What would you get if Gwen Stefani, Kelis and Fergie formed a band when they were 16?
You’d have the blueprint for Kali Girls, the all-girl group led by Brianna, Jamie, and Cristina--three powerhouse singers that are ready to bring their own unique style and sound to the yard with their yet-to-be-titled debut album on Blackground Records, the same label that brought you Aaliyah, JoJo and Timbaland. A mixture of delicious beats and playful R&B ballads, their debut plays to each of the girl’s personalities: Jamie, 17, prefers Nike’s to heels; Cristina, 16, is all about the charm; and Brianna, 18, is the eclectic one. But one thing rings true for all of them… they’re ready for you to listen.
“We’re really excited and anxious to get this album out there,” says Cristina. “It’s what we’re meant to do.”
If the girls are meant to have the 1 song on everybody’s playlist, then they’re right on track. Produced by the late, great Stephen "Static/Major" Garrett, the prolific songwriter whose hits include Aaliyah's "Rock the Boat" and "Are You That Somebody,” and Lil Wayne’s current smash “Lollipop”, their contagious new single, “Beach Girl” is the summer anthem everybody’s been waiting for. One part Kelis, two parts Fergie, and a whole lot of Kali Girls, “Beach Girl” is filled with enough irresistible beats you’re bound to wanna hit the dance floor.or the sand. “When you’re at the beach and you see a cute boy, this is the song playing in your head,” said Jamie. “Our new album is all about confidence.”
Friends since middle school, the girls came up with the ideas for their album while shopping, swimming, and having sleepovers. Working with an additional roster of writers/producers such as J.R. Rotem (Britney Spears, Sean Kingston) on “Disappointment”, and The Co-Stars (Fantasia, Mario) on “Boy Just Go”, and “When I Cared,” the girls wanted to take the album to a personal level.and they succeeded. “You can listen to the song and say ‘that’s what happened to me.’ They have something in common that everybody can relate to,” says Cristina. “We just went and put our whole heart into it.” Adds Blackground Records President, Jomo Hankerson: “These girls have that special something that separates them from the rest. It’s not just their vocal ability and group chemistry that differentiates Kali Girls, it’s their individual personalities also. Their presence is truly captivating.”
The heart of Kali Girls was made even stronger by Garrett, whose finely-tuned skills brought the group to a new level: The girl’s voices are as infectious as the songs, and their fresh take on R&B, pop, and soul has the ability to draw the listener in over and over. “He brought out our emotional side,” says Brianna. Adds Jamie: “He taught us to be inspired.”
Garrett’s work with the Kali Girls created more than a Static groove… it has sparked a vibe that can only be captured by the three girls that make this group so unique.
“We’ve created a strong sound for ourselves” says Cristina. “It’s the Kali Girls sound!”
