Interview with Taleen Kali: 'Rose and Leather'

Photo: Taleen Kali (via Bandcamp)

Taleen Kali is busy kicking ass and taking names. Her music, sound baths, and meditation rituals all share one thing in common: She’s passionate about life — and she’s passionate about living life as majestically as possible. What is especially admirable is her dedication to her community, encouraging others to live as their best selves — and participate with her. When listening to a Taleen Kali song, like her new single, “Viper,” we’re all collectively transported into a beautiful grime, immersed in a world of busy sidewalks, red lipstick, and glittery serpents.

[This interview has been edited for clarity.]

1. Recommend three albums or musicians that you've been listening to on repeat lately.

• TwoLips

• Frankie Rose

• Mirror of Venus

2. What's your morning routine like? what are the non-negotiables of your day? 

It honestly depends! When we're in an album cycle, I'm usually working on hustling that out in the mornings along with other work I have to do. Tour is always different every day. My favorite part has become the time between the albums when everything slows down, I love having creative mornings. Though answering this question makes me realize, no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I make time to meditate 10 to 20 minutes in the morning. That's definitely my anchor through every season.

3. If you identified as a particular scent, what would you choose?

Rose and leather.

4. For your new song, "Viper," what would you like listeners to come away with? it could be a mood, image, dream, emotion, etc. 

I want people to tap into their darkest parts and find strength within them.

5. How would you say location/geography influences you as an artist? as an LA native, i'm curious how the landscape speaks to you. 

L.A. punk has always been my north star. While our sound might change album to album, the history of this city informs every song I make.

Check out more at her site.