Written by Armani Lovelace-Bran and D´Marcus Gaston
How often have you hesitated to pursue an ambition? The concept of turning your dreams into a reality has always been the goal we chase. However, chasing your dreams is easier said than done. Doubt is natural. It’s an adversity to overcome. If you change your mind you should feel free enough to expand your horizons. 100% of the shots you don’t shoot, you miss. ITHSA senior Kal-El Harris (however we format grades) is familiar with these shots. Also known as KalStaxed, Kal is a 17-year-old upcoming artist born in Atlanta, Georgia.
With only a year into making music, Harris already made himself known within his community and has become quite the local celebrity. Collaborating with other young local artists like YoungJo$e and Lil Bino, Harris has a catchy, melodic, and fun sound to his music. Tracks like “Rocket” and “Margiela” play well on the aux or at a party.
Harris carries an affinity for content creation that dates all the way back to his early adolescence. “I love making videos. Like, I like entertaining people,” says Kal. Even in elementary school, Harris had his own YouTube channel, active up until last year. So it was only a matter of time until he was introduced to music production, and it all started with a subtle interaction.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career, Harris says, “My friend Caymen showed me a song he and YoungJo$e made, and I was like, oh that’s pretty fire, I should try it. I should write a song with you guys. Me and Caymen messed around with it for a bit, and the rest is history.”
“I had to figure out how to distribute my music on platforms. . . .That was a big problem at first, I had to find good supplies.” Equipment makes all the difference in all forms of content creation. Many creators never get to display their skills because they lack equipment. Quality doesn’t come cheap. When you add up the price of a solid computer or laptop, microphone, headphones, and the price of applications, you can easily spend thousands.
However, the cost did not deter Kal. “The equipment was the hardest part, honestly. I used Bandlab on my phone with my mic for the game.” However, Kal has upgraded since.
This change in equipment has only amplified his production, although it doesn’t change his routine. “You never just want to rush and just say whatever. So I just like to sit on the beat, listen to it,” he explains. “Then, keep listening to that over and over again… I barely write stuff down. I hate writing stuff down because if I write here in school and I go home, it’ll sound like trash. Won’t be the same delivery.”
Kal also “gatekeeps,” or pushes his release dates back. When asked why he does this, he says, “I just need to make sure it’s perfect, so I gotta listen to it before I let it out there.”
Executing the steps to put you in the position you want can be terrifying or seem downright impossible. Kal credits YoungJo$e for helping introduce him to making music. Kal believes that if you truly have your mind set on something you should pursue it. Sometimes you can be in the right place at the right time and get lucky, but that is only possible if you work to put yourself into that position. It’s not a matter if you’re gonna be chosen, it’s a matter if you answer the call.