In the world of music, there are artists whose stories are as compelling as their melodies and lyrics. KALCYFR is one such artist, with a journey that’s both captivating and inspiring. Hailing from the frigid peaks of northern Colorado, KALCYFR’s early years were steeped in music, playing instruments like piano, guitar, and percussion.
He channeled his mission of non-conformity into music and found his way to Los Angeles, where he graduated from Icon Collective, a prominent electronic music production school. There, he adopted the name KALCYFR, blending the Latin word for heat with the Hebrew name for Lucifer, earning the moniker “The Heat Bringer.”
KALCYFR isn’t just an artist; he’s a force in the music world, empowering the lost and leading the found through explosive drops, genre-bending tracks, and exhilarating performances. With each new release, KALCYFR blurs music boundaries, where unrelenting synths and the raw fury of Drum and Bass coexist harmoniously. In this exclusive interview, we dive into his personal journey, the therapeutic power of music, his connection with fans, mental health advocacy, and more.
Can you share some of your personal experiences with mental health challenges and how they have influenced your life and music?
KALCYFR: I have had my fair share of mental health struggles in my life. I started experiencing challenges with my mental health when I was much younger and it followed me for many years. It has made my life more difficult than it needed to be for a long time. Mental health challenges affect how you see/feel about yourself and how you see/feel about the world, and having a negative view about either of those things has detrimental effects on your own well-being. I have spent years in therapy, and therapy along with music has helped me feel better about myself, the world, and everyone in it. Music gave me purpose and a goal that was sorely lacking in my life. I don’t think that I would be the person that I am today if it weren’t for music.
How has music served as a form of therapy for you? Can you point to specific songs or lyrics that reflect your emotional journey?
KALCYFR: Music is an act of expression and creation. Creating has been proven to relieve stress and release negative energy that exists in your mind and body. When I write music and draw upon the feelings that exist in me, I feel so centered and zen, I feel like the whole universe is at my fingertips, and in a sense, it is. My favorite song in existence is a solo piano piece: “Missing You” by Yoko Shimomura, arranged by Sachiko Miyano. This single piece of music perfectly encapsulates how I felt during my darkest hours and gave me a sense of peace and contentment that only writing music has been able to provide. I am so thankful for the existence of music and my decision to pursue it as my career. It has been, without a doubt, the most significant decision of my life.
Many fans relate to your music on a personal and emotional level. Can you share some stories or anecdotes about how your music has resonated with your audience in terms of mental health and well-being?
KALCYFR: Music has a unique power to connect people on an emotional level, and I’ve been fortunate to witness how my music has resonated with my audience in terms of mental health and well-being. I’ve received messages from fans who have shared their personal stories and struggles, telling me how my music has helped them through difficult times. One fan mentioned that a particular track of mine helped them overcome a period of depression, and another described how my music became their solace during times of anxiety. These messages are a constant reminder of the impact music can have on people’s lives, and it’s incredibly humbling to be a part of their healing journey.
Mental health stigma is a significant issue in the music industry and society. How do you believe your work contributes to breaking down these barriers?
KALCYFR: I think that the reason there is a stigma behind mental health is because most people don’t understand it. When they see someone suffering from depression or anxiety, they immediately jump to the conclusion that they are lazy or weak when, in reality, that person suffering from these afflictions has more than likely been strong for too long, busy fighting an internal battle that you or I can only hope to understand. What I wish to be taken from my music and how I interact with the world is to convey a message of kindness and understanding that I hope will help heal those who listen. I believe wholeheartedly that by healing the wounds in the self, you can heal the world, and music does just that. The simplest thing we can do as people is to break down the stigma that exists and make mental health a regular topic of discussion that is met with empathy and understanding instead of judgment and disdain. Mental health is not a taboo subject, and if it were talked about more regularly, I can only imagine what difference that could make.
Are you involved in any mental health advocacy work or initiatives? Can you discuss the importance of promoting mental health awareness and support?
KALCYFR: While my primary focus is creating music that speaks to the heart and soul of those who listen, I also recognize the importance of supporting mental health advocacy and awareness. I’m open to using my platform to collaborate with organizations and initiatives that promote mental health well-being and provide support to those in need. Mental health affects so many people, and it’s essential that we work together to break the stigma and provide resources and assistance to those who require it. We can all play a part in raising awareness and supporting initiatives that prioritize mental health.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who may also be dealing with mental health challenges?
KALCYFR: The most significant piece of advice that I’ve learned in my time as an artist and improving my mental health is that it’s not about you! Nine times out of ten, it is NEVER about you. Whether you were passed up for a gig or rejected by a record label, you have to be able to tell yourself that the reason why that happened is never about you and is solely about them. We as artists deal almost exclusively in the abstract and intangible emotions humans experience. It is so easy to take things personally, but you can’t let it stop you from achieving your goals and making your mark on this world. This world, now more than ever, needs your voice, and your voice needs you to heal whatever troubles you in your darkest and most private moments.
Some coping strategies and self-care practices that I implement are:
1. EXERCISE: Your mind and your body are inexplicably linked, and the state of one affects adversely affects the other. You don’t even need to do any crazy workouts, just consistent movement, and if you can do it outside, even better. We artists spend most of our time inside the studio, so it’s imperative that we find the right balance and what works for you.
2. SEEK SUPPORT: If you find yourself really struggling, don’t be afraid to talk to someone. Suffering in silence helps no one and only serves to isolate yourself even more. I recommend a licensed professional, but if that’s not an option, reach out to those who love you and only want to see you succeed. There is strength in numbers, and you are not alone.
Are there any upcoming music projects on the pipeline? What are your future goals in terms of using your music to continue addressing mental health issues?
KALCYFR: I have several music projects in the pipeline that I’m excited to share with my audience. My future goals in terms of using my music to continue addressing mental health issues include creating a space for people to express themselves freely and without abandon. I don’t want anyone to ever feel like they are alone in their struggles. While I believe myself to be in a good place in regards to my mental health, I wouldn’t even begin to think that I am perfect or exempt from mental health challenges. I am just another flawed individual just like everyone else.
In summary, what do you hope readers and listeners take away from this interview regarding the healing power of music and its potential to raise awareness about mental health?
I hope that the person(s) reading this realize that mental health isn’t some ethereal concept that only affects a certain group of individuals. We all need healing, and music provides a path for that, and artists have a platform and a responsibility to address mental health and how many it affects. Music can heal the world, and we need to start using it to do so.