Emerging from Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant musical landscape, Kalpee returns with Heaven So Close — a powerful and emotionally resonant track that captures his evolving artistry and inner journey. Known for his innovative blend of Caribbean rhythms with modern global influences, the genre-defying singer-songwriter continues to redefine what New Calypso can be.
The creation of Heaven So Close was sparked not in the studio, but in a moment of quiet reflection. Inspired by The Creative Act, Rick Rubin’s meditative book on the nature of artistic inspiration, Kalpee found himself tapping into a deeper source of creativity. Surrounded by candles and the cleansing aroma of palo santo, he set an intention for the session — not to chase a hit, but to channel truth. What followed was an outpouring of raw emotion, unfiltered and honest.
Infused with a global sensibility, Heaven So Close draws inspiration from the rhythmic textures of afrobeats and amapiano, as well as the cross-cultural fluency of artists like Tyla, Naika, and Saint Levant. The track combines ambient electronic elements with deeply personal lyrics, weaving a narrative about perseverance and emotional resilience.
Crafted from the ground up in Kalpee’s London studio, the song grew organically from an empty Ableton session into a cathartic anthem for anyone grappling with uncertainty. Its warmth and depth echo his commitment to making music that connects on a human level.
“I just allowed myself to feel, to be present,” he recalls. “No boundaries, no expectations — just gratitude for the ability to express what I was going through.”
Kalpee’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. After a serious car crash in 2018, he used music as a vehicle for healing, resulting in his introspective single Wherever You Are and his debut EP HOME (2020), which gained attention from tastemakers like BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, Wonderland, and CLASH.
His talents have also led to collaborations with a string of high-profile producers and songwriters, including Carla Marie Williams (Beyoncé, Britney Spears), Yei Gonzales (DJ Khaled, Diplo), and The Anmls (The Weeknd, French Montana). But even with his growing list of industry credits, Kalpee has remained committed to elevating Caribbean voices — founding Iza Island Wave in 2020 to spotlight talent from the region. The initiative has since expanded globally, hosting stages at SXSW (Austin and London), Music Matters in Singapore, and events in Jamaica.
Now, with Heaven So Close receiving early support from BBC Introducing and student radio networks, Kalpee is gearing up for his next chapter: the Dougla Boi EP, set to drop on November 21. The project promises to be his most personal yet, exploring identity, growth, and the many layers of cultural fusion that define his sound.
Heaven So Close is available now across all major streaming services.
