MUSiC CONCERT PREVIEWS BEN HOUDIJK / SHUTTERSTOCK DARROL EPALMER KALI UCHIS experimental music: Jimi Hendrix and really just any type of artist that seemed like they were doing their own thing.” PNE Forum Tix: $49.50 For Kali, being a female pop star in <strong>2019</strong> means using her platform for philanthropic deeds, speaking at the podium of women’s empowerment and approaching life with a kind heart. She JORJA SMITH AND KALI UCHIS Vancouver: Wednesday, <strong>May</strong> 22 Toronto: Thursday, <strong>May</strong> 30 RBC Echo Beach Tix: $49.50 - $68.00 hometown in Colombia with her charity, Visión Valores Y Vida. “I have my own charity with my family in Colombia and all the proceeds go to Visión Valores Y Vida.” The foundation, which is primarily geared towards providing clothing and toys to children was announced last JORJA SMITH k CONTINUED FROM PG. 18 has been playing music since she was year. k CONTINUED FROM PG. 19 tage, pin-up, and visuals of old school Latina culture. While all things retro may be today’s craze , for Kali, these vintage vibes were born out of necessity and seven and says she was “one of those little kids making drum beats off of “I think growing up, my goal has always been to be successful enough to be an independent person who doesn’t need help from anyone and can do whatever I want to do and generating a persona within limitations. I just loved being but to other people in less fortunate also a provider, not just for my family “I’ve always loved all things retro. situations.” able to take As a teenager, I developed my personal style shopping for secondhand something old and home. Her father grew up on the For Kali, the topic hits close to clothes and creating new clothes out make it new, fresh, streets of Colombia as a kid, and her of them. I would reinvent myself family was deeply affected by the aftershocks of Colombia’s decades of modern and make it through those expressions of fashion and play around with vintage my own.” political turmoil. styles whether that was the 90s, 80s, Through her many artistic platforms, 70s or 60s I just loved being able to pots and pans.” Encircled by music in philanthropic expressions, take something old and make it new, fresh, modern and make it my own,” she says. Influenced by music of the 60s, early soul, R&B, doo-wop, and jazz, Kali bridges visuals of the past with rhythms reminiscent of early 00s’ soulful pop and R&B: “I love artists that are free and do what they want to. I’ve always loved Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse and Selena. Growing up I was really into all types of her community and encouragement by her family, Kali grew up playing piano and saxophone, while participating in a jazz band. She spent those years in a bicultural upbringing in Virginia and Colombia. “I think being bicultural made me very open minded to the world.” With a global and empathetic eye, Kali participates in many philanthropic efforts helping children and families in need, in and around her and as she continues to build her empire, Kali believes the route of true success comes from a place of kindness and a place of softness. “If all of us had empathy and were reminded of people who are in less fortunate circumstances then we could turn a lot of lives around and have the opportunity to do something greater. It’s something that I’ve always personally tried to keep in mind and stay passionate about.” , “They boosted my confidence early. I used to sing all the time in the house and play them songs I’d written. My mom got me into playing the keyboard when I was eight.” Some of us would be mortified to read songs we’d written in our Don’t compare yourself to other artists as we all have our own path. Love and believe in what you do.” vulnerable, awkward teenage years, let alone perform them in front of global audiences. But Smith transcends that embarrassment – she knew herself then, just as she does now. “It’s mad to think things I go through now I can relate to through my music from years ago,” she says. “They can give me the same feeling.” Growing up in the small town of Walsall, England, Smith was a fish too big for her tank. She got restless, and by 16, she knew she wanted to move to London to pursue music. “I didn’t know any different than Walsall when I grew up,” she says. “When I started going to London I realized that’s where I wanted to be. I’m a busy body and love to be constantly doing things.” Smith has collaborated with artists like Stormzy, Drake, and most recently Kali Uchis, who is accompanying her on this North American tour. But she’ll never work with someone just for the clout. In fact, she almost said no to working with Drake. “I write my own songs, and ‘Get It Together’ was a cover for me to sing,” she says. “At first I didn’t relate to the words, but over time things changed in my life and I listened back. I was like, ‘Oh, now I get what she is saying.’” The singer-songwriter has always known what she wants, and to witness her thoughtful process is to know that she is right in her certainty that she’ll succeed. Her advice to anyone chasing similar goals is poignant. “Don’t compare yourself to other artists as we all have our own path. Love and believe in what you do, explore your craft and push yourself even further than you think you can go. Don’t be afraid of criticism either – it can help. But trust yourself.” , 20 BEATROUTE MAY <strong>2019</strong>
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