Putting Toronto on the Map
When I think of art in Canada’s most populated city, the first thing that comes to mind is Drake. He has found a way to shine on the world stage after his passage on Degrassi: The Next Generation. Drake is our top ambassador in the music industry, for now at least. He is everywhere, produces at lightning speed, and is proud to be from The Six.
That doesn’t mean he is the only one from the big city, the Canadian Hollywood. One wonder is making her way to the top despite her early age. She is climbing up the ladder one step at a time. Kalisway has a recognizable voice and stands out. Remember her name!
Some say that the R&B genre is losing its way and that hits were way better in the 90s. Kalisway is helping turn the tide around with her most recent album, A Kid From Toronto. Released on August 16, this project is one of the year’s best albums so far.
The sincerity, groove, and emotional touch make this album brilliant. It isn’t overdone and has the right number of songs. It brilliantly mixes the present while being influenced by the past and old music, especially from the 1980s. It shows that Kalisway did her research to integrate lessons learned into what she likes. On top of that, it is funky and meaningful.
I didn’t know who Kalisway was before A Kid From Toronto. So many others will soon discover her talent and unique voice. Being obsessed with the warmth and palm trees might explain why I connect so much with this project. When talking to Wonderland, she admitted that palm trees and old-school material influenced her sound.
Inspired by nostalgia, the album makes you want to dance, call your best friend to catch up, and smile at what life brings you. This project shines a light on this gloomy and rainy summer. Once you start listening to the album, you cannot stop. It is addicting. Surprisingly, it feels like a debut album (in a good way, since debut albums are often the best). It is personal and gives us a vision of who the singer-songwriter is as a person.
You will soon find yourself immersed in Kalisway’s bright universe and listening to the songs on a loop. The funk awaits you, trust me. The only thing you have to do now is open your heart like Kalisway opened hers to create this masterpiece.
Most of all, she has a contagious energy. You automatically want to become her friend.
The album kicks off powerfully with Superstar (following the initial prelude). That confidence is refreshing for people listening and wondering if they can also reach for greatness. The sky is the limit for Kalisway.
It is groovy for the full 40 minutes. A smooth voice accompanies positive messages, including on Sex where the artist reminds us that there is more to physical attraction to love. That’s a fresh message in the world of R&B, one that we don’t hear often nowadays.
I have a huge debate. I need help deciding which song is my favorite. Just by the way it starts and evolves, I will say Sugar. It is different, and the writing is out of this world. A Kid From Toronto and Water are the other songs that caught my attention. They are catchy and stand out from the rest of the songs.
A Kid From Toronto is the Torontonian artist’s second album. In 2022, she released HIT ’EM WITH FUNK. Kalisway also released an EP in 2020. Kalisway is the next thing in the industry! She has dedication and a voice. She is putting Toronto on the map.
Keep shining and creating, Kalisway.
