Hi friends meet @sirpaisley. Caity has style. She spends her days working as a Dj and driving her Volvo named Bonnie around town. I was super happy to spend some time with her in her San Francisco home and neighborhood. follow along this week as we talk about old things, music and yoga.
Why is style important?
Style is important for many reasons! Most obviously, it sets you apart, but it also denotes creativity (which is a quality I highly admire), and that you give a shit (or at least tried). I think having style speaks volumes. For me personally, it's a reflection of my internal landscape and also my interests. Being externally successful, internally zen and organized, doing it your way whatever that is, and looking good while doing it is the ultimate in my eyes.
What have you learned from living in San Francisco?
How to make through your 20s in one of the most expensive cities in the world. You either hustle, or you leave. I've made it 7 years in arguably the most confusing decade of anyone's life. It hasn't been easy. It's been a lot of work, but it's been worth every minute.
Why do you like old things?
History is interesting to me and I'm fascinated by certain things from prior decades. Old things have character and warmth. It probably also has to do with how I grew up; my parents rarely bought things new whether it was their cars, homes, clothes etc. They are big on repurposing, reusing, recycling etc not wasting anything. I've been wearing hand me downs and buying second hand clothes my entire life, for example.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting over in a new place?
For me, I love having a community and social engagements. I would say get involved- volunteer, contribute to your new place in some way or find something you are interested in and follow that. You will then have hobbies, friends and be positively contributing to your new place and therefore the world.
What is god?
The acknowledgment that there is a phenomenon in this universe larger and more profound than humans and our inane hubris.
Could you tell me a bit about your yoga practice and it’s importance?
The first time I ever went to a yoga class I was 15, and I've never stopped going since. It's a moving meditation. It quiets all the chatter in my brain, simply focusing on moving and breathing. It's taught me mindfulness. My relationship with it has only deepened over time and it is an utterly invaluable component in my life, especially as an adult living a busy life in a big city doling out my energy to various jobs, people and daily tasks. It is truly a gift for me, from me. MY time. And it feels good to stretch!
What have you learned from playing music for people?
So much. Too much to write. What an XLR cable is. How to use a digital controller. How to set up a PA. How to listen to people. How to make people happy. How to set a vibe. How to be a human algorithm. The difference between deep house and tropical house. How to relate to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. A lot of it is literal, a lot of it is human psychology.
What always cheers you up when you think about it?
Sunny days at the beach. Rollerskating. My boyfriend.
Do you like things to be carefully planned or do you prefer to just go with the flow?
Both! I use to be more go with the flow, but as I get older, I become more of a planner. I'm capable of assuming either roles pretty easily.
What about the opposite sex confuses you the most?
The lack of honest, emotional communication with themselves, their friends and with their partners. "Boys don't cry" isn't doing anyone any favors.
What life skills are rarely taught but extremely useful?
How to cook!
When you look in the mirror what do you see?
Idk, I think like everyone some days I'm totally feeling myself and other days I'm critical. My hair looks good today. I hate my stomach. I like my shape, it's so womanly. I'm almost 30, how am I still breaking out? I think mostly when I look in the mirror I'm pretty detached and don't think much at all.
How do you keep yourself psychologically healthy?
Yoga, exercise in general, journaling, self care things like cooking myself a nice meal, going for walks, doing my skincare routine, getting enough sleep etc.
Mantra of the moment?
Let go.
Favorite quote?
"He not busy being born is busy dying" -Bob Dylan
