of walking barefoot on grass and visiting the Silver Lake Reservoir, because "people don't realize how great a walk can be!"
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Now, returning with a carefully selected playlist for the summer,After Dusk, Kitty shares insights on creating the ideal playlist, spending a summer in a city, and other topics.
Listen to Complex Summers presented by @complexinprint with Kittysaywordnow on Spotify.
Prior to becoming a full-time DJ, you worked as an assistant for the renowned model, agent, and fashion advocate Bethann Hardison. How did you manage that full-time role while developing your career in DJing?Bethann is like my second mother. I'm very thankful for her since she has consistently supported my passion for DJing, starting from when I played in the Lower East Side. I gradually shared with her, "I'm going to start doing this." That was really beneficial because my parents don't fully grasp this industry, especially coming from an immigrant family. They wanted to keep me safe by encouraging me to take a more secure route. However, I always had a strong sense of what I wanted for myself, and I was committed. I believed in myself.
After that, I DJ'd once for Disney, and gradually began to expand my client base. I was getting closer to a birthday, and she said, "Be independent, you've got this." She was always very supportive because she comes from the world of entertainment, models, and management, and has always been an excellent reference for someone who works on their own. She's played a major role in shaping who I am today, as I worked with her for ten years. I always had various small jobs, but this remained a constant part of my life because I always understood my purpose when working with her, and it wasn't until I moved to LA that we stopped.
The feeling of "this is my journey, and this is what I'm doing right now," when did you make that change?I recall attending one of my initial performances at Beverly's [Bar], where I used to transport all my gear and take the train from uptown—numerous transfers, and it was quite heavy. But as I approached, I thought, "I'm going to give myself three years for people to take me seriously in what I'm trying to achieve." At that time, there were many individuals attempting to start DJing. And in New York—you know how it is—everyone claims to be a DJ, and you want to be recognized. I remember seeing some friends abroad and how they were performing, and I felt like I could carve out that same path. There are numerous ways to approach being a DJ, but I saw myself working with high-end clients and sharing my music in that manner—maintaining a balance between DJing for the community, for corporations, and also for grassroots events. People understood who I was and how genuine my approach was. I made up my mind early on that I would do this and stick with it. I just played everything to show that I was truly committed to this.
I enjoy listening when you say, "I DJ'd everything."It took some time, but it really started to improve during the third year. I used to carry my sticks and flash drive around, saying, "Hey, do you need a DJ? I can DJ right here and now." I placed myself in that situation. The main thing I had to overcome was coming from New York and never wanting to be seen as bad. You just had to accept being bad at the beginning until you got better with every performance. I always wanted everyone to have a great time. I think people aren't upset when they're moving their bodies on the dance floor. It's very healing; people need an outlet to release stress and life's challenges through movement. The fastest way to make a room look nice is through music. Sound is free, and that's amazing.
Your primary strength lies in your talent for merging and combining different musical styles. You incorporate elements from hip-hop, disco, house, and other genres. How did you develop your unique sound?It's amusing because when you begin, people often get drawn into playing the top 40 hits or the most popular songs. The way I enjoy performing is by touching hearts and making a song come on just as you're about to go, leaving you thinking, "Oh, I can't leave." Now you're staying an extra hour. I really enjoy this approach. I believe a DJ's duty is to introduce you to something new. There are numerous ways to do this, whether through a mashup, an entertaining edit, or simply playing the track. The concept is that, "if you enjoyed that, I think you'll like this other song." I think of it like a meal. A great party offers a bit of everything. It results in a varied and satisfying experience when you leave, thinking, "Wow, I feel full."
What prompted your move from New York to Los Angeles? I think it's quite challenging for people from New York to relocate to another city, particularly within the United States.Absolutely. We're really passionate about where we come from. During the pandemic, I started to realize how few natural resources there were. I was living in [Bedford-Stuyvesant], and I remember going to Herbert Von King Park, and it was extremely packed. That's crazy. This is the only park that's easy for us to get to, and it was completely full. It really upset me. I was traveling to LA a lot because the flights were affordable, and it made it possible for me to be here. I was able to imagine myself being here.
That sounds very reasonable. My family is from the Caribbean, and I find the concept of not having access to natural resources quite unsettling.Absolutely. I'm of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, so it's a very comparable experience. The Caribbean is incredibly diverse in terms of cultures, with entire worlds existing within each island. I think about the weather, the cuisine, and the flowers—we have a lot in common.
Building on that, since we were discussing New York and also your upbringing in the Heights, which has a mainly Dominican and Afro-Caribbean population: If you were to describe what a classic New York summer means to you, how would you define it?It's simply the summer vibe that makes you feel as if anything can happen, with the pumps running, children laughing, and the streets buzzing with life. You witness the older men playing dominoes, the women at the beauty salons, and people browsing the supermarket. I was raised in a neighborhood where, just strolling down the street, I was constantly greeted by elders, friends, and that strong feeling of togetherness. You can sense it. It's very real. You get the impression that everything is full of energy. It has a certain hue to it, and it's challenging to put into words.
What factors contribute to an effective playlist?I believe a great playlist revolves around a theme, whether it's the story conveyed through an instrumental, showcasing a particular instrument, or simply evoking an emotion. I prefer to start with an emotion. I collect various elements that spark a thought, such as something I'm experiencing, a book I've read, or a discussion I had with a friend.
I'll begin with a single song and let the music guide me. Occasionally, I'll keep adding more. I'll go on trips and come across something I truly enjoy. Then I'll go to [another place] and think, "this song is incredible." Creating in this way, which feels very natural, and then I'll eventually organize everything. For me, organization is crucial because I value the flow. Having a beginning, middle, and end is essential.
What emotions or characteristics would you use to define or label your musical style?Girl, it's tough. I love everything. But I think I always aim to raise the energy and build a connection. I believe everyone deserves to have a good time. I always perform with that thought in mind—you deserve to be in this space and to experience these amazing sounds through a top-notch sound system.
And the vibe of the playlist you've put together forComplex Summers?After Duskembodies the cozy glow of a sunset where time seems to pause and all possibilities emerge. It's the gradual build-up of a sense that something is about to unfold.
Listen to Complex Summers presented by @complexinprint with Kittysaywordnow on Spotify.
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