Orlando Kallen – Leave Me Bleeding

By starrymag | June 5, 2024

By: Sammi Turano

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) It’s a fusion of pop and rock.

Q) You have mentioned that you have many musical influences, including Elvis Presley, Miley Cyrus and The Weeknd. What is it about them that you find so inspirational?

A) Elvis really paved the way for all of us artists. His love for music and his soul really came through in his voice. I am constantly inspired by his music and his voice. Ever since I was little, I sang Elvis songs around the house and he helped me find my artistry.

Miley is one of the most daring, bold and influential artists of our generation. I love how she is a chameleon, and she can do anything. She goes from pop to country to rock with a style all her own. She makes me feel more confident in experimenting with my own music and stepping out of the norm.

The Weeknd has bought back the flair of Michael Jackson. He had delivered a unique and bold style of sound into mainstream, which has created a wider definition of what pop music is or can be.

Q) “Ex Wants Me Dead” is the lead single off your new EP. What is the inspiration behind that song?

A) I feel like after a breakup, you go through waves of emotions, from missing them, to hating them, wanting them back, to what wtf was I thinking staying in that relationship for so long…It’s a never-ending cycle. As a songwriter, I think it’s important to express your own journey and hope that resonates with listeners to reflect on their own experiences and imagine their own ex. I believe that this is the true magic behind songwriting, watching how other people relate to your song and make it their very own.

Q) This track has some powerful lyrics. Why do you think people connect to them?

A) I think people can relate to these lyrics because I feel like most people have experienced a love turning sour. At one stage or another, we have all had that crazy ex.

Q) “Ex Wants Me Dead” also has an incredible music video. Tell us the concept/meaning behind it.

A) This was so fun to make. The twist behind the “Ex Wants Me Dead” music video was about a crazy ex who would rather see me dead than have me find love again with someone else… All good though, I got away.

Q) What was the biggest challenge of doing the music video for the single?

A) We planned it, found locations, shot it and edited it in four days. It was the craziest week of my life. But I’m so happy with how it turned out. We shot this in the middle of the desert in a 20-hour session. The team was amazing, and I could not have done it without them. Much love to all who made it happen.

Q) How did you come up with the concept for the EP Leave Me Bleeding as a whole?

A) The inspiration of the EP came to me at a time when my relationship was ending. I was really feeling everything. I felt so much sadness, relief, regret, confusion and pain. This is a reflection of the love that left me bleeding.

Q) In what ways do you think so many people relate to the songs on Leave Me Bleeding?

A) There are so many people in the world who have gone through heartbreak, and I made this EP as a representation of what falling in and out of love feels like. This was my first time going through it. With so many emotions running riot, I wanted to get it down on paper and document my journey.

Q) What were some of the challenges of working on the EP?

A) This was my very first project, so it was a bit challenging grasping all the different aspects of the production process. This was a whole new world to me, but then I sat down, spent the time and learnt how to produce myself.

Q) This album has so many powerful songs. Which one has the most meaning to you and why?

A) I think “demons” is the one that means the most to me. It was about a time in my life where I was really struggling to let go of someone that meant a lot to me. I felt so much guilt and sadness and I had to learn that people come in and out of your life for a reason. I’m still trying to accept that.

Q) Now that this album is released, do you plan on going on tour?

A) Absolutely. I will be going on tour soon! I’m so excited for it. Rehearsals start in the next few weeks and I’m excited to bring this music to life.

Q) Who are some people you would like to collaborate with in the future?

A) I would love to collab with Post Malone, Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus.

Q) You are a part of social media. How does it feel to be able to connect to your fans in this way?

A) It’s amazing to connect with people all over the world, but at the same time, there is nothing like real human interaction. That’s why I am so excited to go on tour because I will get to meet fans for real.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A) Thank you guys for being part of my journey and all the love. There is new music coming soon… Stay tuned!