An Inspired Chat with Cali From New York of Los Angeles

Cali From New York shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Cali From New York, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m proud of how I’ve built my mentality. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been necessary. I’m in an industry that demands so much of me in ways that I never imagined. I’ve never felt more ready. The music industry is not for the weak by any means. You have to DO THE WORK in order to get to a level that actually matters. I’m aiming for longevity, not just a temporary moment in time. I’ve learned to protect my peace and have gratitude in spaces that are highly intense, change my perspective on a moment to lead to a more powerful reaction, and handle multiple tasks with efficiency. All that to say, I’ve also gotten better at asking for help and delegating. That makes it easier for me to focus on my vision and continue learning and growing along the way.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Cali from New York, your favorite superstar lover girl. I make music thats deeply personal and relatable universally. A perfect mix between soulful and emotional R&B tones and catchy pop melodies. My music is honest and reflects on my own experiences in a unique way. I’ve been recording my debut album for the past 3 years and released three singles. My latest single “Cold Months” tells a story of desire to feel something real but settling for something that isn’t, just to fill that void. The song isn’t pretending it’s about love. It’s about needing warmth, needing somebody there, even if you both know it’s temporary. Everyone’s had that winter where you just want someone to make the nights feel a little less lonely — even if it’s not the right someone. The perfect sad song with some attitude.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was little, I believed I had to be agreeable/change myself to fit in different spaces. I was taught to be agreeable and pleasant for good reason, but it isn’t always real to me. Thats a character trait that doesn’t belong in the spaces that I want to occupy. If I wanted to be a world class artist, I couldn’t always make everyone happy, I had to be a little rebellious. Maybe say or do things that m y family didn’t like or have different goals or beliefs than my friends. I’ve definitely seen who my friends are once I started being FULLY myself instead of trying to be to everyones liking. I had to unlearn how to be polite and make it more about kindness than “faking it” to be agreeable. I never want to make myself small or pretend again. I’m building myself to be someone who liberates others, sometimes I have to break some rules.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
This past year and a half, I’ve been dealing with a lot of health issues. I never thought my body would go through what it has in such a short time. I was recently in the hospital for a while trying to figure out what was going on. At one point I couldn’t stand up for more than 2 seconds before my legs felt like they were going to give out. I took a lot of things for granted. I realized there was so much I could be grateful for. Suffering taught me gratitude. I’ve never been more grateful for the little things that I often overlook. It’s made me happier even when I do still have off days where my body doesn’t feel right. It’s also taught me how strong I really am. Mentally and physically. I was performing every weekend in West Hollywood with my friends with chills and a fever every day for 3 months. Later finding out I had fluid in my lungs and around my heart. Still, I gave it what I could and kept going. It showed me that I’m really that girl. I really have what it takes to go all the way. I’m willing to do the work and thats what sets me apart.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to my career and my first album. A lot of people may quit or fizzle out if things don’t go how they think it will. It’s hard to go into the unknown and fail over and over again. I’ve had around 5 different release dates for my album. Now, I just accept and let it flow how its going to. I’m actually glad that I didnt release it when I thought because I keep getting better. I’ll listen to a song months later and realize that I could’ve hit it from a different place intentionally. Which then changes the entire feeling and tone of the song. I think it’s important that I’ve had the time to increase this project, especially because its my first. I want it to be timeless and in order to do that, I cant rush it. Sometimes its hard to know if something will truly GO, but I’ve already decided that this is my big one and theres so much more to come. This album is a love letter to all my relationships in the past. The good, the bad, the sexy, and I cant wait for everyone to hear it.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had 10 years left, I’d stop putting off connection with people that I love. My career is my focus and I’ve isolated myself in a way to build something with longevity. I haven’t spoken to a lot of people because I simply just don’t “hang out” anymore. If I had 10 years left, I’d probably make the time for the people I truly care about more than I do now. My career isn’t just for me, so I definitely make it a point to have something to show for the time I’m away from family. I’d also stop worrying about outcomes I cant control. Something I actually ought to do now. I’d let go of feelings or thoughts I can’t use and just enjoy the time I have and make it count. I’d release all my music and do a couple tours. Go to places I’ve always wanted to go, experience cultures I’ve never seen. I’d want to give to my supporters and fans an experience that would last them a lifetime. These are all things I want to do now, but I’d just make it happen in a shorter time.

Contact Info:

• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/cold-months-single/1785644871
  https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://open.spotify.com/track/1otv5cSuoU84VLAdc3SxqB&ved=2ahUKEwji5sHY5M-QAxUsJkQIHRJhA_gQFnoECD0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2aA7CclHE405fOzu3y75To

Image Credits
Rov Stone
Paper Plane Ty
Torrey Merritt
Demar Watson