Kali Claire: The East London Vocalist Defining Her Own Lane
Kali Claire Journal
From Mariah Carey to festival dreams, Kali Claire shares her journey, struggles, and vision for the future of her music.
In the ever-evolving UK R&B and alternative music scene, Kali Claire has carved out her own space with a sound that blends soulful harmonies, rich vocal layering, and raw storytelling.
Hailing from East London, Kali’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to her craft.
Early Influences: The Vocalists Who Shaped Kali’s Sound
Growing up, Kali was drawn to powerhouse vocalists—Mariah Carey, Brandy, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and Christina Aguilera. “These artists don’t just sing,” she explains. “They use their voices as instruments—playing with volume, power, softness, and texture. That’s something I bring into all my tracks. There’s always a lead vocal and then a bed of harmonies underneath for depth.”
Her attention to vocal production is a signature of her music, a style that stands out in the UK’s emerging alternative R&B scene.
Music as a Calling: A Lifelong Passion
Unlike some artists who have a defining “aha” moment, for Kali, music has always been in her DNA. “Every time I make a song, I try to take in that feeling of accomplishment,” she says. “It’s easy to forget your purpose when chasing a dream. But for me, there was never just one moment— I’ve always known this is what I was meant to do.”
The Creative Process: No Two Songs Are Born the Same
Kali’s approach to songwriting is fluid. “The beautiful thing about my process is that it always changes,” she reveals. “It depends on who I’m working with. If I’m writing for another artist and they’re in the room spilling their life’s drama, I might take inspiration from that. But if it’s just me, I’ll usually start by looking at the thoughts and emotions I’ve written down in the mornings.”
This introspective approach to songwriting allows her to keep her lyrics personal, raw, and deeply relatable.
Inspiration From Everyday Struggles
For Kali, creativity is never forced—it comes from lived experience. “Honestly, just existing is enough inspiration to last me a lifetime,” she says with a laugh. “Life is stressful. That alone gives me plenty to write about.”
Her music reflects real emotions, real struggles, and real triumphs, something that listeners connect with on a deep level
Collaboration: The Energy of Passionate Creatives
When it comes to working with other artists, Kali has one key requirement: passion. “I love working with people who are obsessed with their craft—the ones who eat, sleep, and breathe what they do. That’s when magic happens in the studio.”
This high standard for collaboration ensures that every song she creates has authenticity and depth.
The Challenges of the Music Industry: Self-Worth & Self- Image
Navigating the music industry comes with its own set of battles, and for Kali, self-image and self- worth have been the biggest hurdles. “There’s always a pressure to look or present yourself a certain way. I usually wear baggy clothes to the studio—it takes the pressure off,” she admits.
Beyond the external pressures, she actively works on self-confidence. “I try to pat myself on the back every now and then and remind myself of how far I’ve come. And I always keep practising, so even when I don’t feel like I’m working, I am.”
Keeping Her Sound Fresh & Authentic
Kali believes that struggle fuels creativity. “A lot of my favourite artists lost their magic once they reached their goals. Then they start outsourcing creativity to younger artists who are still going through their own struggles.”
For her, staying connected to real emotions is key. “Pain and heartbreak create some of the most beautiful art. I never want to lose that rawness.”
The Role of Visuals in Music
For Kali, visual representation in music is a tricky subject. “I’m just a girl,” she says candidly. “Some days, I want to get glammed up, and other days, I just want to dress like Adam Sandler. It’s about balance.”
But ultimately, her focus is on the music itself. “I bare my soul in my songs, and deep down, I hope that the music alone is enough. How you look shouldn’t determine how much weight your lyrics carry.”
Handling Criticism in the Industry
Kali takes feedback with a level head. “When it comes from industry professionals, I take it with a pinch of salt. At the end of the day, labels and execs have numbers and targets to hit. How genuine is any feedback when there’s profit involved?”
As for fans, she listens with an open mind. “People’s interpretations of my music are their own business. It’s often completely different from what I was thinking when I wrote the song—but that’s the beauty of music.”
Advice for Aspiring Artists: Get a Job
Her biggest piece of advice? Don’t quit your day job—at least not right away.
“Making music is expensive. Whether you’re renting a studio or buying your own equipment, it’s an investment. A 9-5 job will give you financial security, teach you real-life experience, and take the pressure off having to make money from music before you’re ready.”
The Future of Kali Claire: Producing, Engineering & Festival Stages
Looking ahead, Kali is determined to take full creative control over her music. “In the next few years, I see myself producing more of my own records, continuing to engineer myself, and creating 100% Kali Claire projects from start to finish.”
One of her most exciting new ventures is ‘KaliPak’, a sample library of unique Kali Claire vocals. “It’s something I’ve built from scratch, and I hope to see it grow into something big.”
And, of course, she’s ready to hit the stage. “I want to play more live shows, perform at festivals, and really connect with my audience in person. So stay posted!”