Today we’d like to introduce you to Kali Cass.
Kali, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I always loved to dance around and pretend to be the artist of any song that came on the radio. I never thought anything of it; it was just fun to me. As I went through high school, different scouts and recruits were always trying to get me into modeling, but I was never really interested. Someone finally convinced me to do it, and things started to go very well for me in the modeling industry. Modeling sooner or later got me into acting (which soared), which soon enough got me into music. I absolutely fell in love with music around the age of 17. I love how music gave me the freedom of speech, how I wanted to say it (instead of a script already written by another person in the acting world)! I became obsessed with every intricate beat, note, and verse that was included in music.
Getting into the music game, I already knew what kind of music I wanted to do. I am a fan of mixing different cultures and sounds, so I started to create “Pop-Trap.” In my genre of music, I like the pop sound, but I add elements of trap beats to give it a certain feel that people can’t resist to move too. Growing up, people always use to make fun of me and say that I was either too white or not black enough as a person. I honestly was JUST ME! So I wanted my music to reflect the way I really am, which is a high energy goofball that loves pop and trap music.
I continued to develop my sound and started to push my music through all social media outlets. Next thing you know, people started reaching out to me about shows and appearances. Sooner or later, my shows started to get bigger, and my name slowly started to spread across states. I stay disciplined with continuing to always work on new music, build my brand, and bring awareness to my fans that I also call my family. Also, I never forget to stay TRUE to who I am because that’s what got me to where I am today.
Last but not least, the help of my family, friends, and supporters have truly helped my career to blossom. I couldn’t be Kali Cass today if it were not for you guys! A special thanks to my mommy, daddy, sissy, Malcolm, and my beautiful niece and nephew.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t believe anyone’s journey in entertainment is exactly a “smooth road.” The first time I started to record music I got “messed-over.” The producer would not give me the music I recorded because they wanted to lock me into a contract. I was not okay with that! This situation discouraged me automatically, but I overcame it and started to work with other producers that I put through a screening process. LOL
One thing I constantly dealt with in the music industry was people were always trying to change my sound. They wanted me to sound like artists that already existed, or they wanted me to go down the music lane they wanted me too. I WOULDN’T DARE! I got into music because it gave me the freedom of producing sounds, lyrics, and emotions that I wanted to produce, nobody else. Once again, I stayed true to myself, and that’s what got me far in life. People like authenticity, not a prototype. Also, this industry is very male-dominated. So, I constantly had to deal with quote, unquote, “pricks” that didn’t really want to help me with music; instead, they were trying to pursue me personally. This got very discouraging at one point in my career. That’s why the circle of people that I work with is very small, and I consider them family.
My advice for any women out there trying to pursue entertainment is staying true to yourself and already having your morals and standards in place. Do not let anyone steer you in a direction that you know isn’t YOU. Stay focused, write down daily goals, and always do research. You should be progressing every day, not every week.
Please tell us about Kali Cass.
My career consists of being a musician, actress, and any forms of hosting in entertainment. I specialize in public speaking and performances. I love being center stage and putting on a BOMB show. Its just part of the Kali Cass brand.
I am most proud of being able to say I worked hard and believed in myself to get me where I am today. One of my favorite parts about my life is performing whether it’s on the stage or in film. Also, really proud that my single “Wang” did numbers on the indie chart! Y’all make sure to check it out! 🙂
My drive, morals, true-too-oneself attitude, and my craftsmanship sets me apart from others. All I want to do in life is have fun, laugh, spend time with others, and enjoy my career. My music always reflects that! ☺
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
As I was growing up, people could never categorize me. Some people said I was too white or not black enough and they would even call me an Oreo. When I was younger, this affected me a bit, but as I grew up, I started to embrace my true identity. I was always a cool kid who could walk into any room and come out with a best friend!
This helped me to push my true self even more in everything that I did. When I started to reflect it in music, people loved it and started to gravitate towards the authenticity that I was illuminating.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.simplycassidy.com
- Email: kalicassbookings@gmail.com
- Instagram: KaliCassOfficial
- Twitter: KaliCassMusic
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7740675/
Image Credit:
Rious Photography, FuggyFuggy Photography, Bpaulmobley Photography, Jaylonashaun Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
