Get to know 2022 Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year nominee, KALLITECHNIS in our “7 Questions With” series where we speak with first-time JUNO Award nominees from all genres.
KALLITECHNIS is an eclectic Montreal-based singer, songwriter, producer & dancer whose work, while speaking to her beliefs, has garnered acclaim from Complex, Highsnobiety, Okayplayer, CBC, Vice, HYPEBAE, Clash & many more. Known for her warm, soulful vocals and introspective lyrics, KALLI’s sound is as it is presented: colo(u)rful. In just a few years KALLI has accumulated tens of millions of streams. She has had her music featured in several ads and Netflix shows, and she has sold out her own headlining shows and played major festivals.
Nonetheless, KALLI abides by her daily mantra: SOUL OVER EGO, as a reminder that her soul’s needs should always outweigh her ego’s wants.
1. How did it feel to be nominated for a JUNO?
It felt like a huge sigh of relief. It felt reassuring to know I’m not as alone as the creative process can sometimes make me feel. There’s a certain type of tunnel vision you need in order to navigate this industry as an independent artist: a discipline that requires you to put your head down and work and work and trust that your talent and consistency will help you penetrate through to the surface. Being nominated felt like looking up after being so immersed in work and realizing people were watching and appreciating my flow. I don’t need everyone to love me, but it’s nice to know that the music conveys an energy people are receptive toward.
2. Which album made you want to become a working musician?
Channel Orange was a project I heard and instantly felt inspired to recreate in my own musical palette. I love storytelling in songwriting and feeling like the music I’m listening to is tangible. I like the idea of traveling through music. I like being dropped into an artist’s world simply by hearing them on a song. Kendrick Lamar, Sade, Radiohead, Kanye West and Frank Ocean are just a few of the many artists that have made me believe in them simply by connecting with them on a song. I think what those artists all have in common is that they put their soul in their music. It’s an intention conveyed to the listener as a feeling. It’s magic, and I think when you approach music in that way, you have the power to really connected people with love and compassion.
3. What are 3 items you require when you’re on-tour?
Palo Santo, a Polaroid camera, my mic to record on the go
4. What do you think is the best song you’ve ever released? What’s the story behind it?
“GIFTED” is probably the best song I’ve ever released. It was written in the Spring of 2020, when the pandemic had just begun and I started building an even deeper connection with my songwriting. “GIFTED” is the song I would want to hear when I’m feeling frustrated and helpless. It’s a reminder that you’re worth investing in always, no matter how discouraged you may be in a given moment.
5. Which artist(s) would you like to collaborate with most?
Justin Bieber
6. What has been your favorite performance of your career?
Playing the Montreal Jazz Fest in 2019. It was such a magical show. I had never experienced a sea of thousands of phones lighting up a summer night. It was surreal!
7. What’s next for you?
More music. More shows. More mindful connections. More soul.
Tickets for The 2022 JUNO Awards are on sale now! Don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of Canadian music hosted by Simu Liu on May 15th.
