Dress by Karolina’s Kingdom Spain
Shoes by Willa Phoenix
Earrings by Lele Sadoughi
Glasses by Prada
Gloves by Stylist Own

Kim Lee, an Asian-American DJ, model, and reality television star, is best known for her career in the music industry. She became interested in the music industry after Black Eyed Peas member Apl De Ap suggested he manage her, which pushed her to attend the Scratch Academy in Los Angeles. In 2012, Lee played her first gig in a music festival in Vietnam to approximately 20,000 people, which started her touring career. She quickly became one of the foremost female DJs in the industry and has worked with artists from Martin Garrix to Cardi B. Her performances include the 2021 MTV movie and TV awards and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Halloween Party. In 2021, She was announced as the resident DJ for The Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Aside from the music industry, Lee also starred in the Netflix reality show “Bling Empire,” which ran for 4 seasons.

**Left:**
Top/ bottom/ stockings by BRIELLE
Shoes by Allegra K
Earrings by Sterling Forever
**Right:**
Dress by Karolina’s Kingdom Spain
Shoes by Willa Phoenix
Earrings by Lele Sadoughi
Glasses by Prada
Gloves by Stylist Own

Before pursuing music professionally, how did you incorporate it in your life?
I’ve been playing piano ever since I was a child. I’ve always had an ear for music.

Did you have any hesitation in becoming a professional DJ? Why?
When I started DJ’n, I was sure that’s what I wanted to do with my career. I felt confident that I would be successful because at the time there weren’t many female DJs in the industry and the scene wasn’t saturated.

Why are you interested in music production versus songwriting or singing?
I am interested in music production versus songwriting or singing because I have found that creating beats comes naturally to me. I also love researching to find new beats to play with and create something amazing!

**Left:**
The look by Brielle Officielle
**Right:**
Bodysuit by Club L London
Jacket by Rebecca Crews LLC
Shoes by Stylist Own
Earrings by Sterling Forever
Ring by Elizabeth/Vintage Jewelry Designer

How did growing up in Los Angeles influence your music taste?
Growing up in a diverse city like Los Angeles, I found that several different genres and sounds always kept me inspired and influenced my taste in music.

Does your French-Vietnamese heritage influenced your taste in music and aesthetics as well? If so, how?
Yes, I think that my French-Vietnamese heritage has influenced my taste in music, to some extent. I think all my travels to Paris have had a huge influence on my fashion choices.

Why did you choose to attend Scratch Academy in Los Angeles?
I did my research and found that Scratch Academy offered a fantastic program on DJ’ing, which solidified my decision to attend.

Top/ bottom/ stockings by BRIELLE
Shoes by Allegra K
Earrings by Sterling Forever

How has your position as a leading female Asian-American DJ helped and hurt your career trajectory?
It has never hurt my career and if anything, it has opened a lot of doors for me. When I reflect on my career trajectory I am so grateful for my presence in Asia which honestly I owe to my fans who boosted me to my stardom.

Do you have a favorite city to DJ in?
That’s a tough question. I don’t have a favorite city, but I do enjoy doing shows overseas.

Are there any other genres from which you draw inspiration?
Lately, I’ve been listening to Amapiano, Afrobeat, K-Pop, and Latin music. I have taken inspiration from these genres and mixed them into my sets.

**Left:**
The look by Brielle Officielle
**Right:**
Dress by Karolina’s Kingdom Spain
Shoes by Willa Phoenix
Earrings by Lele Sadoughi
Glasses by Prada
Gloves by Stylist Own

Who is your most played artist right now?
My most-played artists right now are Doja Cat, DPR IAN, Drake, New Jeans, and Jung Kook.

What songs would you say are underrated and which are overrated?
Overrated songs: “Shake It Off,” by Taylor Swift, “Bad Habits” by Ed Sheeran, and “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles. Underrated Songs: “Definition of Love,” by Naomi Sharon and “Worth It” by Don Toliver and Off Set.

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and music producers?
Just do it. Don’t be afraid to fail. You have to fall a couple of times before you can run.

Do you have any advice for people wanting to go into the industry?
Don’t burn bridges and don’t get too comfortable, always strive to elevate.

Social Media.
Instagram: @kimlee

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Lauren Desberg
Talent: Kim Lee
Fashion Stylist: Charlotte Harris
Hair: Richard Grant for Exclusive Artists using Oribe Haircare
Makeup: Raquel Moreno
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Sneha KC, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine