(February 6, 2021) Sometimes a promising vocalist displays his or her talent through the diversity of the material they’re willing to cover. Kalysta is a Detroit, Michigan-based talent who feels most at home with a contemporary R&B flair, yet she is very confident in handling big band, hip-hop or whatever to further expand her musical vision. And she especially notes influential female artists like Alicia (Keys) and Aretha (Franklin). In fact, Kalysta covered one of Franklin’s signature classics, “Chain of Fools,” as her recording debut in early 2020. Several singles followed including the pop/R&B ballad, “Just Friends” and “Not Me,” echoing the country/rock powerhouse Carrie Underwood.
(February 6, 2021) Sometimes a promising vocalist displays his or her talent through the diversity of the material they’re willing to cover. Kalysta is a Detroit, Michigan-based talent who feels most at home with a contemporary R&B flair, yet she is very confident in handling big band, hip-hop or whatever to further expand her musical vision. And she especially notes influential female artists like Alicia (Keys) and Aretha (Franklin). In fact, Kalysta covered one of Franklin’s signature classics, “Chain of Fools,” as her recording debut in early 2020. Several singles followed including the pop/R&B ballad, “Just Friends” and “Not Me,” echoing the country/rock powerhouse Carrie Underwood.
In her First Listen introduction, Kalysta’s latest track, “Can’t Get Enough,” shows off her R&B roots. Not surprisingly, there is a strong vibe of yet another popular vocalist, Tori Kelly. Producer Mike Smile smartly showcases Kalysta’s magnetic voice, seizing the moments of infatuation with minimal instrumentation of acoustic guitar and finger snaps. And the rap from newcomer Fling adds a witty layer from a male perspective “I’ll make you love life/Even on the days that you’re uptight…I never thought I’d be tongue-tied/Or stuck in my mind searching for the next punch line.” Though her small body of recorded work is still small, Kalysta shows a musicality and positive spirit that makes us excited to hear more as we wait for her in-the-works debut. Check her out below.
By Peggy Oliver
Kalysta - "Can't Get Enough"