Behind The Music With Kaleem Taylor

Behind every successful DJ is a vocalist who gives their track a voice, literally. London-based singer and song writer, Kaleem Taylor has been making waves since he offered his vocals to international dance music don Tchami, for his 2013 club hit ‘Promesses.’ Over the past couple of years, Kaleem Taylor has gained worldwide recognition for his rich and endearing voice. Imagine a cross between Frank Ocean, Tyrese and Miguel, and you’ve got Kaleem Taylor. He’s worked alongside producers such as Snakehips, Memeb, Shy Luv and The Code, as well as performing alongside the likes of Miguel, Boyz II Men and Ryan Leslie. With his voice, passion and notable work-ethic, 2017 is surely to be Kaleem Taylor’s year…. You heard it here first from Raver Magazine’s very own, Kimberly Phan.  

Raver Mag: Your voice is so enriching… In the world of electronic dance music, you’re a vocalist and an artist who’s got such rich R&B roots and its apparent since your influences are Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder and D’Angelo. Aside from that, what’s been your inspiration to merge these two worlds?  

K: The merge was quite unexpected to be honest. The first dance song I did with Tchami was actually an original song of mine already, and once that happened and worked well we just continued.  

Raver Mag: You’re a singer and a songwriter… Tell me, when it comes to lyricism, do you prefer to have the music first or do you write lyrics before the music is developed?  

K: I do prefer having some music before writing, I feel it gives me the idea of what I want to sing about, it could be just some keys or a basic structure but I do like some music before writing.  

Raver Mag: Can you paint a picture as to what your creative process is like?  

K: My creative process consists of me going through some melodies in my head, then I gradually sing them out with random words. I usually find the melodies first then write according to the feel of the music.

Raver Mag: Since the beginning of your singing career, how do you think you sound has changed?

K: I think I’ve grown, just constantly singing and being around other singers and writers I think you grow naturally. Whether it be trying things you wouldn’t do normally or just being in a session with someone who’s well experienced, you pick things up and try to incorporate them into your own stuff.