Tell us about yourself and your music
I’m a student of the universe. I take the time to enjoy life moment by moment, experience by experience. After the passing of My Lover and Queen Jan 2017, I dove headfirst into my craft and art form. I work harder than most because I can’t stop. When I do I think of what I’ve lost and put myself in the dark realm. I’ve become one with that realm as I have with the realm of positivity and possibility. Life to me is about balance and I strive for that every day. I try to portray these characteristics in my music. I live a life of passion and love. I’m as close to my demons as I am my angels and I learn much from both sides. My music is based on the projections of my spirit. With each creation my goal is to paint a picture sonically that translates to relatable thoughts of the mind. Each song and creation is its own experience.
Talk to us more about your latest release
“Eyes Closed, Eye Open” is my debut album. In its entirety, it tells the story of a typical day for me. starting with loneliness and reflection. moving on to the passion and raging thought and ambition. Calming my spirit with the presence of a goddess then understanding that the pains of life are also the lessons of life. I wanted with my first project to give people a vibe they can fall into. A mood of sorts where all is quiet except your spirit. Allowing the energies amongst you to be felt. As a blind individual is more keen to his or her other senses I implore those who listen to close they’re eyes and allow the third eye to awaken. Feeling what can’t be seen and understanding what words can’t explain. It’s a vibe…
What inspired you to write this release?
I never stop working. I rarely stop writing. I’m inspired by experiences. I’ll step out with a few friends for an evening and come home with more artistic subject matter for a new creation. Movement is life. I stay in motion to fuel myself as an artist. Inspiration comes from every and anywhere…
Describe the writing and recording process
All I need is inspiring instrumentation. A beat that matches the picture in my mind. I don’t always know what that picture is until I hear the instrumental. Once inspired my thoughts to spill out on to the page. I’ve written poetry since I was a child so lyricism and writing as an art form is first nature for me. Takes me about 20 minutes to write a song. Then I immediately take that energy and start recording on my equipment. I don’t rely on anyone for my creations anymore being that I’m so passionate I lose interest in my writings if not projected soon enough. My music is very organic and in the moment. I mix and master my work.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
My brand is based on naturalness and spirituality and energy and passion. I love all genres of music and don’t wish to cage myself within one or the other. I love music. In all forms. I don’t have a lane I am the highway.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Everyone that has a vibe. I can single some out but it wouldn’t be fair to the fact that my listening range can go from hard rock to classical to Rnb to Hip Hop.
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influence would have to be KID CUDI. The moment I heard “Day n Night” comes on the radio I felt I could be a musical artist. His abstract way of musicianship blended with the confidence he embodies as an insecure human trying his best is relatable to me. I’ve been heavily influenced by the bands Alice N Chains and Incubus as well. Also the musicianship of SADE and the great singers and vocalist of the ’80s and ’90s…
Tell us about your passions
Health means a great deal to me. Basketball was my first love since I could walk and I almost made it professionally but quit the game for personal reasons. I moved on to Mixed Martial Arts and took my talent to train in New Mexico. I was selected and accepted to train at Jackson’s MMA with the likes of Jon Jones and Holly Holms among other legends of the sport. I am also a level 2 certified trainer… I consider myself a renaissance man as I dabble in all the arts. I draw and sketch and love photography. As of now, I train myself in martial arts daily and I longboard often…
What else is happening next in your world?
Some things are inevitable. Hard work will bless my path but I know not of my future. I’m too busy enjoying what the moment has to offer…
Thanks for an awesome interview, King Kalenga
Connect with King Kalenga
Website: https://kingkalenga.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/kingkalengaInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/kingkalengaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg8ZaPE3-GsTQgHXd09BmCwSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kingkalenga
