Meet Cali From New York | Artist/Model/Phenom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cali From New York and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cali From New York, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I say affirmations every day, but one quote always stuck with me. It’s the quote that I recite when I’m feeling unsure or fearful about a next step. The quote is, “If you want to take the island burn the boats”. As soon as I heard it, it stuck with me because it’s so visual. What this quote means to me is, if you want something, go ALL THE WAY with it. Dont half-ass anything. Don’t have another option and don’t accept another outcome other than the one you’re aiming for. If you want the island, don’t even give yourself the option to doubt, retreat, go in the opposite direction, or have a place of comfort. Growth happens when you’re in that unknown place, and when you overcome that fear and that obstacle, it feels better than you could imagine.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artistry is compelling and heartfelt. I have a unique and relatable story to tell. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY by my two mothers who took me to church and synagogue, hearing Gospel and Hebrew prayers. Growing up surrounded by the sounds of Motown, Jazz, Classical, Hip-Hop and everything in between, my musical upbringing was as vibrant and eclectic as the city I come from. I was heavily inspired by the various sounds and cultures of my childhood. They all helped to shape the artist I am today.

I often spent time alone in my room as an only child, creating fantasies of romance like the ones I’d seen in fairytales. My music today feels the same, as I try to capture my heart in song. That’s what I aimed to do with my last single “Cold Months”. It’s a story of longing that captures the emotion of those lonely winter nights melodically and lyrically. Cold Months speaks to the person who just wants to feel something real, but settles for the company of someone they don’t even want. A lot of people struggle during the cold months and I wanted to give them an anthem that makes them feel heard and understood.

Being an artist comes with so many challenges, some that have been easier than others. At least for me, I’ve learned that being an artist is MOSTLY mental and all spiritual. When I decided to be an artist, I think the most challenging part was to not just sound pretty, but actually FEEL what I’m saying. I had to learn to let go and be free enough to give that emotion that’s actually effective. That’s what sets artists apart in terms of success and I’m aiming to be timeless. I’m looking forward to collaborating with more artists, writing songs that are relatable in a different way, performing world wide, and experiencing different cultures in all the places my voice will take me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m currently based in Los Angeles to record my album, but I love my city so much that I have to answer this as a New Yorker. Being from New York means that you can get 6 different authentic cuisines on one block. I’d love to take a friend to one of my favorite Jamaican restaurants called Da Hot Pot in Flatbush for doubles with tamarind sauce (the best comfort food to me) and Island Express for some pepperpot and Guyanese treats like pinetarts. After we get some food, I’d take them into Prospect Park to listen and dance to the drummer circle at the edge of the park. It’s a beautiful performance with a variety of people vibing to some grounding music. We’d walk around a bit by the lake and then head to the city for some more fun. I love art, so museums would definitely be on the itinerary. Some of my favorites are the MoMA, Museum of Natural History, the Whitney, and the MET. Then we’d grab a classic street cart hot dog as a snack or a slice of pizza and walk through the city feeling the energy of New York. Then we have to do some shopping on Madison Ave and pop into The Pierre Hotel for high tea. We could sit on the Highline and watch the sunset, then off to Torrisi in Little Italy for dinner. To end the night, we could go to a speakeasy in Chinatown or a late night rooftop bar. Theres so much to do in New York that you really can’t do it all in a day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful for the support system that I have in my life. Aside from my parents who have helped me through my journey, I’m apart of a program called Artist Incorporated and I’ve made my chosen family there. They are the bones in my foundation and have helped me grow at a rapid rate in such a short time. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without their support, love, and like-minded drive. It’s so important to surround yourself with people who are going in the same direction as you and lift all your ideas up without judgement. I’ve been so fortunate to be mentored and directed at a level most people don’t start on. You can’t get anywhere being an artist by yourself. You need people all the way through.

I especially want to thank my director E who has helped to shape me into the artist I am, but also the woman that I am. He recognized my talent and instilled that confidence that lives in me today. He never lets me slack and pushes me to be more every day no matter how much those growing pains hurt. Every athlete needs an excellent coach..

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/califromnewyork/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzVn6NohocHeE__RcNXCa4A

Other: Here are my music links. My music is streaming on all platforms. I also included my artist development website where we do a food series called Food Tour Fridays (for you foodies out there)!

https://www.artistincorporated.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3tKPKqhG1VgRUlTyXxrsc0
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cali-from-new-york/1710873812&ved=2ahUKEwis8qf5qpeLAxWrh-4BHdqZK3QQFnoECBQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0qAydq3X4t1r0HpF5VaV5k

Image Credits
Demar Watson
Torrey Merrit
Rov Stone
Paper Plane Ty
Corey Myers