Here is our interview with the Estonian artist and producer Kali Briis who is behind the “I Love Your Face” track we posted last week and more. (You can see the video at the bottom of this interview)
Who are you tell something about yourself ?
– My citizen name is Alan Olonen (alias Kali Briis). I live in the heart of Estonia, in a small but beatiful town named Paide. I’m 22 years old.
When and how did you start making music ?
– I have made music for almost 10 years. Made my first song when I was about 11-12, but started to play guitar even earlier – when i was about 7. My father was the one who taught me to love music, he played pink floyd records for me when i was already 3 or smth and then later showed me the first steps how to play the guitar. Funny thing is that i’ve never went to a music school and even today i don’t know how to read a single note – I learned to play and later to compose by hearing. My music quite experimental because i like to experiment with different genres such as hiphop,electronica,electro,rock,rnb and pop.
How would you describe your music ?
– Mainly i would describe my music to be a bit naive and simple, but also sharp by the sound and well systemated because i’m a pedant in real life and i guess that side of me reflects also in my music. Most of my songs are quite different from eachother, because the sound picture depends a lot on my emotions – when i’m depressed i make electronica, when i’m excited i make electro, when i’m relaxed i make rnb, when i burst with energy i make rock and when i feel elvish i make pop. The same goes for the lyrics – the reflect my emotions.
Do you write your own songs?
– Yes, i write, compose and produce all music by myself, i also play all the instruments myself and use computer programs as little as possible – they take away all the fun of musicmaking.
Who are you most influenced by ?
– My biggest influences and idols are Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Boards of Canada, Pink Floyd, Erol Alkan, Radiohead, Peter Gabriel, Yes, Luke Vibert, The Strokes, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Gary Glitter, Boys Noize, Plaid, AC/DC, The Police, Gary Numan, David Byrne, Duran Duran, Kino, A Tribe Called Quest and Bob Hund.
Do you have a favorite producer ?
– My favorite producers and propably the most gifted dance music producers in the world are Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons.
What do you listen to right now ?
– Mainly i listen to my old favorites, but in the last week i have mostly listened to Earth, Wind and Fire, Metronomy, Cindy Lauper, Kino and a fantastic scandinavian electronic band named WhoMadeWho that i recently have grown to like.
Where in the world have you performed live ?
– I haven’t preformed outside Estonia mainly because my music hasn’t spread that far (also because there is so many good electronic artists abroad) and because i had panic attacks a few years ago, but now i’m over it and looking for opportunities.
Any artists you’d like to work with in the future?
– Yes I have always dreamed of making a song with Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk or Erykah Badu, but i may aswell dream on.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned ?
– The most important lesson i’ve learned so far is “Always Be Yourself”
Who’s the coolest person you’ve worked with so far?
– The coolest person i’ve worked with so far is my good friend and multitalented friend Laura Junson, we’ve made about 6 songs together.
What should your fans look forward too in the future ?
– in the future my fans should look forward for my next album on vinyl that will be released in the fall. This album will be perfect, because it’s the most systematical, clean, sharp and positive piece of creation i’ve made so far. The album will be named “The Moon Ghost Album”.
Kali Briis – I love your face from Chintis Lundgren on Vimeo.
