We had the good fortune of connecting with Kalae Nouveau and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kalae, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up in New York City, in the heart of art and culture, I was heavily influenced, almost by osmosis, by all of it surrounding me. I don’t think I perused a career in art more than it found me and let me shine as the artist I had always been. When I was a kid I would watch musicals and emulate the songs of Barbra Streisand. My mother was so impressed she immediately put me into music school as early as 4 years old. I was a loner and would express myself through music, clothing, drawing, just anything artistic you could name. I crafted and experimented my whole life. Still am really. I think thats the true mark of an artist.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a contralto, my voice is lower than most female vocals you might be used to hearing. It’s powerful, vulnerable and sensual. My stage presence is a force and I come at each song with a balance control and emotion. Although I’ve been singing my whole life, I left the stage for a long time. I had an era of depression and anxiety that left me feeling too exposed to get on stage. I didn’t feel I deserved the light anymore. I actually ended up doing a lot of other types of creative work like acting, modeling, VO work, and kept putting music to the side. Overcoming my fear of failure was an enormous struggle but I finally made it back on stage where I belong. I had to learn that I’m my worst critic. I had to step outside of my ego and all the voices in my head saying I can’t do it, I’m not worthy, I’m horrible at this, and JUST DO IT. I remembered the joy, the feeling of letting go and being present that occurs on stage. It’s magic. It’s worth it. And I’m worthy.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend IS visiting and so we’re already making plans to hit up Congress and listen to Jazz at the Century Room while sipping delicious Mezcal cocktails. I’m gonna take her to El Berraco for some delicious seafood, they have a whole octopus dish that’s to die for! We must go hiking up Mt.Lemmon, and other beautiful hiking destinations. And maybe just go for a drive to Bisby? It would be my first time but I’ve heard such great things. If she’s here on a Wednesday I would take her to Soul Food Wednesday’s. There’s a lot to do in this little town, I can’t wait for her to come check it out!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out my mother. Although we’ve had a tumultuous relationship, my mother has never once not supported my love for the arts. She has full heartedly believed in my gifts since day one and has been so supportive in what I do. I hope to continue to make her proud!
Instagram: @kalaenouveau
Image Credits
(Red hair) Self Portrait by Kalae Nouveau (Black hair) photo by William Hill