We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cali Miles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cali below.
Cali , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
From a very young age I knew I was an artist and songwriter. I started performing for family, friends and neighbors whenever they would listen, belting Whitney Houston ‘ The Greatest Love of All’ at the top of my lungs passionately. I was always obsessed with language and was an avid reader. I would literally read the thesaurus and began writing songs and poetry around the age of 9. I organized a few friends from school to create the girl group I named !interjection. We made a few home videos but that was about it. Around the same time I was performing solos in the school choir and had a karaoke machine at home to practice on. Around the age of sixteen I started taking vocal lessons and competing in vocal competitions and also discovered a love of R&B music. I wasn’t very interested in school subjects like math (especially) and always said I’d be a famous singer so I wouldn’t need it. Haha!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started as a recording artist. Right out of High School I took my demo to a DJ and started another girl group called iCandi. I started studying musical theater at Kent State University but soon realized I didn’t want to be on Broadway but I wanted to really pursue being a recording artist and songwriter. A man my mom worked with managed a music producer in Cleveland and he heard my demo. I started driving up to Cleveland to record original songs with Yonni, who is now a Grammy nominated producer, and performing in clubs and collaborating with other Hip-Hop and R&B artists. After years of recording, releasing music, touring, performing and throwing parties, I moved to Los Angeles. I ran into some legal trouble and learned how to DJ in 2017 while on house arrest. I’d always wanted to learn to DJ but had never had the time to learn so this was the perfect opportunity. I began working professionally as a mobile DJ and utilized my skills on the mic as an MC. I also started playing clubs, LGBTQAI parties and Festivals. I’m currently focusing on private events, corporate events and festivals. My years of experience in all facets of the entertainment and music industry definitely set me apart. I’m most proud of my perseverance. My life hasn’t always been easy but I’ve pushed through and stayed positive and helped a lot of people start their careers along the way. I know that my greatest success is still ahead of me which is exciting!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
It’s so important to support your local artists and small businesses. Support your friends!!! Support womxn!! This means sharing their posts, referring them to friends for gigs, and paying for tickets to their shows or full price for products instead of asking for discounts. Contribute to school and community art programs to encourage our youth to express themselves! Furthermore, if a specific art or artist is not for you, keep it moving! Social media has made too many critics sitting on the sidelines judging others for putting themselves out there. Share what you like, and ignore what you don’t.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I had a really good momentum going into 2020 and the Covid lockdowns completely stopped my ability to perform and work events. I started doing Livestreams weekly for a show called Electronic Air. The freedom to play whatever I wanted instead of client requests really helped me develop my own personal style. I realized how much I love playing Bass music and also started studying music production. I’ve always been good at making the best of situations. You never know what life is going to throw at you and all the lessons just prepare you for the next level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucid-entertainment.com/
- Instagram: Instagram.com/calimiles
- Facebook: Facebook.com/calimiles
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cali-miles-vazquez-a779252b2?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @calimiles
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/calimiles
- Other: Watch Live https://www.tiktok.com/@calimilesmusic Mixes: SoundCloud.com/cali-miles
Image Credits
Maxine Bowen Sarah Sherr