Pop-powerhouse LU KALA returns to the forefront of innovative pop music with her new, feel good track "No Smoke," co-written with David Charles Fischer (bülow, renforshort). The Toronto-based songstress paves the way for female strength with her bold, in-your-face pop sound and norm-defying look.
The light and bouncy "No Smoke" is a nod to the dance-inciting vibes of creatives like Dua Lipa and Jess Glynne. LU's defined and distinct style is scattered throughout the track with honest lyrics, innovative production, and a catchy chorus. Weaving influence from pop-rock, electronic, and indie genres this new LU KALA track pairs a mighty message with a fun, lighthearted sound. Not to mention her killer vocals take it one notch further.
On the new single she explains, "'No Smoke' is my fun yet ruthless anthem. I'm tired of letting bullshit men think they can play me. I hope everyone who listens to this song will stick to their standards & cancel anyone who tries to waste their time."
Originally from The Democratic Republic of the Congo, LU immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of three. Gifted with a talent for writing striking pop tracks and memorable hooks, the independent musician has written numerous hit tracks, including one for R&B star Jennifer Hudson as well as local artists.
While she achieved songwriting success, behind the lyrics was a voice waiting to be released, a voice that didn't conform to the vocal style producers assumed they'd hear. Instead her sound - raw, intensely emotive and mercurial with an ability to lean into rock, soul and pop, at will - defied it. "With me being both black and plus size, I think people expect a very specific voice and style. And while I love those songs, I express myself differently," explains KALA.
Unwilling to vocally bend into the box black female performers are often expected to exist in, KALA has embraced her distinctive sound, transforming her trajectory as an artist, and a woman, in the process: "Everything about me says, 'Nah, I'm going to be in any space I choose to be in. And I'm going to command it.'"
