KALISWAY INTERVIEW: TORONTO’S GENRE-DEFYING AUTEUR ON BRIDGING SOUNDS, COLLABORATING WITH LAYA, AND HER FEARLESS NEW ERA
KALISWAY INTERVIEW: Toronto producer, vocalist, and all-round sonic architect Kalisway has never been one to fit neatly into a single box. Weaving effortlessly between bouncy funk, silky R&B, and heavy hit-you-in-the-chest cuts, her sound is less about following trends and more about building an entire world of her own.
Following critical acclaim across both sides of the Atlantic, she returns with her latest project, ‘Unstoppable’—a bold testament to her evolution as both a craftsperson and a performer. From unexpected cat meow ad-libs to bars-driven collaborations with LAYA, Kalisway sits down with VIPER to break down her studio process, creating her own lane outside of Toronto’s expected exports, and why believing in your own vision is the only way to be truly unstoppable.
‘I LIKE IT’ sets a completely different energy to the delicate, softer textures on ‘Not So Sweet’. How do you navigate shifting between those sonic extremes without losing your distinct identity?
To be honest, I don’t really navigate anything when it comes to the sonics of my music because I find that everything is a “world” that I’ve always created and expanded upon for each creation. So, it’s very natural for me to be able to create hip-hop feelings and blend them into a R&B feeling and then get back into funk. It’s just a part of the Kalisway sound. And I’ll never lose my distinct identity because that is my identity. I’m able to bridge multiple sounds that I grew up on and make it mine which is why when I’m building a distinct catalogue that when someone hears my art they’ll be like “nah that’s Kalisway”.
The line “Me and LAYA know we’re fly, we just wanna know if you tryna be fly with us” carries so much effortless confidence. How did the collaboration with LAYA come about, and what was the dynamic like in bringing that shared charisma into the studio?
The collaboration with LAYA was so effortless. I originally had a second verse created with this rap flow and it was dope but when we gave it to LAYA and she heard it, she killed it. It was the first version and the last version — cause it was completely IT. SO so good. Those runs are insane and I’ve been wanting to work with LAYA forever so to be able to bridge the gap between Atlanta and TORONTO and create with her? I’m grateful.
You seamlessly shift between sharp rap cadences and silky, melodic vocals throughout the track. Do you view yourself more as a producer-vocalist, or do you approach songcraft purely from a performer’s perspective?
Both. I was producing from 13 years old, the very beginning. But as I got better, I always naturally sung melodies ontop of my beats. Even now that’s how a lot of my ideas come together. I make spaces, chants, adlibs from the perspective of the crowd engaging with me.
Your racks such as ‘I LIKE IT’ contain playful, tongue-in-cheek vocal flourishes and sound samples. What is the weirdest or most unexpected sample or ad-lib you’ve recorded that actually made the final cut?
That’s a fun question lool. I would say the “meow” sample in “I Like It”. I literally had my actual vocal there, and then I told Dot, my engineer, “yo, let’s actually put a cat meow in there” and I literally was telling him to play around with the pitching of it to get the right “meow” LOL. It’s serious, okay?
Following the success of Who Is Kalisway and the Take Me Back (World Of Eras) EP, how do you feel your vision for your artistry has evolved leading into this new era with UNSTOPPABLE?
Each year I get so much better. If you look at my entire discography from the beginning till now — I’ve improved my songwriting, production and vocals. Having a gap of being able to live life as well allowed me to grow mentally to make Unstoppable.
You’ve played to crowds of over 40,000 at major award shows and headlined Toronto’s NYE countdown. How has performing at that scale altered the way you create music in the studio?
Confidence. Keyword. It’s made me confident that who I think I am, I really am. I approach my lyrics and story telling with less hesitation, and more vulnerability. I also take more creative risks, because I know it’s an expression of my artistry and personality that people relate to.
Toronto has a very distinct sonic export, yet your sound weaves through alt-R&B, funk, and global sounds. How has your hometown shaped you, and where do you feel your music sits within the city’s current landscape?
I don’t sit within any landscape. I’ve made my own. And I’m proud of that. This is kalisway music. My city made me who I am. They show me so much love and that’s why I go hard doing what I do. I’m going to continue to prove why we must embrace uniqueness. Because we have too much talent in Toronto to be known for one thing.
With critical acclaim backing you on both sides of the Atlantic, do you feel any pressure when stepping into the studio, or does the recognition just fuel the process?
Nah, it fuels me. I’m so hungry. I know my time is right now. So I’m here. Let’s do it.
Your music manages to feel fresh and modern while retaining a timeless, classic feel. Who were the artists or records playing in your household growing up that laid the blueprint for that balance?
Pharrell, Missy Elliott, Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg and more. But those were my core influences. If you really listen to my music and the way I use chord changes, bridges and melodies — it all strives from my inspos.
With UNSTOPPABLE out now, and more music on the horizon, what energy or message are you setting out to deliver to listeners for the rest of 2026 and beyond?
To be unstoppable you must believe in yourself. Truly believe that everything is possible especially when you put the work in. No limits, no expectations or perception of who you should be will stop you from reaching your goals. You’re meant to live your dreams. You’re UNSTOPPABLE.
The curation doesn’t stop here. Explore vipermag.com for your full dose of lifestyle, music, and culture.
Follow us to stay ahead of the curve: @vipermagazine
Explore the site to grab the latest issues, and join us in the Viper+ Vault for uncut artist interviews, definitive cultural deep dives, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the future of the scene.
