Leven Kali at °1824's press conference
Dutch-American musician Leven Kali is an emerging artist who blends funk, soul, and jazz with R&B. His latest project, LK99: The Prelude, is now available. Born in the Netherlands to musician parents, Kali grew up surrounded by music. His inspirations range from rock icons like Led Zeppelin to modern R&B, resulting in a sound that is inspired by both European and North American influences. Since releasing his debut single ,Joy, in 2016, a dreamy, soulful track, his sound has steadily evolved through experimentation with new vocal styles and instrumentation.
LK99: The Prelude includes standouts like Sleepwalking and Are U Still. Sleepwalking is a personal favorite of mine, a groovy, carefree track that feels like walking through the city on a bright summer day. In contrast, Are U Still explores the complexities of love and uncertainty with a jazzy R&B tone. The lyrics capture the tension of needing reassurance, asking, “Are you still in love like I am?” Many of Kali’s songs reflect real-life experiences, including the hard but honest conversations that relationships demand.
Kali also draws inspiration by tracing the musical roots of his favorite artists. If they were influenced by a particular sound, he digs deeper into that influence, letting those discoveries shape his own music. When asked what he hopes listeners take away from LK99, he answered: “I would love for someone to listen to my music, be inspired, and not be afraid to do something that hasn’t been done before.”
After speaking with Kali, I’d describe his personality the same way his music feels: relaxed, upbeat, and full of funky energy. His presence is magnetic, and his new EP has already secured a spot on my “driving with the windows down” playlist.