Kalpee - 10 Questions

Trinbagonian musician Kalpee unveils the poignant official video for his sublime new track ‘Put A Record On’ – available now on FVP Records via Absolute Label Services. The song features on Kalpee’s recently released, brilliant Feel Good Playlist Vol. 1 EP.

Co-produced and written with fellow Trinidad producer Tano (co-producer of Rema’s FIFA 21 official playlisted single ‘Beamer’) – ‘Put A Record On’ pays homage to Bob Marley’s legendary single ‘Three Little Birds’. Created during a low point in Kalpee’s life when a friend sadly tried to commit suicide; ‘Put A Record On’ is an aid for encouraging others to believe that there are brighter days ahead. Shot by the UK coast on breath taking Mersea Island, the moving official video mirrors the uplifting lyrics which feels fitting in today’s current climate.

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I was six when I first started singing, I didn’t actually know at the time that I could sing, but I got chosen to represent my primary school class, in our annual calypso competition and from there, I never really stopped. I’d say school was big part of me being involved in music. I was always in choir, singing in church, in a school band, I did everything musical and I loved it.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Protoje, chronixx and Miguel are some major influences and definitely are artist I wanna work with, because I really respect the quality of their work, also I know we’d create something dope.

3. Tell me about your creative process when you make music, do you have a particular routine or do you just write/create when the feeling takes you?

The creative process for me, changes all the time, but usually I lay down a guitar part, record all the melodies that come, then arrange them. After that, I write a song to the melodies and based on the mood of the chord progression, I know what I want to talk about and how I want the vibe to feel. I like to leave the production till after the song is finished, so that I could tailor it, based on what I’m saying and what my melodies are doing, because to me, the production is supposed to compliment the vocal and the song, everything needs to feel like one.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I call my sound “Chilled Calypso” since calypso has been such a big part of my musical upbringing. It’s part of a larger Caribbean genre, known as, Island Pop. The sound changes from song to song, but there are elements of calypso, soca, reggae, rock, pop and rnb that makes up the genre. To me the music feels like being on a beach during sunset time. So if thats your vibe, definitely check it out.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

It keeps changing, but it’s gonna probably be, finishing and releasing this last EP “Feel Good Playlist Vol 1” because it’s the first time I’ve actually produced all the tracks, so getting the opportunity to express my ideas fully, exactly how they are on my mind, is extremely fulfilling and refreshing.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Music is my everything, so it has to work, that’s what I tell myself. I don’t place any doubt in it, because when you give yourself a “plan B” you’re potentially setting yourself up for failure. I make it my priority to study my craft and work on my weak points, because this is my job, so I treat it like one. If music is the goal, then you need to be 150% focused on your craft and always open to learning, as that way you become the best version of yourself, in your field.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Protoje, Dominic Fike, Chronixx, Santi.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Tom Misch - Beat tape 2

FKJ - French Kiwi Juice

(Good for flights, train rides or walking through cities, this music will switch your mood if you’re having a bad day).

Santi - Mandy & The Jungle

(Some definite vibes here, it’s a version of afro pop called “Alté” and I love it).

Chronixx - Chronolgy

Protoje - In search of lost time

(Do yourself a favour and take these guys in if you haven’t already, two Jamaican legends doing their thing and creating quality, positive music).

9. What do you like to do when you’re not making music?

I love looking at master classes and learning about crafts outside of music, because that inspires me to want to make music, when I’m having a dry spell.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when you’re in the studio?

Blue Kiwi microphone, 1/4 inch headphone adaptor and my Gibson guitar.