21
21
5 questions to Kali Uchis, the R’n’B star who flirts with house music
Colombian American singer, musician, and songwriter Kali Uchis surprised us with her new nd single, No Hay Ley, released on September 2th. Usually opting for R’n’B and pop melodies, the collaborator of Tyler, The Creator, Jorja Smith, SZA, and Tame Impala unveiled a sensual track with house music influences, in line with Drake’s and Beyoncé’s latest albums. Entirely in Spanish, the song is about “putting love first”. Along with this hedonistic hit comes a video that confirms the addictive potential of this new sound adventure. Directed by New York creative duo Torso Solutions, it shows the 28-year-old star strolling around Paris wearing designs by Ottolinger and Ludovic de Saint Sernin. The charismatic artist gives an exclusive interview to Numéro about her new track.
By Violaine Schütz.
Numéro: How did the song No Hay Ley come about?
Kali Uchis: I really wanted to make a song for girls and gays. I grew up in the clubbing scene as a kid, so part of the Latin music I liked was Latin house and Latin dance music (the artist’s parents owned some nightclubs in Colombia, ed.). I love to always push myself farther and express myself in new ways. So, I was excited to dive into sounds that I had never explored before.
What are the Spanish lyrics about?
The lyrics can literally be translated as “in love, there are no laws”. The song is about loving who you want to love, who makes you happy, no matter what anyone else has to say about it. You have to love who you want unapologetically.
In the music video, we can see you walking through the streets of Paris, especially near the Centre Pompidou…
I think it’s cool to show Latinos around the world and Paris is definitely the symbol of the city of love for people. I wanted this video to highlight fashion and to work with the best directors in this world (Torso Solutions, the creative duo of photographers and directors who are responsible for Kali Uchis’ video have previously worked for Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Burberry … The Torsos are incredible and David, one half of the duo, is Colombian too, which made this collaboration even more exciting. Is there a better way for Colombian innovators to support one another?
In this video, you wear different looks, all very extravagant and Y2K-inspired, with pieces designed by Ottolinger, Vaillant Studio, KNWLS, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, and Alphonse Maitrepierre. But we can also see you walking around naked in Paris in front of onlookers…
I think that the Torsos thought it would be fun and striking. For me, the video is all about fashion, so it was nice to get rid of the fashion element at some point. As for the looks I wear, I introduce a new look with each one of my new songs because of the eclectic nature of my music. All of my songs are so different, and it is important for me to keep developing looks that complement them.
After Isolation (2018) and Sin miedo (del amor y otros demonios) (2020), are you working on a third album?
I currently have two albums ready for release. One of them is sung mostly in Spanish and the other one is mostly in English, but I haven’t announced which one will be released first yet. So, stay tuned and don’t forget to follow me!
No Hay Ley (2022) by Kali Uchis, available on every streaming platform.
