Kai Song (yes, that’s his real name) is still in grade school, but he has already lived a fuller life than most adults. The ten-year-old prodigy — who will be appearing at South Orange PlayDay on Sunday — is a talented and in-demand DJ, who regularly performs at clubs and events across the country and internationally.
He has been on Good Morning America and been written up in countless magazines and newspapers. Vibe Magazine name him as one of 30 DJs to watch for 2013. Kai’s mix album ‘School Sessions’ is available on Ultra Records: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/school-sessions-dj-kai-song/id577932979.
The son of a DJ, Kai has been DJing since he was three. He lives in New York City with his parents, where he goes to a local public school.
The South Orange Village Center Alliance (SOVCA) executive director Bob Zuckerman said he first saw Kai when he played at an outdoor event at the Lower East Side BID, where Zuckerman previously worked.
DJ Kai Song on Good Morning America
“Of course, I thought the idea of having an eight year old DJ spin for us was really cool, but when I actually saw Kai in action I knew that he was something special, as he had the crowd completely mesmerized,” said Zuckerman. “Everyone was just infatuated watching this young boy have such complete mastery of the DJ booth.
Zuckerman continued, “When we started planning PlayDay, my first thought was ‘I have to bring DJ Kai Song to South Orange, because all the kids and their parents are going to flip over him.’ I really hope that everyone comes out to PlayDay and watches Kai in action. It will be an experience they won’t soon forget!”
The Village Green interviewed DJ Kai by email:
How old were you when you got started DJing, and what made you want to do it?
I was three. My Papa is a DJ, he also develops DJ equipment and trains famous DJ’s on it, so, our house was always full of new equipment. I would play my Beatles CD’s on it and then I became interested in all of the buttons and faders. My first gig was at age 3 at the Children’s Museum of the Arts in Manhattan.
How many countries have you visited, and what is your favorite?
I think I’ve been to 11 countries. My favorite is Germany, because I have family there.
What kind of equipment do you use?
2 Pioneer CDJ-2000 players and a DJM-900 or DJM-2000 mixer. I also use an RMX-1000 effects unit.
Do you have a favorite song?
Hmmm…I have many. Right now, I love “Prayer in C” by Robin Schulz and “Hideaway” by Kiesza
What’s your favorite music to play?
EDM mixed with some POP. And, lately, I’ve been really digging Deep House.
Tell us a little about yourself: what grade are you in, where do you live, what school do you go to, any siblings?
I’m in 5th grade and I go to PS29 in Brooklyn. I don’t have any siblings.
What do you like to do when you’re not in school or DJing?
I love to play soccer and play with Lego. My favorite thing is music production and piano though. I want to start releasing my own music soon.
What’s your favorite thing about DJing?
I like being able to mix multiple tracks/songs, sound effect and creating a flow of music. Also, I love interacting with the crowd through music.
I know you like to sing, too. Tell us about that.
I LOVE singing! My parents tell me that I’ve been singing longer than speaking. I’ve been singing and performing with Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy for 3 years now. My favorite performance was at Carnegie Hall. I sing all the time.
What famous person was it the most exciting for you to meet?
Tiësto & DJ Kai Song
It was funny, cause my Papa asked me, if I could meet anyone in the world who would it be and I said “Tiësto” and then a week later I got to meet him. He was super nice. We dj’d together in his hotel room and he gave me some of his newest music and some headphones. I think it’s cool that someone as famous as him would make time to hang out with me. It was really inspiring.
How do you do all this and still have time to go to school?
Hahaha, I wish there were 8 days in a week. Well, my parents are really supportive. And I probably have less playdates than other kids… Doing well in school is really important to me.
Speaking of school, what do your friends think about your career?
Oh, they think it’s cool and they always come to my gigs and support me.
What kinds of tunes will you play at PlayDay?
It’s a family event, so I think it’ll be mostly Pop music. But I never know until I’m at the gig. I bring like a 1,000 songs with me, so I can adjust when I get there. If it’s mostly kids I play more Pop, if it’s more adults I play more EDM.
DJ Kai Song will be spinning at PlayDay on the Rite Aid Stage (corner of S. Orange Ave. and Valley St.) from 1:45 – 2:30 PM.
