Last month, we had the chance to take an early listen to Leven Kali’s upcoming album LK99, dropping this Friday, at the Record Room in Queens. The project blends elements of funk, R&B, and rock, weaving together the influences that have defined the rising star’s recent work. Scorched by the sun, these songs move between moments of desire and companionship, as well as tracks that reflect on the frenzied, apocalyptic state of the world — think Miguel meets Kaytranada.

After listening to a few tracks from LK99, we caught up with Leven Kali to hear about the experience of sharing his new music for the first time, the stories behind the songs, and his favorite NYC moments while making the album.

Are there any specific songs from the project you’re most excited for your fans to hear?

All of them. Curious to see what different people gravitate to, and definitely excited to share these songs with them in a live setting

You mentioned it felt surreal playing your new music in a vinyl bar — what was going through your mind in that moment at Record Room

That was the first time playing these records in public, so there was definitely that feeling of like, “It’s alive”. Hearing it on those speakers, seeing reactions in real time, feeling the energy - it was incredible. I felt very grateful in that moment. This is also my first body of work that is getting pressed to vinyl, which is something I’ve wanted for a long time

There’s something intimate about hearing unreleased music in a vinyl setting. Did the crowd react the way you expected?

I was happy to see people moving, I was happy to see people with their eyes closed really taking it in, I was happy seeing people sing along. I didn’t have any expectations, to be honest. I liked that it felt like everyone was captivated, however they expressed themselves.

Did that night change how you feel about the project at all?

It made it feel like it was real. Like I let something out of the bottle that can’t be put back in, in a good way. It definitely got me excited for the shows

Is there a specific memory in NYC that’s tied to this project?

The Prelude EP was due the day we played at Pier 17, opening for SiR. Me and Josh (engineer and tour manager) were in the hotel room finishing the mixes on headphones, and then going straight to the stage and playing those songs for thousands of people. Great way to test the tracks haha. I love NYC, I spend a lot of time out here, and even though I recorded most of the album in LA, we mixed and mastered the album here, and I can really feel how it influenced the sound

Has there been a fan interaction that’s really stuck with you when you’ve traveled?

We had a show in Brussels last fall and I got a DM from a fan that wasn’t able to get a ticket. I put them on the list and thought that was that. During one of the songs I gave the mic to someone in the front row and they sang their heart out. I ended up staying in the crowd for a bit and the energy was so good that I ended up bringing like twenty people from the crowd on stage. For the next four songs we had this soul train thing going on and it was one of the craziest vibes I’ve ever had at a show. After the gig, the fan who sang came up to me and told me they were the one from the DM. Loved that.

When you’re in NYC, what are some of your favorite places to hang out?

Honestly, my favorite thing about NYC is riding around on the Citi e-Bikes, the silver stallions, nothing better

A Night Out With Leven Kali

MUST LISTEN 145