Listen to "My Demise" by Folk Singer-Songwriter Kalko
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Photo Credit: Lauren Desberg
Anton Chekhov isn’t usually cited as a singer-songwriter’s influence, but thirty seconds into Kalko’s first single “My Demise” you feel it. Her songs are a perfect blend of heavy and light, raw emotion mixed with a dash of old Hollywood romanticism. Kalko is no stranger to Chekhov and his explorations of human emotion. She studied method acting at NYU, and then in Moscow, establishing her sincere stage presence and attention to detail. After moving back to New York, she felt disillusioned by a life of never-ending auditions, and went back to her first love: music.
Born in Belarus and raised in Philadelphia, Kalko began staging concerts for her family at the age of three. She studied voice and alto saxophone in school and learned to play guitar by working her way through Beatles classics, becoming fascinated by their chord progressions and word play.
After experiencing a bout with chronic anxiety and low self esteem this past year, Kalko was forced to reevaluate her priorities and connect to a higher life purpose. This journey included attending a 10-day silent meditation retreat, hiding out in her bedroom listening to The Smiths, and skimming through many spiritual self-help books. A turning point came when she discovered the teachings of the Kabbalah and came back to her Jewish roots, practicing receiving goodness for the sake of sharing. Kalko is honored to be an Artist in Residence with UR2.Global, a non-profit whose mission is to uplift humanity through the arts. She recently co-wrote 'Lost' with Honorary Artist in Residence and producer Aubrey Whitfield. Kalko's song 'The Life You're Used To' was included in a compilation album produced by the social justice focused OneReasonRecordings (now MIP Foundation), with proceeds helping to stop world hunger.
Today, Kalko is based in Manhattan and brings her intimate performances to venues such as Rockwood Music Hall and Mercury Lounge. Her first EP is set to release in Fall 2018. She is currently writing new songs directly inspired by conversations with strangers in NYC.
Listen to Kalko’s debut single below and follow her on social media and check out her website.