KALI Live At The Observatory North Park

Photo by Shaeley Hicks

Singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Kali Flanagan, known on stage as KALI, is an artist to look out for as the future approaches. They released their debut EP CIRCLES back in 2021 with singles such as “Back to the Start,” “I Just Wanna” and “Too Tired” featured on it. Their effortless range and experimental edge is showcased in this project, solidified by their lofty voice and dream-pop style. This past Summer, they released their sophomore EP Maltman and Effie on June 24th. This six track project encapsulates KALI’s ephemeral, funky sound, placing an emphasis on their wispy harmonies and catchy manipulation of guitar, piano and other instruments with songs such as “Addicted.” 

Most recently, KALI supported BENEE on tour for five shows in California. Their second show on tour after San Luis Obispo was in San Diego at the Observatory North Park last Tuesday, September 27th. I arrived at the venue before the doors opened as the sun began to set. It was fun to people-watch as fans were dressed in a myriad of different styles, from suits to fishnets to casual attire. Since moving to San Diego, this was my first time at The Observatory, so I was excited to have KALI and BENEE take over that night. Once in the venue, I meandered between the crowd and the merch table, eyeing the snail shirt that KALI’s team was selling. Inside, The Observatory had this regal, retro kind of look to it, reminding me a lot of the El Rey. 

KALI came on around eight, donning a sweet smile as they addressed the crowd. They wore this slightly oversized gray suit, taking on this nonchalant, cool vibe to them. The first song they played was “Someone to Hold” from their CIRCLES EP. Doused in a deep blue light, the dreamy sound washed over our heads, bringing us into their grasp. They went on to play one of their bigger hits, “I Just Wanna,” which got the crowd moving completely. Performed live, the pop synths and riveting guitar mixed together to compose an eternal atmosphere controlled by KALI’s voice. 

My favorite song that they performed that night had to be “Too Tired.” KALI sounded absolutely angelic here, elevating their voice in a way that built on anticipation, solidifying an exciting highlight to their set. The chemistry between them and the guitarist Callaghan Kevany was palpable, creating a cohesive performance completed by KALI’s vocals and bass. Lights in red, blue and yellow danced around on stage with them during this song, complimenting the playfulness of their sound. 

This performance definitely secured me as a fan. I favorited a bunch of their songs once they walked off stage, as the crowd buzzed about, wired from their performance and waiting for BENEE to come on. I truly loved their high energy that they brought out with their newer songs such as “Addicted” and “Flem.” KALI is leading the way in this younger generation of musicians that are marking their spots in the music scene. I am excited to see where they go from here, as their sound is so distinctive already. At just seventeen, they are an unstoppable force in the new and upcoming waves of indie pop and rock, an artist you should definitely look out for.