Kalila Badali is a unique and captivating songwriter/alt-folk artist emerging from Toronto. As a licensed psychotherapist and personally neurodivergent person, her music is both outwardly and inwardly cathartic. Kalila has started a unique and vibrant psychotherapy practice working with neurodivergent, LGBTQ2SIA+, and arts workers providing music-integrated psychotherapy. This has led to offering workshops to emerging artists on musician’s mental health.  

“Helpless” is an ethereal, galloping single with a triumphantly manic pacing driven from its lyrical meaning. “Helpless” is a guilt ridden, anxiety induced dance track lamenting the slow process of changing unhelpful behaviours. It’s the deliberate start track from her cohesive upcoming EP, Panacea. Realizing you don’t really know how to change is a great way to spur the search for Panacea (A.K.A a cure all).

Spin the healing, foot moving “Helpless” now: 

What can you share with readers about your new project?

When I released Helpless I got a bunch of really lovely texts in all caps from one of my best friends freaking out about how much she loved it. It was really sweet. She’s someone who listens to lyrics first and she knew this song really intersects thematically with my EP title track Panacea, which was inspired by her. I’ve written a number of songs over the years about my relationship with her. My music is secretly sapphic as hell.  

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

I don’t usually joke about being judged by neighbours in my songs, it felt good to capture some of my neurosis in this song. I don’t like to take myself too seriously, but I do like to balance vulnerability with some silliness.

What about this single makes you most proud?

The guitar riff! I’m jealous of my past self for writing it.

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Catharsis

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Catharsis and the best kind of emotional transformation.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Oh man, I would love to collaborate with Kate Bush. Also, Helena Deland… she’s amazing. I love what she is doing combining electronic pop and folk music. Her 2016 release “Baby” blows my mind: https://helenadeland.bandcamp.com/track/baby

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Honestly, I’m listening to Baby right now, but before that I was listening to Jessica Jalbert’s Whatever Whoever https://open.spotify.com/track/1ir93JeSTWMbbNq5FWV6QA?si=5f10f290ce5b4030  

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Definitely instagram!

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

I have an EP release party on July 20th at The Monarch Tavern in Toronto, Canada. It’s going to be a great show. I’m opening for Jody Glenham of Frankiie and sharing the stage with another killer act Gillian Stone. This is a really well curated show of witchy women and I’m thrilled. If you’re in Toronto and have some time, definitely check it out.