A chance encounter at a Northern California house party Myles, née Parrish, was hosting back in ’07 connected him with future group-mate Kalin White. White was attending the party with a mutual friend and ended up teaching Parrish how to dance.
After running into each other again at a screening of Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never rockumentary in ’11, the dynamic duo formally decided to write songs together, with Myles producing and rapping, while Kalin provided singing vocals. Together, they cut “More Than Friends,” uploaded it online, and shortly thereafter the catchy tune soon began to organically and magnetically attract a dedicated following. Fast-forward to 2015 and beyond, and Kalin and Myles, who split time between Los Angeles and their home-base in the San Francisco Bay Area, are taking everything to that much-deserved next level.
Rolling out sat down with the duo to discuss their music.
Tell me about your lead single/video “Brokenhearted.” How did it actually come to fruition?
Myles: Our manager had a connection with APG, and they set up a session for us with Serm and Kam Parker. From the jump, it was cool vibes with them and we really liked the beat for “Brokenhearted.” So, we all ran through melody ideas and within that we found the concept and hook. From there, we finished the writing and had probably like 4 or 5 more sessions going back in and tweaking certain parts; trying to get the song to the best it could be. Good times!
“Brokenhearted” comes courtesy of your highly anticipated, self-titled debut LP. What can be expected or what can you reveal about said project?
Kalin: We feel like there could definitely be something for everybody on there. We are inspired by a lot of different genres, and I think that reflects in this album. We’re super proud with the way it came out!
How does the new material either differ and/or compare to previous Kalin and Myles’ efforts?
Myles: There’s roots from the first 2 EPs within this album; from the function sound to the R&B, and I think as we are growing up the writing naturally gets a little more mature.
You two recently embarked on the “Just For Fun” tour with Timeflies. For someone who has yet to witness you all performing live, what could they look forward to?
Myles: For live shows, we like to bring a lot of energy to our sets like a festival, and we also have some little dances that we like to throw in sometimes. We try to bring a party vibe to the set.
Individually, what do each of you bring to the proverbial “creative table,” both personality and professional-wise, when it comes to the overall “vibe” and/or sound of Kalin and Myles?
Myles: I produced and wrote the majority of the music we have out right now; that’s where my focus is at. I like being involved in the sound and live performance.
Kalin: I bring a lot of laughs, and I’m more of the outgoing social one in the group. For the music, I bring a lot of vocal melody ideas and the R&B vibes.
What do you two feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?
Kalin: Something unique about us is that I feel like we can have a foot in the pop lane, but at the same time in the rhythm lane.
Have you two encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?
Myles: I think that sometimes we aren’t as consistent as we could be; just getting too comfortable in what’s going on.
What do you all want people to get from your music?
Myles: One of the main things we want people to take away from our music is Positivity! It gets dark sometimes, and if there’s any way we can shine some light through a lyric or a beat, then we would (want) to be there in that way.
If you all could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Kalin: Chris Brown, fasho! Depending on the song, his music just makes you want to vibe. Not only that, but as a performer he really brings his music to life when bruh is on that stage. Seeing a legend in the making is just inspiring. Would love to make an album with that dude!
Myles: I got my name from Miles Davis; I feel like that could be a cool collaboration bringing his Jazz influence into what we have going on.
If you all could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Kalin: A dream is to play the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. Kalin went to his first concert and grew up going to (Golden State) Warriors games there. We’re from the Bay Area, so getting to play that venue would be HUGE!
Myles: From the beginning, we’ve always talked about Wembley Stadium…the videos we’ve seen from concerts over there look awesome!
Name one track of yours that you think defines you all and share why.
Myles: From the message to production, I think “Chase Dreams” would be a good definition for us.
What are your future plans and/or goals for sustaining longevity in entertainment?
Myles: Staying consistent and just making sure we stay communicating with each other. And also, just continuing to develop our sound; vocals, production, lyrics…everything; just continuing to step it up.
Do you all have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Kalin: We both think it would be dope to get into acting (and) possibly be in a movie! Diving into that could be fun.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s)?
Myles: We had a show at the San Jose Event Center (Arena) that really opened up our eyes. Very inspiring night to say the least.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you all see yourselves?
Myles: I would definitely want to still be involved with music in some way; whether that’s production, engineering, artist…I really enjoy music.
Kalin: In music as well. I didn’t grow up with the aspiration, but the way music makes me feel…I never want to leave.
As for the immediate, what’s next for Kalin and Myles?
Kalin: Releasing our album on November 20th!! Also, giving our love to our families during the holidays, because we hope in 2016 we can keep ourselves as busy as we can with more music and shows, and food.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention? And, lastly, do you all have any “parting” message(s) for our readers?
Kalin and Myles: To all the readers…thank you for taking the time to get to know us a little bit, and we encourage y’all to chase your dreams as well! You got this!
