Originally hailing from Honolulu, CALDEE is a DJ who now calls LA home. Known for her sets that blend hip-hop, R&B and global dance music, she is an intuitive artist who is adept at reading the crowd in any room that she plays in and adapting to each unique atmosphere. Getting her start as the youngest female DJ in Honolulu at the time, she has honed her craft through years in the music scene and learning through her community.
As a DJ, she doesn’t see herself so much as an entertainer, but rather someone who has the privilege to introduce people to new sounds. Using music as a way to create new experiences for people is a powerful reminder to her that music has an impact that transcends any other medium.
Read our interview with CALDEE below and follow her at @caldee to stay up to date with her latest shows.
How did you get started as a DJ?
I decided to give it a try after seeing a friend DJ for one of the fraternities at my college back in 2015 and I ended up really liking it. The first time I ever played in front of a crowd was at a college football tailgate and then I sought out opportunities to play outside of my college and ended up getting a residency at a local restaurant/bar.
How would you describe your music style? What can people expect from your sets?
I don’t ever really stick to one style so I would say I’m open-format. You can basically put me in any room and I can read the crowd and adjust. I always do my research on whatever I’m being booked for or ask the promoter what the usual vibe is or what they’re looking for. I like to do a mixture of sounds that I like and then some familiar songs for the crowd. I’m always looking to introduce people to new sounds so I try to find a way to ease people into that. If it’s not a hip-hop/R&B booking, I’m definitely playing global dance music.
You recently said goodbye to Honolulu, where you were based for the last 12 years. What can you tell us about the Honolulu music scene and how that has shaped you as an artist?
It was really encouraging starting out as a DJ within Honolulu’s music community. It felt like I was the youngest female DJ on island at the time so I was the little sister everywhere I played. I had people looking out for me in all aspects and I’m very grateful for a good start in the scene. I learned how important it is to show up for your community because you really do get what you pour into it.
How do you approach fashion and style when it comes to expressing yourself as an artist?
I approach fashion the same way I approach music: I let it reflect how I'm feeling. Some days that means dressing boldly and confidently, and other days it means keeping things comfortable and low-key. Rather than sticking to one aesthetic, I use style as a way to express whatever version of myself shows up that day.
How do you stay creative?
I’m constantly digging for new music because I get bored easily and so that no set is ever the same. I like to listen to DJ sets on Youtube when I need some inspiration or I’m always digging deep on Soundcloud or Bandcamp. I also like to come up with ideas for visual sets so I don’t lose my passion for making videos.
What is one way you stay inspired, without social media or anything online?
I don’t go to museums or smaller exhibits often but when I do, I always leave feeling inspired. I also just get inspired by the people and experiences in my life.
What is one of the most misunderstood things about being a DJ?
One of the most misunderstood things about being a DJ is that people think we're only here to entertain them individually. You see it when someone comes up and requests a song that doesn't fit the vibe that's already being played, even though everyone else is enjoying the set.
As a DJ, my job isn't just to play what you already know—it's to introduce you to new sounds and create an experience. Sometimes that means playing music you didn't even know you'd like until you heard it in the right moment.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs who are just starting out in the industry?
Be your genuine self and be genuinely nice because being nice goes a long way. Also don’t let people put you in a box, play whatever your heart desires or you’ll hate it. Trust me. Lastly, be open-minded as you’ll get a lot of inspiration from welcoming new things.
What makes someone LANG? (LANG means “beautiful” in Cantonese)
Good energy and good intentions. Always.
Photography (Studio) By: Jeffrey Akiyama Chung
SHOP CALDEE'S LOOK
