Local artist profile: Kalo Davis

THIS week we chat with singer/songwriter and guitarist Kalo Davis, who quotes artists and bands such as Ed Sheeran, Lizzy McAlpine, Trousdale, Tiny Habits, Lawrence, and Lake Street Dive as being influential to his sound.

What motivated you to become a singer/songwriter and guitarist?

For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved to sing, but it took me ages to become confident singing in front of people, let alone a crowd!

I never had trouble playing guitar in front of an audience, but the moment I had to sing it was another story entirely.

I played and sang in a couple of school bands through early high school, but once I started VCE I decided to drop guitar lessons and focus on my voice instead, keeping guitar as an accompaniment tool.

How would you describe your style?

While stuck at home in 2020 I became obsessed with acapella, more specifically the bass singers.

This started me on a huge experimental journey, all while sat at my desk at home, finding out what my voice was capable of.

I fell in love with the whole acapella community and from then on, I felt much more in tune with how I sang any of the songs I was singing, both covers and originals.

Which other songwriters/guitarists inspire you?

In my personal songwriting I must say Ed Sheeran has inspired a lot of what my sound has become, especially as I primarily play with an acoustic guitar.

More recently, artists such as Lizzy McAlpine, Trousdale, Tiny Habits, Lawrence and Lake Street Dive have all been influential to my sound. I enjoy a range of different musical styles so I don’t think I’ll ever be done experimenting with new ideas.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

At the beginning of my year 12, I found out that I had successfully auditioned to sing bass as a part of A Cappella Academy, an intensive 10 day acapella program in Los Angeles. Safe to say my priorities switched a little that year…

In 2022 I became a part of the beautiful, welcoming and supportive community that is A Cappella Academy.

I met and sang with the people I’d watched, studied and idolised all through the lockdowns, including Grammy Award winning singers, producers and arrangers.

I learned so much about music (and myself!) in those 10 days.

It truly felt like I had found my people.

And after I graduated year 12, I went back to A Cappella Academy the next year, and got even more out of the experience the second time.

How can people check out some of your music online?

I am yet to release any of my music on streaming platforms, but it’s something that I 100% am working towards.

For now you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook @kalodavismusic for gig updates and hopefully in the future, details about song releases!

What would you say to young regional aspiring musicians who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Embrace the nerves.

The moment you get on a stage and you’re not nervous, you’re doing something wrong.

Surround yourself with people who support you.

Have fun with it, don’t change your style because it’s what people want to hear. Do your own thing and own it.

Ask questions, reach out to people, and if an amazing opportunity comes up, don’t be scared to just give it a go.

You never know where it could lead.