Kai Phi Breaks Down His Recent Release “California Forever”
Emerging as a major force in the EDM scene, Kai Phi has seamlessly intertwined West Coast music with futuristic electronic beats in his latest single, “California Forever.” The DJ and producer is renowned for his innovative approach to music-making, pushing boundaries, and transcending conventional genres. In this track, he cleverly fuses electronic boom bap, hip-hop, trip-hop, and downtempo microhouse music, creating party anthems that’ll keep clubbers on their feet all night long.
Kai Phi admits that “California Forever” is an homage to the state of California, its artists, patrons, and venues that have created and continue to enrich its culture and nightlife, “Whether EDM, Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock, Punk, pop, or Latin music, it is all California soul. Marlena Shaw was correct in singing, ‘it’s like a sound you hear that lingers in your ear, but you can’t forget from sundown to sunset.’”
The versatile musician says: “I wanted to make something that evoked reverence, gratitude, and joy, even if for a brief moment. I wanted it to feel like a celebration of a culmination of the rituals people go through to prepare for a planned or unplanned night out in their respective nightlife scenes. The beat and bass needed the tempo and feel of a slowed heartbeat.”
“The heartbeat creates a conscious awareness and mindfulness of life in all cultures; the melody had to seem rain-like and have a euphoric feeling while also sounding quintessentially unique to California’s nightlife. I hope I pulled it off, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have tried either way,” explains Kai Phi.
The song captures the electric energy and pulsating ambiance of the Golden state’s club culture, from rooftop parties to the background beats. As the first release in a series of upcoming singles, “California Forever” offers a glimpse into what fans can expect from the artist’s highly-anticipated forthcoming tracks, including “Le Midi,” “Dream Drum,” and “In Dig A New.”
Listen to “California Forever” on Spotify: