Kaleena Zanders Fights Injustice with RELOAD [reloaded] and Tells All About the Culture Behind EDM
Kaleena Zanders | HAPR Digital Media
Los Angeles based singer, songwriter, and producer, Kaleena Zanders believes there is space to fight for equality in music. With the release of the new remixes of her latest single, “RELOAD,” she does exactly that.
The “RELOAD [reloaded]” EP is a six-track collection that showcases not only Zanders’ talent for songwriting but all the different ways she and her collaborators can re-work, re-mix, and re-tell her message for love in multiple ways. “RELOAD” was written in the midst of last year’s Black Lives Matter protests. When news of the death of George Floyd circulating, Zanders found herself reliving traumatic moments from her own experiences with police brutality. What then followed was “RELOAD,” her soulful, up-beat single that spread the message of reloading on love, instead of bullets. All first-year artist streaming royalties will be donated equally between the National Bailout Fund and Diversify The Stage.
To amplify her message, Zanders teamed up with POC producers Lee Wilson, R3LL, 12th Planet, Vindata, and KOIL to remix the track. On each version, you’ll hear sound distinct to each producer. Hearing Wilson’s 4/4 disco-house tap, R3LL’s Jersey Club rework, 12th Planet’s 80s-infused dubstep, Vindata’s tropical house rhythms, and KOIL’s house remix all find a way to tap into Zanders’ original artistic beat.
While “RELOAD” is Zanders’s first single off her upcoming solo project, the variety of each remix for it proves Zanders’ skill for EDM, and the new creative voice she brings to it. Zanders aims to push forward with her mission to bring a community of queer BIPOC artists to the forefront of EDM - a genre they created. From performing at LA Pride to getting her music placed and premiering at Super Bowl LII, the artist is just getting started with her movement to fight injustice musically.
Kaleena Zanders opened up to Amplify Her Voice about the stories behind “RELOAD,” and what EDM means to her and her community.
Kaleena Zanders via Dilate
Which art form do you love doing most - singing, songwriting, or producing?
Funnily enough, I love the songwriting and the production. I love the craft and art of making a song. Etching out sounds and words to create a solid song or banger!
“Reload” is rooted in a great, groovy sound, but it also much deeper, necessary message. What inspired you to create this song? What was the songwriting process like?
This song was sparked by the assassination of Botham Jean by police officer Amber Guyger and my own personal experience with police brutality. My producer friends Christofi & KOIL happened to be in session when we found out Amber Guyger was found guilty for Botham Jean’s murder in 2019. This triggered a lot of emotion in us and I suggested we write something that felt like a rebellious anthem that could potentially help people cope with repeatedly hearing about the tragedies of BIPOC people being slain at the hands of law enforcement for no reason. This song came as a wild foreshadowing to the protest in 2020 centered around the murder of George Floyd .
What’s the meaning behind the lyric, “When we’re fighting, we’re fighting to stop a war?”
It means that people, black people, POC, are constantly fighting to have peace till this day. It’s ironic that we have to fight and protest for peace. Fight to be treated and seen equally. Fighting to stop the war & hatred against BIPOC people.
You've had major success in EDM! Many mainstream music listeners don’t realize how influential and cherished EDM is for Black artists and BIPOC communities. Why is the genre of Dance Music so meaningful to you?
Electronic Dance Music is meaningful to me because yes it came from queer and BIPOC people and I am both of those things but also because EDM is uniting! People from all walks of life go to clubs, festivals and raves to let loose and not be judged. I have found that the edm community has so much inclusive love and it's a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of and I never take that for granted.
“Even though dance music was created by Queer, Black folks, in today’s world Black people have somehow taken a backseat in this genre, and it’s now more shocking than expected to see a Black person thriving in electronic music. My goal is to normalize seeing Black and BIPOC people united in dance, and that through love and a conscious effort, more people like me will permeate the industry’s gates. Dance music must be an eclectic place where all races exist equally.”
Kaleena Zanders
A lot of your music has been placed in major TV spots! What does it feel like for you to hear your music on screen, on tv, or in a show, and is that excitement ever different from hearing your song on a streaming platform or radio?
To have songs placed on TV or in a film is like the equivalent to what I imagine winning the lottery feels like. They are always unexpected and I’m always beside myself no matter how small or big the placement may seem. I am always so freaking grateful that the universe aligns for my music to be heard in that capacity. Honestly, it might be the same feeling as hearing my song on the radio because that is also a rare occurrence that is just mind blowing. Again, l am always so thankful that my path has led me to these amazing gifts. GAHH THANK YOU!
When you get a creative block when creating new music, what are some things you do to work through it?
It’s weird because I don’t get creative blocks that often because I see life as one big improvisation. There is a constant flow of life to tap into that is constantly there to inspire. I can look at my cat or a white wall and begin to visualize concepts. I love what the imagination can do. But some things elevate my creativity are hiking, hanging with my wonderful friends. Going to shows or picking up a guitar to create new melodies and ideas.
Kaleena Zanders via Dilate
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists who want to make it in music someday?
When I get this question, I realize it changes based on what I’ve last learned. With that said, I say try to find a nice balance between being confident enough in your vision for yourself and flexible enough to know when to pivot, ask for help and/or take a leap of faith into the next part of your life that leads you to ultimate happiness and success. Next would be, move quickly out of situations that don’t serve you or help you achieve your goals. This business can feel draining but if you can adapt successfully, set boundaries & remember your love for music things can possibly turn out really great. Don’t forget to ask to get PAID too!
What kind of changes do you hope to see for the future of the electronic music community?
I dream of line-ups for festivals to be extremely diverse with BIPOC, more women and queer people getting comparable fees. I want to see more singer/songwriters who often make those sing a long style toplines have their own sets at the festivals. I think those are the pressing things I’d like to see in the future.
RELOAD [reloaded] is available for streaming now on all music platforms.
Proceeds donated to National Bailout Fund and Diversify The Stage.