South-West London's rising Neo-Soul star Kalila is making waves with her soulful vocals and deeply personal songwriting. Her latest single, ‘Faded Blue’, is a captivating exploration of love in all its overwhelming beauty, and a testament to her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
From growing up surrounded by music thanks to her DJ father to honing her craft alongside some of London's finest producers, Kalila's path to success has been paved with passion and dedication. Citing influences like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, her sound blends classic soul with contemporary jazz and a touch of alternative flair. But what truly sets Kalila apart is her ability to weave relatable narratives of romance, relationships, and self-empowerment into her music. So, let's dive into the mind of this rising star and discover what makes her tick.
It's so great to meet you, Kalila, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Let's talk about your new single, 'Faded Blue', can you tell us a bit more about it?
"So I started writing this song in my first ever studio session with my producer, and now good friend Steve Knight. We’d never met before but a mutual friend put us in touch and recommended we work together. We instantly got on and bonded over our love for soul music. After listening to various inspiration songs, Steve started laying down the chords while I free-styled some melodies and began writing the lyrics. The song instantly came to life and we had a demo recorded in just a few hours. A lot of love and hard work has been put into this song and I really hope it resonates with people."
What is your songwriting process? How does a new song come together
"The melody almost always comes first for me, and then it’s a question of fitting the lyrics around it. Certain words will jump out at me, which helps me to decide the theme of the song. There's a lot of back and forth and rearranging of things, but you’ve just got to trust in the process."
What’s the most important thing for you when you’re writing a song?
"That it is honest and comes from the heart. If there isn’t authenticity in my music then literally what is the point!"
Looking back, how did you first start making music? Where did it all begin?
"I grew up surrounded by music as my dad is a DJ and organises a small music festival. Being exposed to such an eclectic mix of artists really inspired my creativity, and made me feel it was possible to pursue it professionally. I’ve always loved singing, I started writing poems at a young age which later progressed into songwriting. Listening to artists like Etta James and Aretha Franklin made me fall in love with soul music, and from then on I knew that was the direction I wanted to take."
How would you describe your sound?
"I would say my sound is a blend of old school soul and contemporary jazz, with a bit of an alternative twist!"
What influences most define your music?
"My main inspirations have got to be artists like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. I’m obsessed with Neo Soul music, and there's some incredible new artists like Greentea Peng, Bel Cobain and Cleo Sol that inspire me massively."
Now the single is out, what’s next for you as an artist?
"Currently, I’m focusing on writing new material. I’ve recently been in the studio with some exciting new artists and producers, and I can’t wait to share what we’ve been creating! I’m looking to release an EP in the near future, which will be my biggest project to date."
What would your dream collaboration be?
"My dream collaboration would be with Disclosure or Kaytranada. House music has my HEART and I would love to create a massive dance banger that people can vibe out to."
Before you go, has there been a standout or best moment in your career so far?
"Being shortlisted for this year's JBL and Martin Garrix Music Academy has been a crazy experience! Filming all the episodes and meeting the other artists has been amazing, and it was incredible seeing everyone showcase their talent. I feel honoured to be recognised as one of the top 10 artists in the UK. I am very grateful for that."
Having already graced iconic stages like Ronnie Scott's and Dingwalls, Kalila is poised to become a household name in 2024. We caught up with her to chat about her musical journey, the inspiration behind ‘Faded Blue’, and her dream collaborations.
It’s clear that Kalila is an artist on the rise, with a bright future ahead of her. Her passion for music, coupled with her raw talent and honest songwriting, is sure to resonate with audiences worldwide. With a new EP on the horizon and exciting collaborations in the works, we can’t wait to see what she does next. Keep an eye out for Kalila – she’s one to watch!
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