11-year-old DJ hitting the stage at Yellowknife's Folk on the Rocks

DJ Kai Walden has never played Folk on the Rocks before, but the 11-year-old is no stranger to the Yellowknife music scene.

Walden, whose stage name is Kilo November, has already played the snow castle atSnowking's Winter Festival twice.

"My first show was really fun. There was lots of people there," he told CBC. "At first I was nervous, and then I had lots of fun. And I've been wanting to do it again."

Now the youngster is gearing up for three performances this weekend at Yellowknife's annual music festival.

"There's gonna be way bigger stages and lots more people," Walden said.

Music is in his blood. Walden's dad is well-known northern singer Diga, and the young DJ calls him an inspiration. He was initially into his father's type of music: rock and the blues.

"When I heard the very first electronic song that my dad showed me, I really loved it and then I wanted to make my own songs."

Now Walden has about 40 songs. He's involved in a DJ camp in town and hopes to make an album. But first, he'll hit the stage at Folk.

"I've been practising a lot. I'm really excited, kinda nervous, but really excited," he said.

He said he feels "really proud" of himself after he performs, and just wants to do it again. One day he hopes to travel the world playing his music.

"I just like to be up on the stage and play music and have fun. The music makes me happy, to sit up there and listen and DJ."

After the festival, Walden will play at Yellowknife's farmer's market on Tuesday, and then the Ramble and Ride festival later this summer.

Folk on the Rocks is taking place July 12 to 14. The full schedule is online.