Dynamic songstress, multi-instrumentalist and producer, IAMKALECE makes a powerful return with her soul-soaked single ‘TIME’, out on November 22nd 2024.

Her first release since her debut EP ‘Diamonds & Dirt’ in 2020, this new track marks a pivotal moment in IAMKALECE’s evolving sound as she layers smooth soul and transcendent R&B with reflective, narrative-driven lyrics.

In ‘TIME’, IAMKALECE confronts the fleeting nature of life and the delicate balance between savouring the present and grappling with self-imposed expectations, sharing: “TIME was written to express my frustrations with myself and feeling like I was running out of time to achieve my dreams and goals whilst understanding that every achievement and goal has its appointed time. Great things take time to build but I realised I do value my own time and not waste it by worrying or being afraid to shine but to use it wisely to allow myself to shine and reach my goals.” 

In no rush, ‘TIME’ moves at a deliberate pace, instantly enveloping with deep, sinking bass guitar lines, punctuated by a resonant, syncopated beat. IAMKALECE’s delicately piercing vocals soar above atmospheric melodies, creating a rich soundscape that blends classic R&B with modern, psychedelic-infused elements. Drifting through its atmosphere, ‘Time’ invites nostalgic reflection while encouraging perpetual motion, inspiring a courageous leap into the unknown.

With influences ranging from Alicia Keys and Ms. Lauryn Hill, featuring reggae, gospel, and R&B, IAMKALECE has crafted a distinctive sound that shines through in ‘Time.’ The song’s rich textures, soulful delivery, and emotional depth mark the beginning of a powerful new era for IAMKALECE.

IAMKALECE sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1.“TIME" feels like a very personal track. What inspired you to dive into the theme of time, and what message are you hoping listeners will take away from it?

I felt like I was running out of time to achieve my dreams as an artist I actually felt quite down when I wrote the track and I guess I just wanted to release that emotion and use it as a way to relate to my fans that I didn’t have  I think everyone at some point in time experiences doubt or fear about thier dreams and I just wanted to allow myself to be vulnerable. I hope that listeners will be inspired to value their time and use it wisely.

2. You’ve said that “TIME” was written to express frustrations with feeling rushed in life. How did the writing process for this song differ from your previous work on “Diamonds & Dirt”?

It differed as this was written before that particular project was created, it was written in a moment where I didn’t overthink and allowed myself to just be and say whatever was on my heart, I think once I saw that vulnerability and  I was actually afraid and left the track unreleased until I was ready to share it.

The difference with time is that it’s an introduction into who I am as a person where as my previous project was a reflection of me still searching for my sound but “time”is the confirmation that I had the essence of at all along.

3. Your music is rich with influences from reggae, gospel, and R&B, which all carry deep cultural and emotional legacies. How do you approach blending these genres to create something that feels uniquely your own?

I haven’t really focused on an internal blend I allow myself to enjoy hearing my own interpretation of the timeless elements and hooks, over the years I’ve sung my own version of the tracks that I love from each genre and I think subconsciously the creativity just flows from there.

4. “TIME” creates a lush soundscape, combining bass guitar lines with soulful vocals. How did you go about arranging these elements, and was there a particular vision or feeling you wanted to capture in the sound itself?

I arranged the vocals and writing the production elements where arranged by the producer DemDrums and yes I was definitely clear about how I wanted to sound down to the last mix and master I wanted it to be clear that my sound is vulnerable yet clear ,concise and warm and free flowing with the actual arrangement it’s self it was not thought into much as everything genuinely flowed and some tracks are gifts and in many ways I feel like the track arranged itself as there really wasn’t a mass of formulation going into it was truly just an honest expression in production and vocals.

5. In an industry that often prioritises rapid output, you’ve taken a patient approach, refining your sound over four years. What does that approach mean to you, and what have you gained from it creatively?

It means everything to me I don’t want a microwave career because that’s just not who I am as a person and I want my journey and music to reflect the willingness to build a timeless and classic musical catalog, this has really helped me creativity as I’m not willing to compromise my art and the expression of who I truly am and what I have to say, it’s also allowed me the time to be a student of other great musicians and artists.

6. The song carries a message of balancing ambition with self-acceptance. What advice would you give to people struggling with these pressures in their own lives?

My advice would be to take one day at a time and each moment as it comes, nothing last forever and one day what they are currently facing or going through will be just a memory in time but most of all have faith for the good days to come and surround yourself with those that believe the same.

7. “TIME” showcases a blend of classic and modern sounds. How did you strike that balance in the studio, and was there a moment when you felt you’d really captured the essence of the song?

I think both myself and DemDrums share an appreciation for classic timeless soulful sounds and that combined with how I decided to approach the vocal arrangements I think created the balance in the creation of time, I really feel that the essence was captured at the beginning just as the synth and basses come as I sing the first line of the first verse “thought I would see fame”.

8. You’ve spoken about the importance of your Jamaican, Bajan, and Irish heritage. How does this blend of cultures influence your songwriting and storytelling, especially in such an introspective track.

The influence is huge! DefinitelyI’m regards  to the variety of melodies but also to the fact that my heritage is made up of very big and oppinionated characters this actually caused me to use songwriting as an outlet for at time feel undheard and that’s why I think my writing is direct at the point.

9. You’ve mentioned artists like Alicia Keys and Ms. Lauryn Hill as inspirations. What is it about their music that resonates with you, and how do those influences show up in your music?

I feel know exactly how to directly say what they feel unapologetically but they are still able to make thier music relatable with out compromise, that’s probably the greatest influences that has shown up in my song writing and approach to vocal arrangements.

10. Finally, looking ahead, how does “TIME” fit into the bigger picture of your music journey, and what can fans expect as you continue to explore this powerful new era in your sound?

Time is the introduction to the larger picture of who I am and lived experiences that I have to share, fans can expect transparent and relatable music from an honest women with a clear vision of love and truth, I really hope that , that would mean enough for them to connect with me.