Today we’d like to introduce you to Kali Flower.
Hi Kali, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a Pop-R&B artist from Oʻahu, Hawaii currently living in Dallas, Texas. I grew up as an island girl with dreams bigger than the islands could suffice. When I moved to Dallas I was eight years old and I brought that same heart and ambition with me, and over time, my passion for music began coming to life.
I started out working behind the scenes in music media—helping local and national artists market themselves and turn their love for music into full-time careers. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the hustle behind the art. But in 2022, I decided to step into the light myself as Kali Flower.
My sound blends poetic lyricism, melodic harmonies, and mellow, siren-esque vocals. I draw inspiration from artists like Jhene Aiko and Summer Walker, mixed with the pop nuances of Ariana Grande and Doja Cat. I want my music to feel like a journey—one that flows through the highs and lows of life, love, growth, and self-awareness.
Lost Girl Szn is the second chapter in my five-year mission, and it reflects exactly where I’m at in life right now. It follows Fuccgirl Szn, where I introduced a version of myself that used escapism and vices to avoid pain while still holding onto good intentions. Now, with this Szn, I’m sitting in the aftermath as I’m dealing with loss, questioning everything, and learning what it really means to trust myself again. It’s a vulnerable, messy, and transformative place to be, and I know a lot of people can relate to that.
Since stepping into this chapter, I’ve had the honor of being featured in the Dallas Observer, various podcasts and radio stations, including 97.9 The Beat and 91.7 KXT/Art&Seek, and performing at events opening up for Tay Money, Deep Ellum Arts Festival and iHeartRadio’s Luv Pup Fest.
This journey is still unfolding, but everything I do is really rooted in telling stories about my human experience in all its messiness and magic.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. Balancing a day job while building a music career takes a lot of my time and energy, and requires some sacrifice and discipline when it comes to managing my personal life, work life, and passion all at once. Some days, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours. I’ll clock out of my day job and jump straight into writing, recording, planning a rollout, or responding to emails. It’s not that I don’t love it—I do. But learning how to not burn out while still giving everything my all can be a juggling act.
As an independent artist, I wear every hat: artist, publicist, marketer, creative director, editor—you name it. And honestly, I love it. I’m obsessed with the details and the creative control that comes with doing things myself. I get to shape the entire vision exactly how I imagine it, which is empowering. But it’s also a lot. There are days where I’m tired, mentally drained, or emotionally stretched thin, and I still have to show up and pour into my art. Thankfully, I’ve learned how to lock in and go tunnel vision when it counts…but that doesn’t mean the weight isn’t heavy sometimes.
On top of all that, I’ve been learning the music business side in real time, like contracts, royalties, distribution, branding, and that’s a whole education in itself. But every tough moment has helped me grow. I constantly remind myself that I’m not just building a career in music, I’m building a legacy that reflects who I am on every level.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create a vibe that transforms listeners to a world that tells a part of their story using sonic art as a vessel. I’m most proud of my current Szn, Lost Girl Szn, because it’s deep and personal. It offer listeners a safe space to feel, process, and heal.
I would say (and I feel like a lot of my team would agree) what sets me apart is the blend of artistry and strategy I bring to everything I do. I got my degree in Strategic Communications from UNT [University of North Texas] and that led me to nearly a decade of experience in music marketing, event curation, and creative direction. So I understand how to build a world around my work. One that’s both impactful and intentional. I’ve been the artist, the marketer, the storyteller, and the visionary all at once. It’s never just about chasing a dream, but staying true to the vision. And that’s what I’m most proud of.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m stepping into one of the most intentional and transformative seasons of my journey, both artistically and personally. One of the things I’m most excited about is my upcoming official Lost Girl Szn event, ‘saltwater secrets’ on August 14. It’s more than a performance—it’s an immersive experience designed to hold space for anyone who’s ever felt lost. It’s a soft, intentional gathering that will leave people better than it found them, so I’m really looking forward to watching the community come together in that space.
I’m also in the pursuit of my first Grammy, working closely with my incredible team at Black Cloud Studios to bring that vision to life. We’re building something bigger than just music because we want to create moments that stick with people.
I will also say that this Szn still has more in store. There are more songs to release, more stories to tell, and more healing to share. But even as Lost Girl Szn unfolds, I’m already prepping for the next phase, which will be another game-changer. It’ll mark a shift in energy and mindset. It’s a bold step into what’s next after the unraveling. But other than that, I’m learning to honor every season while also dreaming bigger than ever. The goal has always been to create something timeless, and I truly feel like I’m just getting started.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://disishiphop.com/kaliflower
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalithegirl/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kalithegirl
- Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gBbrsMfjqw43uwoC5l2Ox
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kalitheegirl
Image Credits
Shabby Talebi, Keana Ah Yuen, Maia Tharp
