Consisting of two members, Sal and Pete, Sound of Kalima is known for their disrespect for the boundaries of genres. They effortlessly bridge the gaps between electronic, hip hop, soul, and dance music. From Vancouver, British Columbia, Sound of Kalima has the unique ability to maintain a human connection with their electronic, head-bopping music through their meaningful lyrics and message. With their new single “Wild Trash”, Sound of Kalima represents environmental warriors.
“Wild Trash” may seem like a futuristic song with catchy melodies, but it is so much more than that. The entire song symbolizes the back and forth struggles between humankind and nature; it’s like the yin and yang of our environment. Sound of Kalima’s main focus for the song was a battle between two extremes - trash and nature - as they grow side by side. There are two beats throughout “Wild Trash” to emulate these themes. A hard-hitting beat mixed with gritty and intense vocals represent the trash that continues to take over nature. Sound of Kalima then switches to softer vocals with a lighthearted melody to represent the elegance and vulnerability of nature. “Wild Trash” is a wake-up call for humankind to remind us of the very real possibility of the near future – that we have the ability to control.
You can discover "Wild Trash" here.
Welcome to BuzzMusic Sound of Kalima! The important message behind “Wild Trash” is one that should be spread to as many people as possible! Can you elaborate on the symbolism of “Wild Trash,” and the message of your lyrics?
S: The symbolism behind Wild Trash is a scenario that I made up in my head. It’s a look at the world a thousand years into the future when trash, metal, and nature have become one. It is a future in which all the things we used to destroy Mother Earth with has actually become a living breathing being with her and the world has no place for us anymore. It’s a future populated by smog goblins and plastic snakes. We try not to be too preachy so I don’t know if there’s a concrete message besides we should take into consideration how the human species might be complicit in its own extinction by pissing all over nature. You could say it’s about severing the hand that feeds.
P: Sal said it best. We’re definitely not the type to preach though. There’s a message in the song, but it’s purposefully left open to interpretation. We would love it if YOU (the reader) told us what the lyrics mean to you.
As musicians, you have the unique ability to touch many people with your message. Why did you choose to bring awareness to environmental issues? Why is that important to you?
S: How the current younger generations, including our own, deal with environmental issues is what will decide the lifespan of our species for hundreds, thousands, millions or billions of years to come. The lyrical inspiration behind this song is actually Feels Like Summer by Childish Gambino. It’s a beautiful song and the message was so powerful to me, it would give me a lump in my throat and my eyes would tear up. I think the fear and sadness I felt manifested itself into some nihilistic angry humor which we thought was a good angle of attack for the song.
P: For me, I’m not incredibly driven to write about one particular issue. As I pass through life, different issues, ideas, and feelings occupy my headspace and I write about them as they present themselves. Art is a powerful way to get people to see things in a new light, or learn about something that’s new to them, so I hope that our songs challenge people to consider their perspective, whether we’re singing about environmental issues, political corruption, heartache… whatever.
You told us that Sal came up with the beat and concept of “Wild Trash,” and Pete helped deliver the intense second verse. Can you elaborate on how your band worked together during the curative process of “Wild Trash?”
S: Sure, so Pete and I just like to jam random ideas with no labels or boxes to confine us. We put down a percussion loop and Pete came through with the filthy, ugly bassline which you hear at the start of the song. We laid down the rest of the instrumental in about an hour or so. Then I took the feeling in and wrote about the fantasy I had in my head. Then Pete wrote the second verse once I told him what it’s about and it was brilliant. I don’t know if I’d really say I came up with the beat on my own but the concept was initially in my head before I uploaded it to Pete’s brain.
P: Really?? I came up with that bassline? That’s so lit! I have such a terrible memory for these kinds of things. I do remember writing the verse though, vividly. Like Sal said, he uploaded the idea to my brain and I spent maybe 10 minutes scribbling down some ideas. We laid them down on the spot and they ended up being the vocal takes that made the cut.
After meeting at the University of British Columbia residences, you have been creating music together for 7 years! How has your musical style evolved since the beginning?
S: The spirit of the music has remained pretty much the same but the execution and sound have evolved. We started as a more punky outfit that stuck to the gospel of guitars, bass, drums, and vocals but since we loved all kinds of music we committed ourselves to making music which encompasses everything we like from punk rock to space-age music from the 60s. We just grew our skills as musicians and the palette of sounds we work with.
P: Yeah, like he said. The palette has evolved greatly as we’ve grown as musicians and people. We started out as a punk band named after a vegetable so naturally we moved on quickly from that, although we had some fun chunes. When we learned to produce, the breadth and depth of sounds at our disposal expanded so rapidly, it’s only natural that the output of our jams evolved as well.
What can we expect to see from you throughout 2020?
S: More songs with a message. I think we understand now how to say what we want to say and the music feels vital to us. Currently, Sound of Kalima is slated to release three other songs which are complete but we’re always writing and recording so who knows.
P: Agreed. We’ll be putting out more music that’s true to us. The next couple of releases will continue with the punky vibe of Wild Trash, but from there, it’s an open slate. The songs will be distinctly unique, catchy, and most importantly, honest.