Sam Plascencia

As avid and longtime listeners of KALI, the Los Angeles-based 17-year-old artist astounds us with the release of a six-song project titled Maltman and Effie. Named after the LA intersection, the EP is a presentation of lasting memories that the singer-songwriter formed there—providing a glance into the highs and lows of a teenage relationship.

The previously released singles, “Addicted” and “Anybody Else” told the honest story of love found and lost, revealing the timeless potential of the EP. Now, highly anticipated Maltman and Effie showcase the singer’s multi-instrumental capabilities to their full extent leaving listeners wholeheartedly mesmerized.

Once they finished demoing the EP, KALI shares, “I began to realize that the songs were more about myself, and my insecurities than they were about the physical circumstances that allowed me to reach this point of introspection. Along with the title, 'Maltman and Effie' the slug represents my cynical but monstrous conscience, blending both my light and darkness, which is also correlated with my gender identity being ambiguous.”

As a defining object, the slug mask can be seen as a symbol in KALI’s recent releases. In the “Insomnia” video, the longing and adoration for someone is evidently wounding. This is further expressed by a character in the slug mask, indicating the rise of insecurity from the artist surrounding the dwindling relationship.  

As a rising artist, KALI pairs their emotionally infused lyricism with eclectic instrumental arrangements to draw in crowds. From a young age, KALI is recognized for their ability to capture the reality of being a teenager while honing into their self-discovery in a cohesive project. Don’t miss KALI performing tracks off Maltman and Effie and more at the Moroccan Lounge on August 11th!

Listen here!