DJ NOLITA: Self-Taught and Self-Made

by Natalie Sears

Image Source: Privilege NYC

DJ Nolita, born Nailah Kettrles, taught herself how to DJ and produce music when she was in her freshman year of high school. Experimenting with programs such as Serato, Fruity Loops, and Virtual DJ, Kettrles soon found her production niche by combining and mixing hip-hop with house and rock music.

DJ Nolita caught Grammy Award winning producer DJ Kid Capri’s attention as she performed at impressive venues in her home base of New York City and beyond. DJ Kid Capri became an important mentor for DJ Nolita, assisting her in finding management, teaching her the ins and outs of the music industry, and supporting her artistic craft.

Image Source: DJ Nolita Instagram

DJ Nolita’s music exudes positivity and dynamic soulfulness, which speaks not only to the self-taught producer’s personal outlook on life, but also to her dedication to her craft. In an interview with The Source, DJ Nolita commented that one of the most important characteristics to have in the music industry is an undying positive energy: “There will always be someone or something making an attempt to tear you down and you kind of have to wake up and shift all your energy to any thought that reverts you back to the happiest you.”

DJ Nolita’s adherence to positivity bestows upon her a versatility, adaptability, and willingness to tackle anything before her. For example, in 2016, DJ Nolita played an unexpected set for rapper K$ace. She did not have her computer, so she DJ’d an entire set straight off of her iPhone.

DJ Nolita’s career is stirring up a great amount of excitement and buzz; she has scratched at some of New York City’s most prominent venues such as Lesouk, Chalkboard tee store, 1Oak, Arlene’s Grocery, SOB’s, and No Malice Palace.

Keep up with DJ Nolita here: Instagram / SoundCloud  / Twitter


About the Author


Natalie Sears