Meet Kali Marz | Sonic Alchemist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kali Marz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kali, what do you want people to remember about you?
I’d like to leave a legacy of love, accountability and liberation. I want to be so genuine, so in love with myself that it enables others to feel as loved, liberated and free to be their most authentic selves. I hope that comes across in my creativity, my singing, my relationships with those I love and care about and everyday life. Loving myself also means being honest with myself and accountable. It’s a liberating process when you can evaluate yourself, grow and thrive. Not always easy, but if I can’t give & receive love, be accountable and be free, then I don’t know if i’d have any motivation for anything else. Even the hope of Love and freedom is motivating.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I just want to sing, get people Di dance and experience what I feel or have an experience through the music. I wanted to express myself through music that I wrote and eventually as I got older, I wanted to hopefully win over a crush with my music. (Giggles) I’m most proud of not giving up, and following through on certain things. Consistency had been an problem and I lacked that because I lacked confidence and discipline. Being able to express my queer identity and just overall individuality certainly had been something I struggled with early on along with being overweight most of my teenage and early adulthood years. I made up most of the chatter in my own head. Oh, you’ll just look like the fat, effeminate church boy that can sing, what are you gonna wear, yada yada, Then I ask myself, how can I sing about love and relationships when I seem to be so unlucky in relationships. I had to and still have to now, get out of my own head and shut the noise up, live in the moment, and let the creativity and artistry lead. I am an artist, a creator., everything else falls into place and will not make me any less of an artist. so yes, I’m most proud of not giving up and showing up for myself. I’m glad to now be a part of an LGBTQ affirming label, and working with a Queer producer Velvet Code who respects and appreciates my sound, he’s also remixed for Lady Gaga & Taylor Swift. I’ve always been into House/Electronic Music but it was several years back when a DJ friend suggested i start just singing and adlibbing to House tracks, I was hooked henny!! I’ve a few tracks out on SoundCloud where I put original lyrics over a few house instrumentals originally released by DJ/Producers Jared Jackson and Boddhi Satva that I simply adore. It’s my reimagining and homage for the appreciation of their work. My friend Ladi joins me on one, which is my most favorite song that i’ve written and recorded to this date,( I Want Your Love) I’d reached out to Boddhi Satva before putting my version of his track out, he replied the next day on IG and said we should actually work on an original song together, me being green, overly excited I actually posted the voice recording he left me and tagged him in the post. Needless to say, I never heard anything back, but eh, I don’t feel any way about his decision because he’s dealt with some losses recently but that was a learning experience for me, I should have just said yes, did the work then bragged later LOL. I made those songs, the re=imaginings, during transitioning from being homeless and overcoming other challenges, so they will always have significant meaning to me, if no one else.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Listen…I’m an ambivert and don’t get out much, but we’d go to Spiral Diner for some of the best vegan food and dessert. I’m not vegan but love the vibe there and the food is delicious. Later in the week or on a Tuesday, we’d get Tacos from Taco Vato at Fushas Lounge in Arlington on Bardin Rd. Drinks, a Mango Margarita along with some spicy basil noodles from Banana Leaf Thai on Preston Rd. If Renegade Voices Collective had an event that week, we’d definitely go for some live music and spoken word or See Igimeji play somewhere. For the nightlife, we’d go to a new event i’m hosting Huephoria Nights in Arlington at Fushas Lounge celebrating and affirming Queer People of color, the urban/alternative lgbtq community at large in Arlington and allies who want a place to vibe, hangout, hear some stellar talent, play games, enjoy the dj, eat good food, enjoy the night air on the patio and just experience something new and different for Arlingtons rainbow children. I’d even set a last minute impromptu photo shoot with TrangVu Productions for my friend and I!!!! Something fun, silly and sexy.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
YES INDEED!!! I’ve gotten this far with the undying love, support and empowerment of my Parents, my brother Shomari, my closest and dearest friends and fellow creatives who inspire and push me, Scholar, Sharlie, Vincent, Gent, Shakira/DJ NightNurse, Regina, Caleb/FLEXXAS, Ladi, my love Annika, Velvet Code!!! Mrs. Thesis, Robot, DonEric, Lisa, Samaria, Tramaine, Carbette, Cousins Latiff, Sister Kimberly, Dominee, Aunt Evelene, Cassie, too many to name seriously.
Everyone listed has played such a huge role in my life and getting me to this point and pushing me beyond. They’ve inspired me with their own creativity, and how they live out their lives authentically. At my lowest, at my worst they’ve empowered me to pull myself up and out. To not give up on music, pushing me to know this is the space I belong in and that I have something to share. They’ve shown love through actions and sometimes in the smallest ways that meant so much that they may not have even known about it but I’m here and I say thank you. Now let’s dance, love, liberate and thrive!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalisoulmagiq/
Twitter: kalisoulmagiq
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaliMarz/
Image Credits
Trang Vu Productions
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