The Character Called: KALINÉ

 Q: Who is Kaliné?

Quite simply, Kaliné is a sonic messenger with the intention to promote and embody authenticity by telling thoughtful stories (through music) that connects people and especially empowers
them to embrace their truest self.

Q: You produce great music with your piano – what feeling do you get with the piano?

The piano was my first love. It was a love-hate relationship initially but now, behind it, is really the one place that I feel totally myself.

Q: How old is your first piano?

It was there before I was born I think. So, you do the math haha.

Q: Do you play any other musical instrument?

I play the violin and a little drum set & hand percussion.

Q: Did you ever have the fear of not been accepted when you started your music career?

Not really. Of course it is important to me that people who enjoy my music are inspired by it but acceptance has never really been a deterrent or really an element that I’ve had to battle with.

Q: In spite of the fact that you try to place some of your native language (Yoruba) in your lyrics, you still have this America music fusion in your songs-which of course will have to do with your stay in the states. Which black America songs did you listen to while growing up?

My music education started a lot earlier than my move to America or even to England at 13. My father introduced me to all kinds of genres from the age of 5 and I distinctly remember the moment I heard Michael Jackson “Will You Be There”. Then I heard Prince “Purple Rain”. Then I heard
Whitney Houston “One Moment in Time”. These were all life changing moments for me at a very young age.

Q: you like to play with your voice a lot by stretching it. Is it something you enjoy doing freely or it hurts?

It never hurts. Throughout my journey, my vocal instructors have always taught me techniques that are never supposed to inflict any pain on the vocal chords.

Q: One serious identity you have is your hair. What gives you confidence or how do you psyche up yourself for your performances?

Prayer

Q: Your music videos are natural and very simple. Do you have any say in your videos or you have a music video director that does this for you?

So far I have been heavily involved in the direction and production of all my videos. I have been lucky to have worked with directors who allow me to co-direct and dictate what my vision is.

Q: The video: tell you of my love is really fantastic. You really enjoyed yourself in the video- you look like a loose kid playing in the block- especially with your dancing around and of course you did so many popular dance steps. What is the feeling like?

Thank you and I’m glad the message of ‘fun’ and ‘care-free’ are recognizable. It was so fun to make a video that really emulated self-love and enjoyment.

Q: Your new single: tell you of my love - what do you want listeners to take from this song?

That confidence lies in being honest about your feelings. It mustn’t always be seen as ‘aggressive’ or ‘forward’ for a woman to express her emotions. I am somewhat of a traditionalist when it comes to being direct but there are those moments where it’s OK (if the intention is pure) to not take life so seriously and just come out with it. Saves time too.

Q: Have you gone for any tour or you plan to?

I have never been on tour but I am currently planning something very special so stay tuned.

Q: Who or what songs do you listen to apart from your own songs?

Being at a school like Berkee College of Music surrounded me with so many talents that now I tend to listen to a lot of my friends’ music as a way of being inspired to write, e.g. Jaime Woods.

Q: How do you relax?

Reading, Travel, Horseback riding, Watching TV

Wish you all the best Kaliné.