Kalpee is a rising artist from Trinidad & Tobago and part of a new generation of Caribbean musicians pushing a fresh tropical sound aptly named “New Calypso”. Pulling from his heritage, Kalpee delivers a modern fusion of Calypso, dancehall and reggae rhythm, laced with rock inspired guitar riffs, supported by soulful melodies and a captivating r&b vocal delivery.
A conflict of genres sonically blended in perfect balance. Kalpee has previously worked with platinum recording superstar Stefflon Don on his sun-soaked single ‘Gimme De Ting,‘ & Jamaican “Lightening” singer Mortimer on their Lessons” release. He has also worked with an elite line up of Grammy Award producers & writers including: Carla Marie Williams (Beyonce, Britney Spears, Rudimental, Sean Paul), Yei Gonzales (Diplo, Cardi B, Dj Khaled), Santiago Rodriguez (Little Mix, Pit Bull, Akon) & The Anmls (The Weeknd, Future, BANKS, Belly, French Montana).
“I wanted this song to feel nostalgic, light and fun, ‘cause that’s what the islands remind me of. The music feels so much like home, blending genres like calypso and dancehall together and incorporating instruments like steel pan and brass, that remind me of Trini carnival.”
He explains how the track came to be, “The idea for the song started in Barbados but I knew I had to go back home to Trinidad, to capture the energy I thought was necessary for the track. As I landed in Trini, I linked up with my bro, Tano, who at the time had recently built his studio. I hadn’t seen him since before Covid happened, so I played him the idea of ‘Island Gyal’ and we immediately just started collaborating, vibing, talking about memories, about carnival and how sad it was that didn’t happen and I think that was the inspiration that helped us finish the song.”
