We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaitlyn Reyes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaitlyn below.

Kaitlyn , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I have been a DJ/turntablist for a little over 7 years now. A majority of you know me as Dj K-Sprinkles. I am now 19 years old, my journey as a DJ started at the early age of 11 years old. I have always had a passion for music since I was born. My mom would play music for me and my twin sister while we were sleeping in our crib so we would not be light sleepers. Growing up she always listened to a variety of genres of music in the car or at home while cleaning. To say it’s no surprise that I gravitated to learning to DJ watching my Dad (whom is also a DJ) create radio mixes at home on a regular basis. Watching him create magic through his awesome transitions of records sparked a fire in me to want to learn it. He had a Dj setup in our living room area with Technics 1200 turntables. Day in and day out I would watch and I would ask myself can I learn this? So on my own when the opportunity presented itself, I began mimicking what I would see him do as he worked on his DJ turntables almost everyday. Once I felt confident enought to show what I had learned, I did a demonstration for my Dad and showed him what I could do on mixing records. He was amazed and asked me if this is something I would be interested in really learning and everything that comes with the art of djing? I immediately said yes as I was so intrigued by the possibilites of creating music on my own. My Dad taught me everything I needed to know to start to DJ, and we created my DJ name, DJ K-Sprinkles. I have learned so much over this past 7 years no doubt. I have also worked with many great DJs to elevate my skills to another level. I definitely have to give credit to not only my Dad, Deejay Christopher Reave, but also great Djs such as Dj Ivan G, Dj Shortee, Dj Rob Swift just to name a few, who have been very instrumental in my Dj career. Knowing what I know now, I definitely would have also pursued learning to produce at the same time as it only takes your DJing to the next level and offers more opportunities as a DJ. Producing is defintely one of goals between being a full time student in college as this is a skill that not only enhances creativity but helps put together killer DJ sets. To be a successful DJ, it is so important to make time to practice and constantly work to enhance your technique and DJ Skills. The art of DJ is not an easy one if you want to be true to the origin of the craft. I have spent hours researching and watching videos of some of the DJ greats like DJ Q-Bert, Dj Craze, A-Trak, and Grand Master Flash to get inspiration for creating my Dj sets. From my experience thus far, I have learned that dedication to practicing and looking for ways to evolve is key along with being open minded in music of all genres. Communication is so important in the Dj community, learning to network within the community and building relationships is esssential in gaining opportunities to help brand yourself on bigger platforms. You ask what have been some of my challenges? I would say one major challege was during my high years where I attended a Booker T Washington, a prestigious performing art school in Dallas. I was in the music conservatory and I will say in the beginning it was a huge struggle for me due to the fast paced and advance programs I was placed in from the beginning as a freshman all the way until I graduated in 2023. I had to dedicate so much of my time to the heavy load of course work for each class and not to mention all the after school practices and concerts on top of my demanding DJ career. For sure the experience has taught me to learn to multitask and be organized. Throughout those 4 years it was defintiely tough and at times affected the time I put to my craft as a DJ, but would not change anything at all, as my experience in high school was amazing. The experience expanded my knowledge of music from a musician’s perspective as I played the clarinet since I was in 6th grade and it also gave me a whole new level of appreciation for music and performing arts.

Kaitlyn , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am 19 years old from Dallas, Texas and I began my Dj journey at 11 years old. My first debut into the industry was at the Taste of Dallas in Fair Park back in 2017. That was my entry into the industry and have been spinning my music ever since with a long resume of events that I have had the pleasure to DJ for. I am not only a DJ but also a turntablist which puts in a unique category of DJS. I have participated in several DJ battles and my most recent battle was on July 7th, the DMC Texas Regional Battle where I won 2nd place which was so amazing. I am super proud of all battles that I have been blessed to participate in as it is not easy, the preparation takes hard work and dedication and also it takes courage to enter in competition and battle for the title of who is the best of the best. Even more difficult when you are a female in a male dominated industry. In a majority of my battles, I have been the only female competing and that in itself can be very intimidating. I do not let that discourage me as I want to send that message that females can be just as good in this industry and we have earned our right to be here…girl power to the fullest! I also take pride and joy in performing for others when I am booked for an event. Getting booked as the entertainment for an event can be difficult in a competitive industry. It is a true blessing that I continue to get booked, it validates to me personally that people love me for who I am and they also enjoy the entertainment value I bring to their event. I stride to create memories at every event so my audience can remember Dj K-Sprinkles.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to influence and impact others. One thing my mother always tells me, is to use my platform to make a positive impact. That is what I feel is important, to leave a mark that inspires others to chase their dreams and feel anything is possible if they put their mind to it. I can definitely say I have accomplished alot of great things in my 7 years as a DJ and still have so much more to do. It warms my heart when I have my younger fans come to an event just to meet me. It is the most humbling experience and makes my whole reason for being a DJ so worth it! I am proud to say I am a Brand Ambassador for Heart Blaster that is a clothing line that aims to bring unity and peach through its amazing brand. Check them out at www.heartblaster.com and be inspired. Making an impact on our youth is what is super important to me…make it count!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

There is so much pressure in society to fit some sort or mold or category. This pressure sadly affects alot of people and their mental in a negative way especially due to the pressures of social media. I think their should be more support systems and programs in place to help people learn how to cope and how to maintain positive in a world that is full of judgement and criticism. Society can create a safe environment for everyone to be able to enjoy the atmosphere that is being created for them through the arts. Its sad when you hear of tragedies that have occured at events that were created for the purpose of entertainment such has music festivals and sporting events. That is something that society must work to improve as we should not live in fear and miss out on having great experiences. There should be systems in place to protect artists from cyber bullying as artists have enough to worry about than to having to deal with being bullied on social media. The journey of an artist is difficult as it is, and we need as much positive energy and support as possible. My journey has been amazing thus far and I am super grateful for everyone that supports Team K-Sprinkles on a daily. I work hard to continue to influence in a positive way through my music and also inspire the next generation of artists to dare to take on the impossible…the sky is the limit!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djksprinkles?igsh=MWFyaHBjZGs3NnVzdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-reyes-7b6793313
• Other: TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@djksprinkles?_t=8o6ck6F3zZO&_r=1

Image Credits

Aldo Photography
Avion Stewart
Johnie Smith IV
Raymond Cruz