Sassyblack

Multifaceted Artist w/ a focus in music, literature & performance

Catherine Elizabeth (aka DJ SassyBlack) is a multifaceted creative force & self-proclaimed Goddess of “psychedelic soul” & “hologram funk”. Along with her music, which has been featured on Adult Swim, BET’s “Twenties” as well as the Michelle Obama Spotify Playlist Vol. 1, TNT’s “CLAWS” her acting prowess has been featured on HBO’s Vinyl and Comedy Central’s “Broad City”.

With a little over a decade of touring the world as a DJ and performer, Catherine is currently working on a new album while composing music for orchestras and chamber ensembles. As well as her first musical Emerald Jett which was commissioned by the 5th Avenue Theatre.

In 2024, she concluded her two year contract as Music Director for Microsoft’s flagship events and in 2025 she completed a two year commission at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra. She is currently working on her 4th album HouseCat and continuing her work as a educator and consultant with her workshop Lyrical Landscaping.

latest releases

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lyrical landscaping presented by femme house

JUNE 20TH & 27TH
ZOOM

Lyrical Landscaping: Studio is a 2-session, multi-genre lyric writing workshop that strengthens the connection between your words and your body. Using somatic and technical practices, participants are invited to write from a more present place where language, rhythm, emotion, and imagination work together.

Participants will explore lyrics as a vessel for storytelling, emotional release, and cultural commentary. Together, we'll work with themes, imagery, voice, and songwriting structure while strengthening creative muscle memory through curiosity, play, and consistent practice.

What to Expect
* Guided writing exercises
* Writing exercises designed for both live sessions & continued practice
* Deep listening and discussion
* Creative reflection and experimentation
* Opportunities to share lyrics
* Practical tools for generating lyrical ideas

RSVP

Offerings

I have an ear that will bring your project to life and create a distinctive & memorable sonic experience. Lyrics are a vital part of the songwriting process, they convey a story and my approach draws inspiration from Jazz, Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Pop & Sci Fi thus creating a timeless narrative that will serve my clients while preserving their perspective.
Past clients include: WNYC, Microsoft, 5th Ave Theatre & more.
Whether a lowkey function, a late night dance party or a corporate conference, I have done it all and will bring the perfect vibe to your event with my vast and unique music collection.
Past clients & partnerships include: Microsoft, META, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Earshot Jazz Festival, FvF, HeyLo Cannabis, Seattle Art Museum, MoPOP, MOCADA and others. A selection of mixes & playlists can be found here.
I design immersive live performances that weave together electronic sound, layered vocals, improvisation, crowd work, and storytelling into soul-soothing sonic worlds. Each set transforms a space into a shared experience, inviting curiosity, movement, and genuine connection through sound.
Past venues, festivals & events: The Crocodile, House of Yes, Doug Fir, GeekGirlCon, SXSW, and more.
Shared stages with: Kae Tempest, Gina Yashere, Princess Nokia, Moses Sumney, Bilal, Taylor McFerrin, Roy Hargrove, Jordan Rakei, Madame Gandhi, Mary Lambert, Antibalas, The Black Tones, Joey Dosik, Amber Mark, LATASHÁ, Madison McFerrin, Yemi Alade, Suzi Analogue, Jack Davey, and more.
A range of consultation options are available for individuals, non-profits and corporate clients who seek creative insight into music curation & production, songwriting, performance, independent artistry and event curation. I offer classes and workshops. I also host event & perform public speaking. My topics include (but are not limited to) songwriting, music production, performance, creative pursuits & routines.
Past clients include: Hugo House, Hedgebrook, STG, Microsoft, Coyote Central & others.

CONNECT WITH ME

From Clients

“SassyBlack has been a terrific event partner!! Sassy recently helped us by bringing her positive energy and a cohesive musical flow to our Annual Employee Meeting. Sassy is 100% professional, accommodating to last minute production changes and able to engage the crowd with her music and all-around good vibes. We will definitely bring Sassy back for future events.”

— Beth Bates Gates Foundation (DJ Set)

“I learned more about using Ableton and my push controller in one hour with Sassy than I did in literally months of reading the manual and watching videos online. She is an intuitive teacher and recognized what I was trying to do and explained simple steps I could use to reach my goals. She has a practical approach that helps you feel comfortable with the equipment and helps demystifies the process. After just 5 sessions With Sassy she has helped me unlock a new world of composition and performance. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in creating music using Ableton. Thank you Sassy!"

— Michael Compton Student (ABLETON)

“Sassy is dope, and knows her $hit too!”

— La Frae; Student (ABLETON)

FROM PRESS

“SassyBlack, aka Catherine Harris-White is the afrofuturist, sci-fi loving R&B singer we, the people, need”

— Jaz Joyner afropunk

“If you find it difficult to categorize SassyBlack's music, that means she's doing it right. This song, in particular, is a mix of psychedelic, electronic, soul, and jazz blended up into one, pure sound bite.”

— Sydney Gore NYLON

“Crafting her beats in a tight corner of the stage, SassyBlack radiated energy that transcended the space. Her voice would curl and sway alongside her beats, evoking the sultry history of jazz but warped a thousand years into the future. Her music doesn't even sound like it comes from the era we're living now, staying ahead of the curve and embracing her every whim. And isn't that what jazz is about? SassyBlack is not an artist to stay stagnant, constantly finding new ways to interpret her own sound. The enthusiasm she'd sprinkle between songs only helped accentuate that. Like any good storyteller, she knows how to captivate your audience. Sometimes you need words, other times you just need a vibe, a melody, and a killer beat.”