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Leave A Response. When you become a part of the press for any music festival, the flurry of emails from publicists becomes a norm: all angling for coverage of the artists they represent. One particular email stood out amidst the pre-Austin City Limits clamor — an introduction to the artist hailed as the west coast Amy Winehouse: Kali Uchis.
The Meteoric Rise of Kali Uchis
By the tender age of 22, Kali Uchis has charted a course from her Colombian roots to Virginia, all for the love of music. Her debut mixtape, 'Drunken Babble,' launched in 2013, caught ablaze, ensnaring the attention of iconic figures like Snoop Dogg, Tyler, The Creator, and Diplo. What ensued were stellar collaborations in her latest offering, 'Por Vida' — a pastel-infused dream set against a neo-traditional chola backdrop, accentuated by her honeyed vocals that blend ‘60s doo-wop with ‘90s R&B.
Kali Uchis' Debut Performance at The Vulcan Gas Company
Kali Uchis’s stint at The Vulcan Gas Company was one of intention. The midnight crowd, a testament to the draw of her name. Her foray on stage was poised, backed by a four-piece ensemble breezing through an hour-long set. Yet, the performance hinted at her relative newness to band accompaniment — solid vocals met by an undercurrent of foundational shakiness. The revelation that it was only her third show with a live band, and the absence of two key members, put the performance into perspective. The night, however, captivated, leaving the set with a respectful 6 out of 10 rating, anticipating the growth to come.
Transformation at Austin City Limits
With an intrigue for her second showing, Uchis’s Austin City Limits performance loomed with expectations. Her stage was now complete, the absent guitarist and back-up vocalist filling the previously empty spaces. Although the embryonic band chemistry was palpable, the growth was undeniable — the set deserving of an uprated 8 out of 10. Devoid of fanfare or dance breaks, Uchis relied solely on her ethereal vocal serenades and her dream-like stage presence to mesmerize the audience — a task she accomplished with effortless grace.
Upcoming Tours and Where to Find Kali Uchis Next
Uchis is on the road with Leon Bridges, with a spotlight performance slated in Los Angeles as part of Red Bull’s Sound Select 30 Days in LA.
About The Author
Stephanie Becerra, an impassioned music photographer and writer hailing from Southern California, delivers her take on the vibrant music scene.
Immersing in Travel and Music
For music lovers and adventurers alike, the journey to experience a live performance of an artist such as Kali Uchis offers the added delight of exploration. Immersing oneself in the culture of a city during an iconic music festival like Austin City Limits elevates the experience beyond mere spectatorship. Gathering with kindred spirits, in places where the music resonates on a soulful level, and staying in locales that bring rest and rejuvenation after the shows, form part of an unforgettable musical pilgrimage.