Published: February 14, 2009 1:13 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight March 2009 Edition
Kalu James
Kalu James Photo by Inne Aguilar
With music that speaks to the soul, Kalu James has nicely blended the sounds of acoustic, folk, and soul into a nice melodious tune. In this recent interview with our Webzine, Kalu expounded on his love for music and the journey he is embarking on. Enjoy the spotlight.
Isaac: Thanks for the taking the time to complete this online interview. How do you sum up 2008 for Kalu?
Kalu: A great success.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Kalu: Releasing my sophomore album "Dim the Lights" which was recorded at Still Recording Studio (stillrecording.com) here in Austin, TX by my band mate, Randall Squires. I backed that album up with my band through show and tours. Also, I'd have to say going through 2008 as a fulltime musician
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Kalu: I'd have to say the soul of Marvin Gaye & Otis Redding, the Social awareness of Bob Marley & Tracy Chapman, the vocal ranges of James Brown, Jackie Wilson & Jeff Buckley.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Kalu: I think through my songs, I bring the raw passion to express your feelings. For me, it's all about singing with conviction and feeling the music. It strikes a chord with all people, cuts across all Barriers and no one can deny that.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Kalu: Otis Redding. His incredible passion and sincerity for his craft amazes me. He always gave 110%.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Kalu: It's all Feel Music. But if you wanna be genre specific, I guess we could say Acoustic, Soulful, Folk/Rock. I guess that specific enough...haha
Isaac: What is your definition for Music?
Kalu: Life.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous releases?
Kalu: The feedback has been amazing. The fans love it and I'm extremely proud of the work.
Isaac: What can fans expect from your sophomore CD, Dim the Lights, you are working on currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Kalu: The sophomore album is out and available on iTunes, CDBaby and your local Austin record stores. Fans can expect heartfelt tunes that touches on issues like love, heartbreak, optimism & our world yet providing a rhythm that still makes you wanna tap your feet or nod your head.
Kalu: I'll keep being true to myself and keep making music & hopefully that spawns bigger and better things for 09 and beyond.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Kalu: To my parents especially my mom who is my inspiration, my brothers(John & David) and my only sister (Mercy).. love y'all. To Ozzie, thanks for giving me a chance. To Randle Squires (Recording engineer & band mate etc), thanks for all the hard work man.. I owe you more than one. To "Lafamila", y'all make Austin a beautiful Oasis to be in .To all my fans, thanks so much for the unconditional support & love, your love keeps me afloat even through the darkest of days.
Isaac: Final words from Kalu …
Kalu: Thanks for this interview. Live and Love Living Life. Also, check out www.myspace.com/austinfound. Amazing musician that I'm honored to call friends.
