I was able to meet Kitty also known as DJ Bbycat! She DJs in Brownsville at Double Trouble or as she would say her "city." She was able to do a set at my fundraising event called Valley's Never Ending Summer show well this summer haha with Diosdelghetto, Genesis, and Murzlago. Since then we've created a very nice friendship and they have taught me a lot of what the valley has witnessed in terms of touring bands and it's culture just as Tigersblood, Andres + C from Entre, and Charlie Vela have shared with me along with others. It's always nice to learn about what once was. While Kitty DJs she is also an organizer who put's events/shows together for her city. The city of Brownsville. It's something she enjoys seeing everyone come together as she invites you to Sweater Weather hosted well obviously in BROWNSVILLE. The flyer will be posted below! This is Kitty aka Dj Bbycat.
As we begin we start by asking Kitty about what they've been enjoying as of recently "Honestly, I’ve been enjoying the value of time so much lately. I hardly have free/spare time so whenever I do, it’s almost numbing and paralyzing to my mind to be able to do something I want to do vs. things I’m obligated to do. I guess this is adulting 101. Smdh." I feel like after work I can't decide what to do sometimes. Sometimes I just want to eat my rice pudding and watch a movie, but sometimes I think I should go out lol it's like what to do y'know? Using the idea of "time wisely" when isn't it time well spent if we're taking care of ourselves either way? Then comes the "obligations" it's just a lot! I guess this really do be "adulting."
We continue by asking Kitty if she has any shout outs you would like to give out?
"Yes, but I’m shy. Okay, jk jk. Shout out to my boss Rodrigo Quintero of Double Trouble (I always give this same shout out but hey, it’s always valid). As always, thank you for always believing in my ideas/visions. You never turn them down, you help build them up. Thank you. Also shout out to the Double Trouble staff. Y’all always support my shenanigans too and you always have my back. You deliver quality work to
our community and also never say 'no' whenever you’re needed. You work long/extra hours for our special events. You keep our bar environment safe, you don’t stand for BS, and make everyone feel welcomed, thank you for being you.
There is another person I’d like to shout out but I’ll keep them anonymous. Just want to say thank you for sharing with me a glimpse of what you’ve learned throughout the many years from this business. It has helped me learn and see things from a different perspective. Cheers!" Cheers to that brother!
Onto the main questions! Who is Kitty and what could you tell us about yourself and the work that you do as she says "She’s just a tiny human with big ideas :) Kitty is a 29 year old multi-genre DJ. Born & raised in Brownsville, Texas but most recently moved back to the upper valley. Though she now resides in Mcallen, her aim is to unite the lower and upper valley communities. She strongly encourages the concept of familia within the dj community as well as the rest of the fine arts community. Her goal is to bring diversity, provide inclusive environments through her
music selection, empower one another and bring public health awareness. She started djing in 2010 but has also been a healthcare professional and has been in public health services for 12 years. Community health is just as important to her as communal involvement. She believes in promoting new artists (of all
arts), encourages networking and most of all, is always willing to be the helping hand to her community." I do agree that while we have events in Mcallen for the most part there is this "untapped community" in other areas of the valley which people do host for. It's always cool to see flyers of what's happening around the valley. I've driven to Brownsville for events before, but I also understand it depends on the person. I was able to have bands/artists from Brownsville play in San Juan at Sauce House earlier this year. I was thinking like people wanna see Brownsville musicians? Fuck it let me bring them here. I've been thinking about an Art Exhibition in Brownsville for awhile, but we shall see! Brownsville goes hard! I mean have you seen the pictures of the festivals they hold!? It's crazy! It's cool to see everyone basically there haha. Kitty does bring up good points on networking and merging both upper and lower valley together. This is the valley and we're together. As they say "puro 956" right?
How long has Kitty been DJing for? Did she expect to one day be doing it the way she is now? "I’ve been djing since 2010..it started off as a hobby? I’ve always been around the music industry and almost every band was in a band or produced/recorded music. I wanted to be a part of 'scene' but can’t sing and I haven’t picked up my guitar since 2009 so I decided to try djing for the fun of it. I started playing at house parties in college then at bars/clubs when I was 18 with x’s lol I seriously didn’t think I’d still be doing this currently." I remember when I was in middle school in the 6th grade I was asked to be a singer for a punk band lol but I said "no" because I was shy. Sometimes I think about it and I also never learned to play guitar. It felt like an obligation because my dad's side of the family are musicians or play instruments like the drums, guitar, and the accordion. I literally had a family member who was in Duelo. I may not know how to play an instrument, but at least I can enjoy local bands playing their instruments! Kitty really started with house parties to creating THE party for real.
What got her interested in Djing? "Besides the things I already mentioned above, I have a true love and passion for music. I wish I would’ve pursued guitar longer. I would most definitely be in a band right now. Music is my love language as cliché as that sounds. I communicate through music, live through it and
express myself with it on a daily basis. I don’t like saying cheesy things like that but it most definitely is more to me than just noise/sounds/good beats." Imagine DJ Bbycat ripping on the guitar as she has her mix playing at the club! Music as a love language is interesting for sure in a sense that it's used to express ourselves that may be hard for us to express ourselves, but its the song and the sound that captures us perfectly. That's kinda how I see it.
I know Kitty DJs at Double Trouble, but how did she become a resident DJ at Double Trouble? Was she Djing anywhere else before Double Trouble?
"So when I was 18 I started off as an industrial/goth/80s/synthwave dj so I would play at bars/clubs that hosted 'goth/industrial nights'. I started djing at El Antro (retired club in Brownsville), then Bora Bora (same owners, also retired bar) then did some pop-ups at Metropolis (here in Mcallen), and some other random spots here in the upper valley that I can’t recall. Some years later I started djing at the Dog House
in Brownsville with my close friend Ozzy. After he moved back from Florida we became a 'duo dj'. We had no clever name so were called K.O (kitty & ozzy) hahaha it’s soooo cringe. I don’t like seeing that on flyers but people knew us by that for 3+ years. We were also invited by Meylo to dj at Grain to Glass (RIP) and a few times at Yerbz (RIP OG Yerberia Cultura). The first person to give us that residency at Dog
House was Rodrigo Quintero (now owner of Double Trouble). He was originally part of the management team at Dog House so we go way back. Started that residency at age 21, I am now 29." She continues by sharing how she became a resident DJ at Double Trouble "I became a resident dj at Double Trouble extremely randomly. I had gone on 'break' from djing and kind of 'MIA' for a few years. Then randomly one day in July 2021 I received a text from Rodrigo saying he was looking for new resident dj to takeover 2 of his nights and asked if I’d be willing to. I hadn’t opened Serato (the dj program I use) in 2-3 years so I was pretty nervous to start again and already have a residency. The pressure was on. He knew I could/would deliver and I had already built that reputation before so I had to and did." Y'know Kitty is the 2nd person who's mentioned metropolis to me haha and I googled it..again. It's cool to see how these were the spots. The people the were once hosted there and the sounds that bounced off those walls. I can only imagine, but it's something I enjoy learning about. I remember Grain to Glass and Yerb. I may not have been there a lot, but I remember them. It's interesting to see the trail of an artist from place to place and now having her residency at Double Trouble. From the residency to the 1st night playing she has built herself up to what she does now and that's so cool! It's like she stated it's not what ever expected to be doing and more!
When it comes to DJing, what genres do shes enjoy playing the most?
"Oh, for sure. I enjoy a lot fun/weird genres. I don’t even know what all the subgenres are at this point but I’m sure most fall into the giant umbrella of 'indie', dance, indie-pop, funk, nu-wave, nu disco, 70’s-80’s, 90’s, like Better off Alone (Alice Deejay), Don’t Call me Baby (Madison Avenue), Robyn, fun stuff like that." Kitty named so many things that my brain doesn't know, but I understood the word "indie" this is now my new assignment to look into these genres and artists mentioned! With these genres mentioned being what Kitty enjoys what can be said about how Kitty enjoys Djing as she says "I enjoy djing the most when I am allowed creative freedom (who doesn’t?), but yeah, If I’m given the chance to play my weird/cute stuff, I’m the happiest." I mean I understand when there may be a theme, but when it comes to the "creative freedom" who doesn't enjoy that? To play what they want or even if there is a theme that allows experimentation for the artist to try something new, but to each their own y'know. If I was a DJ I don't even know what I would play to be honest lol puro indie spanish no se. One hand on the DJ controller y la otra con mi mofle! Vamonos! DJ Ram with the Jams (don't quote me on this...)
What would you say is your style when it comes to DJing?
It’s changed as I’ve learned throughout the years. In 2010 I used Virtual Dj and my iPad as a controller. When I was a duo dj with Oz as K.O we used Serato and an ableton midi pad. Later, we used Serato and Technics turntables. Currently, I’m used ddj’s which is all digital. Umm, as far as 'style', I think you have to hear it. It depends on my mood. I was inspired by a resident DJ in Atx (Bird Peterson from Latchkey) last summer. He blended ALL genres of music in a matter of short
minutes. He blew my mind. He went from Take on Me, Beyonce, MCR, LCD Sound system, Nas, The Smiths, Miley Cyrus, A Tribe Called Quest, The Killers, and wow it was just everywhere. It takes so much skill to be able to do that. I’d say that's been my biggest inspo and I do my best to give that energy when I’m allowed creative freedom. I love that feeling of 'taking people back' and playing music they haven’t
heard in a while or don’t usually hear while they’re out." Is this what Kitty means when she says "music is my love language" especially when it involves "creative freedom" which is the feeling/sentiment she wishes to push onto the crowd? To have them feel the beat/sound of what she plays? Especially if that sent from Atx made her feel that way. I wonder how she feels to see the people at her sets.
Not only is she a DJ but a curator/event organizer as well. How did she start organizing events? Do you recall your first event to your most recent?
"Yes, my first event was almost exactly one year ago. Our first 'Sweater Weather' music fest held downtown at Double Trouble. It was on 11/26/2022. ummmm how do I put this into words without sounding weird…I was never supposed to be a curator/event organizer. It just ended up turning out that way because of my initiative to get things done and make phone calls (lmfao). No but for real, in all
seriousness, I really don’t want to use those titles. I give myself credit for the events I’ve constructed but I’m only trying to do this twice a year. It’s been a lot to juggle mentally. The logistics of it all, sound rental, budgets, paychecks, attendance, policy/rules, expectations, communication, it’s a lot. I applaud those
who have done this for years because 2 events in one year are enough for me to feel the heavy load/weight of all the planning." While it may be titles she doesn't want to use she really is doing something for her city, her community. While yes the people see and experience the show there's always something the organizer may be going through just to see this these events go through. Just know it's appreciated and it's hard work for sure! It's worth it to know people enjoy it. So thank you Kitty for doing what you have done so far as we look forward to Sweater Weather coming up!
What is the funnest part about putting an event together for you?
"A vision board!! Jk. I don’t physically make vision boards but I guess in my mind I do. I like exploring my ideas and seeing them come to life. More than anything it’s not even about my ideas coming to life that are the highlight, it’s seeing people show up and enjoy themselves. That’s the most rewarding for me, personally." She says "jk" but I bet there's a physical vision board for real! I like to just well write it out and draw it out on my note books! It's so exciting to plan it out for sure and just seeing what to do with the space.
Do you believe promoters should take a step out of their comfort zone and plan in other areas such as Harlingen and Brownsville as an example? To step away from their usual. "I do but having spoken with some, I’ve realized that it’s okay to stick to a niche and play it safe. If it works, why change it? If it’s not broken, why try to fix it? So that’s kind of why I took one for the team and started planning things for Brownsville. If no one else wants to do it, but we want to see it happen then someone
has to take it into their own hands. Instead of complaining as to why there are no shows in my city then how about I just make it happen, network, and explore my resources." Yes king slay! I've been thinking about Harlingen, San Juan, Mcallen, and Brownsville. I think collaborations are super fun! I have one coming up, but I can't say with whooo! I remember when I was working at my old job from 2pm to 11pm and I would see flyers with Mt.Casino and TRIIINE in BROWNSVILLE! I would have gone if it wasn't for the stinky schedule :( but now with this new schedule I can travel to different spots and see the cool stuff!
What can you tell us about Sweater Weather in Brownsville? From the curation to the planning. What do you look most to about this event?
I honestly can’t even talk about the planning right now because my brain is in a haze from all the planning (lol). BUT what I can say I am most excited about is uniting the upper and lower valley! I’m not the first to do it obv but it’s so fun to see upper valley bands playing in Brownsville and hosting Glare in their
hometown! I love seeing our communities come together. Juntos, somos poderosos." Asi es compadre! Como tu dices "familia" yess sir! I saw the set list and I'm pretty excited for it! See y'all there!
What can you tell us about Brownsville? Let's pretend there's someone who has NEVER heard of or been to brownsville. What would you say to express/explain what Brownsville is? We’re a bunch of silly gooses my dudes! Lol. Jk. I’m sorry I can never be serious. Locals know we are a border town but for people who have never heard the name of the city, may not know that. I know there are many other cities who are also border towns but let me tell you, we’re a border border town. Where I
host my events (downtown Brownsville) is literally walking distance to the Mexico border. You can definitely walk over, have lunch and walk back. (With precaution of course, don’t go wild on me y’all). I may be biased but we have the best Mexican food in the valley. It’s authentic, it’s made with love and with generational recipes. Because we are so close to Mexico, you can see/feel the culture everywhere
around you. There are many businesses/restaurants that are also generational and held down by the same families. It’s definitely a place to experience Mexican culture but at the same time you have the 'hip'culture on almost every corner. Brownsville has changed so much within the last 5 years. For the longest time it had a reputation for being 'close-minded' but I think it’s because when our generation was
a bit younger we were instilled to stay quiet and listen to our elders. There weren't a lot of people 'brave' enough to change the system, plan events that weren’t catered to the majority, etc. Now that our generation is 'older' and has found our voice, we’re taking matters into our own hands and pushing for novel ideas. We’re not only pushing for novel ideas but we are creating them. Brownsville is big on
community and family, if you have their support, the possibilities are endless." Honestly Brownsville does have some good food! I don't know the name, but there's the burger spot that's red and it's like a hallway? Is that still open? Only way to find out is by going to Brownsville now. I have my homies in Brownsville (Manuel who never invites me but sends me pictures of food) and the times I've gone it's been enjoyable. It's nice. I don't drink coffee, but whenever I go I always stop at Nerve coffee lol and I've even driven to Brownsville twice to pick up 2 cakes I've ordered from bean bean cake! It's just so good! I'll be there again next week that's for sure.
Finishing off Kitty shares her thoughts on the local valley scene,
I love the local valley scene. I’ve been attending shows/concerts since I was 13 years old. I’ve grown with it and lived it. I am thankful to my parents for supporting my shenanigans when I was younger. They’d drive me all across the upper valley (and the entire state of Texas) to attend any show I wanted to. (I was a nerd and had straight A’s so my reward was attending a $3-$5 cover shows LOL). My love for music
and this scene began at such a young age. The coolest part is that all of us who have been around shows for this long, recognize each other till this day and it’s interesting how so many social circles crossover. I love how most people within the local valley scene are always willing to lend a helping hand. If you’re around the right people, you can lift each other up and that’s a great network to be a part of if you ask me.
Any final comments?
If you read all of that above, dang. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
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