Exposed Vocals just caught an exclusive interview with Cal El
When you hear the name Kal El you instinctively think of superman, one of the most iconic comic heroes. But suppose superman became a rapper and saved the world through music. New Jersey rapper, Cal El – formerly known as Skilly, has the musical ability to create relatable songs through different styles of rap whether it’s through hardcore lyricism or a catchy melody. “I went in the booth. I did what I do,” Cal El recollects, “and everybody in the room was like ‘aww man you turn into somebody else when you start recording. It’s like you zone out. You’re like superman in the booth.” Cal El continues, “then one of my homies was like ‘you can call yourself Cal El.’” From that point on Cal El dropped his name Skilly, which stood for skills, and became Cal El.
As a child Cal El was first introduced to music at a family party at the age of five. “I remember they wanted me to dance in front of the family. I was nervous, but I did it and I saw the reaction from everyone at such a young age and it has been history since. By the age of 11, Cal El started rapping with his older brother, where he learned how to write rhymes, bars, hooks, and a chorus. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Edison, New Jersey, the melodic rapper grew up with the musical impact of artist like Michael Jackson, Sade, Nas, Biggie Smalls, and Tupac. “I try not to listen to a lot of music because I don’t want too many influences. So I kind of just stick to what I know and just listen to the people who I listed to growing up.” Once Cal El attained the skill and confidence he needed to become a successful artist, he joined a rap group called, Team G. “We had a falling out because I felt like we wasn’t doing anything,” Cal El explained. “We were just making music and that’s it. I wanted much more than that. I wanted to be a star. So I felt like I had to part ways with them and when I did I remember calling up the producer and I told him I got this sound man and I really want to start perfecting it,” Says Cal El.
Upon discovering his singing and rap infused sound, Cal El knew he had to own a sound that was unique not only to him, but to the world. “I wanted to mesh both worlds and sing-rap, but instead of rapping the verse and singing the chorus, I wanted to make it a very bouncy melodic sound.” He continued, “I was really into it. I always knew how to carry a tune so I started to find pockets in the beat where I could do those things and I just came up on it by myself.” His ability to develop sounds and ideas at a fast pace has become one of Cal El’s strongest musical traits.
Cal El has performed at Music & Bottles and released 5 prior projects including The Smoke Clears and his trilogy: Red Light, Yellow Light, and Green Light, which was based on a love story gone bad, which also pushed him into his career in music.
With his innovative approach to music and his infectious style, Cal El plans to build his fan base, tour across the states, perform at stadiums, and ultimately end up at the Grammy’s. To prepare him for what’s to come, the up-tempo rapper, plans on releasing an EP tiled, Someday. The EP will reflect all of goals and achievements he’d like to reach someday. “Someday is pretty much saying someday someone will appreciate me, someday I will become a big star, someday I’ll get my act right, because I’m not perfect and I have some skeletons in my closet that I’m not proud of. That’s a way of me saying I’m going to get it right,” he says.
Stay true to yourself and your craft, and never get sidetracked. It’s cold out here, so make sure you stay focused and do everything in your power to achieve your goals. Keep God first, anything is possible. – Cal El
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Cal El: I was born in Brooklyn, NY. I moved when I was Nine. As a youngin’ I was influenced by Michael Jackson at a early age.. That was the start of my love with music. As I got older, my brothers introduced me to Hip Hop and it’s been history ever since. I started Perfecting my craft. Later infusing melodic sounds with rap.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Cal El: Before Cal El’ I was called Skilly.. It was given to
Around my early teens, my town always knew I did music and I called myself Skillsz, but as I grew older people started playing with the name
And it came out to “Skilly” the story on “Cal El” I was in the Stu and my peoples was saying I turn in to someone different when I’m in the booth like you Superman & after ideas went around we went with Cal El.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Cal El: It’s amazing!! It’s the best thing happening for everyone to be heard. I remember handing out my mixtape (Hard copies) for free.. So now, you can do it online.. It’s a great thing.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Cal El: Check with open mic’s and showcases around your area and go there faithfully, build a fan base with the owners and the locals that go. While doing that build your presence on the Internet and continue doing shows even its small it will start opening Eyes and more shows for you/your band.. Etc.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Cal El: I have. I continue to party while I’m performing. Mistakes happen.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Cal El: No I’m not touring as of now. I’m still working on my project and pushing my single “Beastin” it’s on AppleMusic , Spotify, Tidal etc..
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Cal El: I just live my life and feed off the world and I tap into certain experiences to help write my music. When it comes to actually creating the song I like to get in booth and just get my melody and the song creates itself.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Cal El: www.calelmusic.com I use Soundcloud, Mostly. YouTube and of course my website.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Cal El: Lol, Michael Cera – Anything Else But You.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Cal El: I would invest in building a studio and have engineers work Out of that studio and invest the rest in My future projects and plans. I would go in complete hibernation.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Cal El: Yes, I’m working with A MacBook and I use Logic Pro X. I’m looking, to upgrade to Pro Tools.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Cal El: Facebook Ads, Twitter Ads, constantly connecting with the existing fans you have.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Cal El: that’s tough. I would have to say with Sade in New Jersey Prudential center. Why!? That’s my City
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Cal El: Right now I’m pushing my single “Beastin” working on new material a few remixes I’m a put out their.
Meanwhile, the project “Someday” which I’m really excited about is in the process so be on the lookout for that. No specific release date but it’s coming.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Cal El: Directing movies.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Cal El: I remember being in Middle school or was it High school. Kanye Was dropping “Graduation” at this point I’m in love with music and what Kanye was bringing to the culture. I came home it was on my bed. Moms always holds it down. Lol
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Cal El: Knowing what the ultimate goal is, I constantly remind myself why I was put here for.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Cal El: More of Me, anything less that’s when I quit.