TRINIDAD TRAILBLAZER KALPEE ENLISTS FULL BLOWN FOR EUPHORIC SUMMER ANTHEM “EVERYBODY”
Encapsulating the sounds of summer, Trinidad and Tobago’s rising star and previous Stefflon Don collaborator Kalpee has returned alongside reputed duo Full Blown for their latest euphoric anthem “Everybody”. Following his recent performance in London at the SXSW stage, Kalpee has carved a name for his genre-blending sound turning the heads of BBC Radio1, BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, Wonderland, Notion Magazine, and many more.
Just in time for the end of summer and ahead of the Trinidad Carnival scene, Kalpee and Full Blown deliver a soundtrack for memories to come. Attaining a euphoric feeling, both artists compliment each other’s styles seamlessly. Laced with substance “Everybody” is a pillar of hope, reassuring those in need that everything will work out; it’s more than just a song, it’s a movement. Accompanied with a high-energy visual directed by Grammy and award-winning film director Damien Sandoval [Chris Brown, Kehlani, Future, Quavo Huncho, Wiz Khalifa, etc] Kalpee and Full Blown took to California’s breathtaking Mojave Desert for an unforgettable performance. Correlating perfectly with the feel of “Everybody”, the sweeping landscapes and editorial aesthetic create a striking visual that redefines genre expectations. Encouraging listeners to get up and dance, “Everybody” is a taste of what’s yet to come from Kalpee.
When asked about what inspired the track Kalpee stated,
“This was one of those songs that just poured out of me…no overthinking, no searching. Earlier this year I’d been asking myself: What would I create if I ever tried to make something for the carnival space? What would that sound like? A space I wasn’t really sure I belonged in.”
He continued,
“The lyrics speak about fire taking over my soul. For me, that’s what inspiration feels like. A raw, untouchable energy that moves through you, unannounced. You don’t control it. It controls you. And in those moments, you feel limitless. Nothing and no one can stop you. Even in the heaviness of the world, the constant challenges, the noise or the heartbreak… that spark reframes everything. It reminds you of your power. And the beautiful thing about inspiration? It doesn’t discriminate. That fire chooses freely, regardless of age, race, or gender. At its core, this song was my way of speaking to something that matters deeply to me: We are all equal. We are one race, no one less than another, so send love to everybody.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Kalpee, an artist and producer born in London, Ontario, but raised in Trinidad. I’ve been singing since I was six years old, so music has been woven into my life from the very beginning. Over the years, I’ve developed my own sound, which I call New Calypso. A blend of soca, Afro beats, R&B, and electronic music. At the heart of it all, I stay true to myself and keep my lyrics uplifting and positive. For me, it’s about inspiring listeners and reminding them that they’re not alone on their journey.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
Everybody with the incredibly talented duo Full Blown is our way of sending love to every single person out there. The message is simple: stay on your journey and find the lessons in life’s challenges. With so much heaviness in the world, it was important for us to make something that feels joyful and high energy, but still speaks on what we believe. For instance, the idea that we’re all equal, all part of the same human race, no one being less than anybody. We want people to feel inspired when they hear the song and to spread that same love and positivity to those around them.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process?
Usually, it starts with the chords. That’s what sets the mood and guides where the song might go. From there, how we’re feeling emotionally and what’s happening around us or in the world naturally influences the melodies and lyrics. Most times, the process begins with us freestyling gibberish melodies over the music, no words at first. Then we pick the strongest melodies, build the arrangement, and finally write the lyrics to fit. It’s about letting the music lead and staying open to what it wants to say.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this release?
The music video for Everybody drops on September 8th, and after that, you can expect a steady flow of new music and visuals. I’ve spent the last three years really focusing on growth. Experimenting with the process and reinventing myself, learning, and pushing my artistry forward. So what’s coming next will show that journey, both in sound and in visuals.
Looking back, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that stands out as a turning point?
There are a few that really shaped me. Signing to Sony was huge, because it gave me the chance to work alongside professional musicians and producers, which raised the bar for how I viewed the craft. Performing at the Singapore Grand Prix was another dream moment. I’m a massive F1 fan, so not only performing, but also getting to walk the pit lane and watch the race from the paddock was surreal.
But the biggest turning point in my life was actually a tragedy that became a blessing. I went through a freak accident in Paramin, Trinidad, where I was crushed by the roll cage of a van. I almost didn’t make it. That experience completely shifted my mindset on life. It showed me how fragile it all is, but also how challenges can teach us and shape us into better versions of ourselves. As tough as it was, I’m grateful for the growth and perspective that came out of it.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward. What upcoming artist would you recommend fans check out?
I have to big up my brother from Trinidad, Jimmy October. He’s a super talented artist and a true friend who actually coined the term New Calypso. We’ve worked closely together at different points in our journeys, and we even have a song called Wherever You Are, that’s one of my favorites. I really respect his consistency, his passion for the craft, and his commitment to shaping what Caribbean music can look and sound like on a global stage.
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