“Soul over ego” is the motto of KALLITECHNIS, and she lives up to it every day.  Dawning her colorful musical presence in 2014, the Montreal-based singer redefines classic R&B tropes with her outspoken, raw, and wavy persona. Today we see KALLI’s sonic vision continue to evolve and refine to an energetic and addicting atmosphere – only made possible through her passionate voice and bubbly electronic production. 

Applying KALLI’s knowledge from college psychology classes bolsters deeply rooted, introspective storylines, and worldly reflection, adding yet another layer of excitement to her tracks. An avid activist and genuine artist, KALLI has proved she is an artist ready to leave a colorful impact. 

Get to know more about KALLITECHNIS musical journey, the risks she took to get here, and other facts you may not know about her below!

Let’s start by hearing where you’re at now – what have you been up to during quarantine? 

Quarantine has been a mix of creativity and recalibration. Been doing a lot of internal work, a lot of introspection, and re-assessing how I could use my voice/platform at a time that people are feeling quite helpless. There’s a lot of learning and unlearning going on!

How did you get started with music?

Music has always been a big part of my life. I grew up singing along to classic musicals, I performed in talent shows and choirs, but ultimately, it was just a passion I thought I needed to treat as a hobby. I only started considering it as a career in 2014, when I met my current manager, Jarret, who had seen some song covers I had posted on Instagram and immediately approached me with the hope of managing me as a singer/songwriter. He was the first person to really believe I can take myself seriously in the industry, and he was willing to invest in building with me, which I’m very grateful for.

Did your time studying psychology at McGill affect your songwriting? If so, how?

I think it aligned with what I was studying just because of the nature of what I was interested in: I’m fascinated by the human psyche and why we act and think in certain ways. Yeah, I guess in many ways my songs are a sort of analysis into the mind and human experience. I like to refer to the music I make as introspective soul.

Was there a specific moment you decided you wanted to pursue music full-time? 

Yeah, in 2016. I had graduated from McGill and realized that graduate school was just not an option for me anymore if I wanted to entertain what truly made me happy: music.

How did you feel once you made the decision?

To be honest it was a huge relief! I realize now what a burden it was to carry around the expectations the world seems to place on young people, by having them seek a life of certainty and economic stability; a predictable career path that often doesn’t encourage anything beyond what is socially acceptable. I spent my entire life believing that being a singer or an artist in general was a reality reserved for others, but certainly not for a Greek-Canadian girl like me. I just didn’t think it was possible. So when I made a conscious decision to shift my life in the direction of constant creation and improvisation, it was incredibly empowering.

In just a few words, how would you describe your sound?

Colourful. Introspective soul.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a musician for you?

Connecting with people through mutual love and appreciation of the intangible. Music is magic, and being able to create a community based on that, while impacting the lives of others in a positive way, through the music, that means the world to me. It makes all of the craziness of the industry seem worthwhile!

If possible, could you pinpoint your favorite experience so far as a musician?

Performing in front of 10 000 people at Montreal Jazz Fest last year. I still can’t believe I kept it together for that. It was just so surreal. The love in the air was so palpable.

Who would be your dream to collaborate with?

Too many people to name. Top contenders would have to be Jordan Rakei, Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, Snoh Aalegra, Victoria Monet, Leven Kali, Usher, and Timbaland.

What’s something people don’t know about you?

I speak 3 languages and played the trombone for 2 years in high school.

What’s next for you? Anything we should be on the lookout for?

Blends vol. I! My first remix project!

What are you listening to right now?

Khruangbin, Tom Misch x Yussef Dayes, Emotional Oranges, Cleo Sol, Shintaro Sakamoto.

Make sure to listen to KALLITECHNIS tracks and follow her on IG (posted above) for future updates!