KALE THAT RAPS – Porchfest Artist
Thanks for your time. So tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
I’m here in Jax, but I don’t travel too much outside of the Southside.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
Since I was alive honestly. I always was doing something musical. Growing up I was in band, did some plays, anything creative honestly. But sports and school really became important so music was just a hobby at that point.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
So this is interesting…..I started playing violin in orchestra at my school in elementary. Ended up playing all the instruments by the time I got to 5th grade. Then in middle school and high school I played French horn. But for some reason I started playing the trumpet. I know the basic fundamentals for a lot of things. So I pretty much just act like I’m playing stuff sometimes lol.
I was always singing and rapping in church so that felt like it was normal.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
Just Kale That Raps. And whenever I need a band I know some friends here and there.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
My biggest influences are Marvin Gaye, Kendrick Lamar, and J Cole. Oh oh oh. I can’t forget Kirk Franklin. Kirk is nice with it.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
When we made the Pray video it was so much put into it. Scheduling was the hardest part lol. But creatively it was so much fun and it felt organic.
Of course I won’t forget a show that I’ve done but the process is what I enjoy the most.
Even our rehearsals for River Jams this year were some of the best shows that nobody won’t ever see.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
Shoot everyone for real. I think that I’ve noticed how much art is elevating in the city and I’m excited to see what people create.
But I will say this……..
I really want to see every performance at Porchfest or as much as I can. The entire list of artist are dangerously good and whatever they do is expected.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
Yes yes yes yes. I knew the answer before the question was asked. It’s definitely the Blue Jay Listening Room in Jax Beach.
The venue, the staff, the owner , everything is top tier and professional. And you never know what you’ll get in there. But I know it’ll be good
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
Take some Personal Time Off and come see me perform some records form my album IT’S PERSONAL. I’ll be doing Winedown Fest on Oct 5th. My first headline show at Blue Jay on Nov 1 and then of course Porchfest in Nov. too.
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Shoot ….in person lol. For me I’m all about meeting naturally.
Once I’m outside I’m outside. So whoever I run in to that impacted my life for that moment I take note of it and remember them. I feel like folks don’t meet for no reason at all. So whenever you’re at the event be open to whatever amount of interaction you’re comfortable with.
From there…you get out what you put in.
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
Of Course Cara at the Blue Jay. Shout out to my guy Philly G at GreenTeam Media. If you heard any songs on any album I’ve done, Phil had something to do with it 9/10 times.
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
Let’s work I’m always ready. ALWAYS READY.
Thats it lol.
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
Whenever anybody is ready to play basketball I’m ready to play. Other than that I’m working out, eating, and intensely watching and/or critiquing a movie or tv show.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
Honestly it feels like I’m back in my hometown it’s just 4x bigger. Thats probably why I just stay on one side of town lol
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
Kalethatraps.com and for all of my socials it’s @kalethatraps
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this?
Go listen to my new album IT’S PERSONAL! Whatever else you want to know you’ll hear it on there I promise.
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
