The Power of Two Cultures | Don Calya's Musical Journey from South Africa to Australia

0:00:03 - Nasiphi Zwane
This is what they call a safe space. Think of it as like a therapy session. Swear. If you want to cuss, do whatever you want. This isn't radio, you know  

0:00:17 - Don Calya
Yeah, podcast, it's real. Do you know what's crazy? In Australia, no one knows what a safe place means And it's hard for me to like move backwards, you could say, from like South Africa being so progressive in like I understand a safe space between male and female and anyone to like trying to teach them here, like you are making me uncomfortable, and they're like why I didn't do anything to you. I'm like but what you're saying? and they're like oh, it works. 

0:00:44 - Nasiphi Zwane
You're like what? So there it's more like a sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me

0:00:48 - Don Calya
Yeah it's kind of like we have so much opportunity to do what we want and no consequence. YOLO, what. 

0:01:00 - Nasiphi Zwane
YOLO is so hectic, so freedom of speech is like a thing there, like you can say whatever without any repercussions. 

0:01:07 - Don Calya
Yeah, and it's kind of like it's not even like anyone asked them. They just walking around doing their own thing and you're just like it just turns them and you go. Did you not think how that might make someone feel? and they're like uh no. And you're like oh damn. 

0:01:22 - Nasiphi Zwane
But I mean also creatively, though. Would that not be a good thing? I mean, at least you're not sort of, you know, boxed into a box Yeah, You know, you can. 

0:01:31 - Don Calya
I don't know. I feel like it's nice to be not boxed in, but I feel like it's also good to just be aware that not everything you say should come out your mouth. Or like do, do things you know that could make people feel uncomfortable, or it's like a negative interaction That I'm just like you should just go. no, that's not healthy for anyone to have around them. 

But they're just kind of like I can do what I want And you're like I mean you can, and they don't know the repercussions, but like don't do it in front of me, because I'm going to tell you why, you shouldn't do it. 

0:02:07 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yeah, exactly, it's tricky. I guess it's more of like just finding that balance. you know, between the two I mean everything sort of having a good and bad side. I guess, in a way, Is there anything we can't touch on in this interview. 

0:02:18 - Don Calya
Just by the way, while we on that, because I don't want to Yeah you're like oh, you start sweating it like ah yeah, you're like, hey don't seem. I kind of said something and she went crazy. I wasn't ready. You chill, i'm pretty much an open book. I'm allowed to like I'm on, i'm also someone that's going to be like yeah, i don't want to talk about it, you know, if I'm just like, but, no, I'm usually just like I love stuff that challenges me, So even if it's something that I feel like I might be a challenge. I'm like let's talk about it. 

0:02:48 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yeah, Because honestly, like with like the whole vibe that I go for, is I literally, are we not about like the controversy and all this stuff? Like I just want to, I just want to learn about you. you know honestly, controversy is what people like, But that's not really the way. If something does come up and it's controversial, it wasn't intentional at all. 

0:03:09 - Don Calya
Are you trying to date me? the way this sounds, It's like, yeah, perfect day. Look at that. You're like I just want to listen to you. That is all I want A man just listening to me. 

0:03:19 - Nasiphi Zwane
I'm going to do like a quick intro, because you're already in this for anyone. I know, we just like we, we, we, we, we, we. They're already. If you're watching this or you're listening to this, i'm with Don Calya. 

0:03:32 - Don Calya
I hope I pronounce it wrong, you said it. It points Brilliant, fantastic, yes. 

0:03:41 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yes, it's a very interesting. you know what Let me tell you? I don't know, anyone that's got that kind of name, i'm going to be honest with you. 

0:03:49 - Don Calya
Oh good, The first person. That's what I want to hear. 

0:03:53 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yeah, it's you know. how did you come up with it? Is this like your surname? Is it a name? 

0:03:58 - Don Calya
So Don is from my surname, which is Donnelly, which is an Irish surname. So why? Irish Donnelly Right Yes. 

Irish. And then Calya. My parents were literally like we thought apparently they said it was a model back in their day. But I Googled it, it does not exist, this model never lived. They literally just saw me and were like Calya And I'm like you know what? Then I'm going to say it's unique. So I'm going to give myself the definition. I couldn't name myself, but I'll give myself the definition and shout out to your parents as well. 

0:04:32 - Nasiphi Zwane
They had a contribution, yeah. 

0:04:33 - Don Calya
But then if I get in trouble with like the law, anyone like they, I can't go. It was that Calya. They're going to be like there is no other Calya, Especially with that spelling, And then it's like but I didn't murder him. It wasn't me. 

0:04:49 - Nasiphi Zwane
No, listen, but also the fact that you know you pretty much the only person. I don't think there is any other artist as well. So even for things like SEO as well, it's like literally Google it and you're the only result that would come up. 

0:05:01 - Don Calya
So, yeah, well, hopefully people type the whole name because Don's there's obviously a lot of Don's like Don Toliver, don Dada, don you know, callione and all of that Don. Diablo. But if they type in the other second name, then 100%. I think that's like what the label and like publishers love. They're like, they're always like woof And marketers. They're like Oh, that'd be easy, Just throw Calya in there. Yeah. 

0:05:26 - Nasiphi Zwane
I think, I think, I think a little something people could also utilize as part of the criteria would be if it's up in Don, just look for the most talented artist in there. You will pop up. 

0:05:36 - Don Calya
Who are you Who? are you. I need you in my life. 

0:05:40 - Nasiphi Zwane
I don't know, i don't know, i don't know. 

0:05:42 - Don Calya
You are the one. 

0:05:44 - Nasiphi Zwane
This interview happening. I'd like for us to touch a bit on Jesse. Shout out, jesse, just absolutely incredible. The way like you've got someone incredible in your team, like, in all honesty, the way that this interview is set up, the communication 100%. Please keep Jesse on the team. Tell me about how you guys met. 

0:06:07 - Don Calya
It's actually my cousin, So it's like kind of like he was like this is going to be my alien, Like he was like I'm bored, I want to do something. And he always wanted to do stuff in the arts, like he's a musical theater person, and I was just like, can you do this for me, because my sister was using him for his assistant. Like she's like, can you help me with some of my social media stuff? 

And he was good at it and like really was on board. So I was just like to him Hello, i need someone to help me with my stuff because I'm really struggling with it. And he was like all, right give me your logins and I'll do it and stuff And like what I like is obviously, you know, sometimes like don't mix family and business. 

But I was like he's on it, so it actually worked out, because it's like he will pick up the things that I might like. This, like I might have totally been like forgotten, like it's my birthday, i'm in Australia, you know, i mean time zones and stuff. And then he was like don't forget, there was something on your birthday. 

It was this, because you like even had on his calendar And I was like yeah he's a real one, but like, yeah, jesse was, he was just like I'm going to say Jesse Reece, which is he's like two second names, It's not his first name, but I was like yeah sure, if that's your alias, like I'm done Yeah. 

0:07:21 - Nasiphi Zwane
Damn, that is really incredible. I like, i like the fact that you keep it in the family as well. 

0:07:28 - Don Calya
Family can be one. That's just one, yeah. 

0:07:33 - Nasiphi Zwane
What about the rest? What does it say about the rest of the family? 

0:07:36 - Don Calya
She's my sister was my DJ for a little while and no, it wasn't. No for me. My sister doesn't DJ, she just puts it in and places play The DJs. They would literally be like how are you her DJ? Can we just DJ for your sister? Because she'd be like I don't know what I'm doing. Where's the? volume. So had to let her go, unfortunately. Sorry, mish. 

0:07:58 - Nasiphi Zwane
You are in Australia. Give me some sort of insights on that, because I think even on your Twitter not Twitter she's on Instagram and your Instagram bio is you've got like a half Z type thing. It's like half South African, half Australian Is there, like you know what? is that. Is that like are you? are you saying there that you're half South African, half Australian, or is that more like? you know you are based in both countries? 

0:08:28 - Don Calya
Oh, i like the answers. Actually, i didn't know that people are thinking like that, but now I can answer it for everybody. 

That is you know, okay, like, yeah, what is happening. So I, from the start of even my career, i always said like I'm South African born, but Australian bread. So, even after start, when I did it, from like like 19, when I was like, okay, i want to try this out, that was a, that was early done, that was I was still Calia, like it was you know, figuring out my brand and like what is it? What do I sound like? But I always went by like I've, musically, i've just been grown up with two different cultures, so it'll always infuse the genres that are popping in ours and that are, you know, popping in SA that I grasso. So I was just kind of like, how do I add that to my bio? where, yeah, people aren't like are you like, did you just add that because you moved to South Africa Or are you whatever? And then some people are like literally like, oh, you're mom South African, your dad's Australian. I'm like, no, it's not even that It's. 

I was born South African and I left the. I left SA when I was 11 and then I grew up in Australia. So I'm, you know, thrown here young or so and then bred here until like 20. And then traveled America in the UK when I was trying to figure out like my sound and music got opportunities in LA. So that was like my first. that was actually my first time recording in a booth and doing a music video was in LA, like America. 

But I still went by like I'm South African, grew up in Australia, so the sound still resonated between those two not really like it wasn't fully Americanized or pretty, you know UK kind of vibes. And then, yeah, even when I came to SA like home, and I met with a team and that they were like like how are we going to brand this? Like, are you? You know, sometimes South Africans might be like who's this Australian coming here? And I'm just like, but guys, i'm South African. Like I still knew what it means to be a South African, like I'm even in Australia. They know I'm first South African, like I keep in touch with my culture. It's like born and bred. It is still born and bred in me. But also there's an Australian side that I'm like. There's that. You know, the Aussie side of my one friend was like that explains the wig, right, i'm like no girl, she's like that. That's white girl things. I'm like oh girl. 

But yeah there's some things that you know. People will say you're not a typical like you know being colored. Obviously they're like you're not a typical coloured girl from South Africa And I'll be like. Well, that's where the Aussie mix comes in, where I grew up with such different influences, so I might dress like what they would say a white girl would wear or even sound a bit different or think a little bit different And I'm like, yeah, it's just the culture from us infusing it. 

So I always say South Africans slash Aussie because both of them played such a big role in my life overall. Like even now I'm itching to come back home, But then when I say I was itching to come back to my other homes, I'm like I'm stuck in a hard place because I wish both of them could just collide. 

0:11:25 - Nasiphi Zwane
Can we let? 

0:11:25 - Don Calya
the can an earthquake happen, where we all come together, you know Like. 

0:11:29 - Nasiphi Zwane
Australia and Africa, and then it's Pangea or whatever it is, yeah, just join. So it's easier for me. Just one in time music seed, and it's actually. You know what's wild is that When I think of Australia, i will automatically think of one. Did you redo to Steve, literally? So now it's going to be done. Kelly is going to be added to that list, Oh, thank you? 

0:11:55 - Don Calya
Yes, oh, i hope I'm I hope. Yeah, i think I'm a better representation of Australia, because you know why I'm multicultural and I'm aware of shit that's happening around the world, because Aussies, when you hear of Aussies, they're so, they're ignorant. They're what And they're just horrible to their own indigenous people still. So I'm like, oh, there's some things here that we've got to. Let's paint a better picture of Aussies. You know what I mean. 

Like, let's show the side that we're actually aware of, like the movement towards actually appreciating black people in this country, immigrants in this country, gay people in this country. You know it's like we need to move towards that because there's so many policies that allow that, and also opportunities Like why are we still conservative in such a socialist state? Like it doesn't make sense, like it's crazy. So, yeah, hopefully I'm a good representation here. 

0:12:51 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yeah, 100%. What's Australia's sort of like perspective on South Africa, Like what's the? are there any misconceptions? What do they think about South Africans Or about what's happening? 

0:13:03 - Don Calya
They. Someone asked me how did I get here? And I was like it's 2023. I literally looked at it, thinking it was a joke. 

Like you know, like ah, and she was like no, seriously, like, and I'm like, girl, there's planes. She's like there's planes and airports. I'm like yes, she's like what part of South Africa? I'm like Joberg, she's like oh, yeah, from Joberg, I thought you came from somewhere else. I'm like no, no, no, honey. Like South Africa is built, like you can fly in South Africa, like Durban, cape Town, pe. Like there's airports, there's buildings, there's cities, there are functions. I think they also assume that we're not a way of the world. And I'm like South Africans, even as the youth, we are the most smartest and well-educated youth in the world. 

We are so aware Like just even the way we think of and how advanced we are. Like I know people in SA are like really South Africans And I'm like guys, i'm not even capping, like compared to the Aussies and how they think here at my age they're back in SA. It's a whole different world game And I'm actually like I respect South Africans for that. 

0:14:08 - Nasiphi Zwane
Like we were so much better for it. 

0:14:11 - Don Calya
I feel like we're better prepared for the world because of that. Yeah, and apparently The misconception, isn't it Yeah? 

0:14:18 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yeah, sorry, sorry, sorry to interrupt you there. And like is there, I want us to also dive deep into the music as well. But Australia, apparently there's like a whole lot of like. there's like a spider in every corner there. There's, like you know, snakes in every corner, don't say that, that stuff is a true disaster misposition. 

0:14:35 - Don Calya
Yeah, Because honestly no, that is real, Like the wild, the insects and the wildlife that even Aussies. When you come here, they're just like has anybody told anyone about the wildlife? Because that's something you can't cap on. It's dangerous. Like I was just saying around my area. It's a very modern place Like this is one of the areas where it's the most modern. There is a sign when you walk into a park that says caution snakes. Like it's telling you think about it, It's like something like Santin going caution lions. 

0:15:13 - Nasiphi Zwane
Oh, no, no, no, Like bro. 

0:15:15 - Don Calya
Like, why are they? why are they walking about? But because there's so much wildlife here and, like you just don't miss it. They're like caution snakes. 

0:15:23 - Nasiphi Zwane
So we can't do anything. It's their last. Please be safe. 

0:15:26 - Speaker 2
Please be safe. I don't go to that walk. I don't. I don't go there anymore. Every time I see it, i'm like no. 

0:15:33 - Nasiphi Zwane
But it seems like the wildlife comes to you, though That's the thing. You don't go out there, but what if it comes to you? 

0:15:38 - Don Calya
Yeah, i honestly have never experienced it Like despite it's in that I have but we honestly don't go in the house. We leave the house and we wait for the exterminator. Like the last time I was here that happened, we were like Spotted in the house. Hi, sorry, can we get? yeah, we're going. We couldn't even stay in the place, we just called We have to go stay somewhere else. Yeah, it's their, it's their space. 

0:16:02 - Nasiphi Zwane
We do not miss it. I'm the same. I don't want to lie. I'm bad with spiders. I'd rather I mean I killed them now, but it's still like. It's like you know you should do that. 

0:16:14 - Don Calya
I'm, i get numb and I go, it's I. I like I nearly faint It's. I can't Yeah. 

0:16:20 - Nasiphi Zwane
They are quite creepy. So you know what you're forgiven for almost fading. How do you, how do you both seem sort of compare for you, South Africa and Australia. Which is better? What are the pros and cons for each? 

0:16:31 - Don Calya
Oh, i think they're both different. Like in Oz, they're really heavy on pop and EDM and like old metal rock. They love American hip hop, you know, like NWA and like Queen Latifah hip hop like two-park, even like old school Dr Dre, eminem, old school. They do have the new school, but Ozzie's like have this thing about the underdog. So they love people that are either that are not current, they're either like from years ago. I mean, look, the one thing that they do love that's current is like the Asian pop, so like BTS and stuff, because it's a high population of Asians here in Oz. So obviously Korean pop down the bat they're like we love. But mainly, yeah, the popular genres are like folk pop, rock, old school hip hop like, and then a little bit of the the grime rap, so UK influence, and then with SA, obviously I was telling them like we have house, which is our own, we have guayto which is our own. 

0:17:30 - Speaker 2
I can't say gom, i just said it in a different way, but you know what I'm saying. 

0:17:35 - Don Calya
We got I'm a piano now And then our pop is like it's a mixture between the American kind of like LA kind of style pop, you know, like very LA based, that you know. I say we're more Americanized, a little bit more than Ozzie's. Ozzie's are trying to hone their own sound and something that comes maybe around from Europe and stuff, but like I don't think it's too different, because I mean even the Afro beat here obviously it's it's similar sounds, it's just right. Here It's like maybe Indian rock is doing a little bit better, you know. And then in SA it's I'm a piano that's doing better. 

But I feel like when I played my music here, especially the new music, like obviously playing it in South Africa, and they were like this week can work with, when I played it here, they were like, oh, this is not far off, this is something I listened to, okay, so it wasn't like they were like, oh girl, what do you what? No, this got to change. And so I feel like I've dived in comfortably a little bit more, because I always kept kind of in mind like my influences from Oz in South Africa and then my influences in South Africa, in Oz, where they kind of could bridge, so that both of them can't be like, oh, we can't market this, no, or I'd have to start again, maybe if I go up North. 

It might be like a girl screw, We got to switch it up. You know, we never know, but between Oz and SA it wasn't like a major difference And also they hopping on a piano here, So like a pop piano makes their like the new single that I dropped. They're not. They're like oh, i've heard this. Like, i've heard something similar to this. They're not totally out of the game of like what in the what? 

0:19:16 - Nasiphi Zwane
Do you feel like you are sort of at an advantage in a way? I mean, you mentioned, you know, going to LA, you know going to the UK. Your very first reporting experience was in LA and you'll find that a lot of artists from South Africa, they sort of emulate the American artist, especially like the hip-hop sort of scene. So do you feel like you sort of at an advantage as someone who's physically been to America and witness the culture there? 

0:19:42 - Don Calya
I think what helped me was realizing that when you go to America, one thing you need to know because you will never be American. You can sound great, you can have a pop in record, you can be the best in the country, but they are really American, like even the producers. They were like. They were like no, you can come to America and make music Like we'll love you because you're like African and Australian, like you're exotic, and you'll fall into that bracket, but they're still very much America's America. So if you're making pop like, they want you to be American. If you're actually hip-hop, they're like this is American ground. So it's kind of like I always knew I was from. 

Then I decided already do I want to be the small fish in a big pond, which is great, or don't want to be a big fish and then come back being like I don't need to fit into what you guys are doing. Well, with what I've built and this is me, So I won't ever sound like anyone or look like anyone. So I think that's helped me maintain that thing where people are like like you're similar to this, you have an inspiration from this artist, but you're not exactly this artist compared to yes, a lot of you know South African artists, even Aussie artists who have never traveled the world, and they've just like oh, this is my favorite artist and I'm going to emulate that exact thing. But then people are like you sound like this girl, you look even like this person. So there's a little disadvantage of trying to understand like, because they obviously going I need to do this to get there, and sometimes even half of them, they do get there, but I think what, for short, is why they don't stay there, is because the Americans, like you, will never be us And we've got to put us first. Come on, they're like Americans, always first. 

So it's great, for it's kind of like you've got to decide like do you always want to be in someone else's shadow and be like I accept this, i don't mind, because you know the rest of the world, you know I'm in America, i'm doing it. Or are you like I can find my own space and I can be here, but and have a presence? Oh, i'm going to find my own stuff And when I come here, you're going to be like who's this? What is this? Because I feel like the UK artists have done it and our Americans are mad for them. I feel like the rest of the world should be able to decide. 

I mean, even Nigerians have done with Afro beats. So it's like if it's not even a what's it called an excuse anymore, being like, oh, but we're in Africa, it's like no, guys. If the Nigerians were like, we're going to take Afro beats and it's you're going to know that it holds from us, i feel like in South Africa, whatever sound you're doing, because obviously we're a mix of genres, you're capable to do it. Even name your own genre if you want. Like yeah. 

You know, take the time to figure out if you can. You know, i feel like also in SA which is different to Australia is here. You have time to build your stuff Right, like I feel there's no age limit here in us. In us, Honestly. 

I'm meeting like 40 year old producers who are still like I am still going. like when they say when I say gun, like there's so much energy in them. Like they say like kids again, like when you're 18, you're like, oh, i'm starting my music career. Compared to in SA, when I would meet the older guys in their thirties, forties, even late twenties, they were like yeah, They're tired, they're in the roots. 

And you're like but I can understand. It's like just how you know over here in Oz the privileges that we have a little bit more. You know we have unions here, we have more spaces to be like I can do this for life. And then in SA it is kind of like there is a time limit, because now you're thinking of a family providing for yourself. 

You know, am I going to stay in this position forever or holding two jobs, maybe six jobs, because you're just making it by? So it's kind of like I can understand people going on and just copy and push and then everyone's going to be familiar and then get it there. It's just kind of like every individual weighing, like your, like what's more important to you, is it? the now or never, or is it actually the longevity that's going to fulfill you? 

0:23:35 - Nasiphi Zwane
Guns to your head, australia or South Africa, as an artist. 

0:23:40 - Don Calya
How dare you? 

0:23:41 - Nasiphi Zwane
I'm sorry, i had to, i had to. Where is? where is? 

0:23:44 - Don Calya
Jesse, shut up, you want to challenge me? Hello, oh, i'm going to take this. I'm going to mention as an oh mate, okay For opportunities, opportunities and just the way I see my life play out. It is Australia. I feel like, yeah, it is, but I think SA for me I think that's what happened towards the end It was kind of like I'm not familiar with having to choose one or having to give you know, like give in to something that I'm like, i don't like it doesn't make me feel comfortable in my values and morals. 

I never understood that because, like I grew up in Australia where if I wasn't comfortable by it, i could be like nope and keep up moving. 

But in SA, a lot of my friends were like we don't have those privileges And a lot of them said you have so much optimism And I think it comes from growing up in Australia. So for me it was kind of like no brainer when it got to towards the end of last year, being like here's an opportunity to go to Australia. Like your labels there, your publishers are worldwide, you can go there and there's a ticket. Like you can come over, you know. Like you can come back and you know, do what you need to do There's there's not going to be a much of an adjustment or you can stay in SA, which a lot of people are like yeah, and grow. You're following a bit more, you're so close, you're so there for the blow up And I was just kind of like, but I've met people like instance, like a Blxckie on his blow up Mans is doing well, But when I'm hearing at the labels of them going, he's falling off and I'm like this guy has worked so hard. 

I, when I look at him, I feel like he's at his peak and he's doing musically. He's so great. What do you mean? Like that's it. Yeah. Right. And I was kind of like. You see, then what's the point that was? the point. Then I might as well. just you got like, go away, they appreciate you no matter what stage. Then, rather like, this man is doing well, and they're like then what? then? what's next, bro? 

0:25:42 - Nasiphi Zwane
And it's like no, everything you're saying is very beautiful, by the way. Like thank you, for I'm very much intrigued. 

0:25:50 - Don Calya
Sorry, I told you I rant. 

0:25:51 - Nasiphi Zwane
No, listen, it's perfect. That's what we want. That's what we want. It's perfect. Right, please continue. What desire? featuring Max, and then the other one featuring big skis is also another single as well. that's coming up. Oh my gosh. 

0:26:06 - Don Calya
Yes. 

0:26:07 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yes, we are sports. This is actually incredible. 

0:26:11 - Don Calya
I love you like a spoiler. I'm like, don't say that Honestly my family have been thinking of sports for my whole life A lot. 

0:26:19 - Nasiphi Zwane
No, this time you're spoiling us. Tell me, tell me a bit about the one with maximum. Yes, you know what sort of how you guys linked up firstly and how the song sort of came about. 

0:26:32 - Don Calya
Yeah, sure, so, um, desire. It was like, honestly, that wasn't even the name. We named it deja vu, We named it something else. What is it? Opportunity, i don't even know. But it was like made last year May. Like last year May we met and we went into studio and we were like, yeah, we're going to drop this in August, that it come August. We're like, oh, we didn't even touch on the song. What is the premise around it? Like why are we doing this? But Maxim had been a producer for Blxckie I think he still works with him on his last album and he was just kind of like, look, i'm trying to, because I met him and I was like, oh, you only do hip hop. Like how am I? And he was like, no, like that's the thing. I worked with Blxckie because we knew each other from KZN and he's a KZN and boy you know these. 

0:27:18 - Nasiphi Zwane
KZN. Hands are all talented. 

0:27:20 - Don Calya
Lucas Raps, Blxckie, Goldmax, Shekinah, Sketchy Bongo, shout out, rant down. 

Maybe I should have been from Japan, yeah, like. And then he was just kind of like I want to branch out, because he was saying he wants to go overseas and he's the opportunity, because even at his camp at M4, they were talking about how they want to go overseas, either to America. And then Max was like, ah, but guys like America, we always going there. But why is it that? no one like hits, you know, and he was even agreeing with me, because it's that American thing like, no, it's cute, Oh, little African, oh, so cute, but it's American. Like no, you're late. 

So he was like, going there with hip hop, they're never going to take us seriously, like you know. And he's like I don't just make like African music, you know everything on pop, i'm EDM Like. So I was like, well, let's do some pop, right. So we went through pop tracks. I was like, mm, we went through R&B, pop, hip hop, pop And like, honestly, towards the end of the studio session he was like we were sitting there and he was like, oh, i think I have one because it's like there's one fold I don't go through. And I was just like, oh, please, let this be the song. And then he played the beat and I was like, finally, after two hours in the studio session, only last 30 minutes, we found the song And we just like it just clicked and we were like, all right, this is going to be the track, this is going to be kind of like the mixture. Because he was like, look, you're also grew up Australian. It's kind of in fuzer, let's make that a thing. Like, get your Aussie market. Like you know, let's maybe not only focus on the Northern Hemisphere, let's focus down here. You never know Even the African continent. You don't know what could come about it. 

And then when I yeah, i was just kind of like focused on the rain music video which dropped with Jager Meister. So I was kind of like, look, i have to focus on this project because it's really big with Jager Meister and I want to take this opportunity. But in that time I was kind of like I don't even know how we're going to release this. I'm like, oh, i'm leaving, what does this mean? And then I just said, like to myself and I was listening to the lyrics and I'm like I mean, look, the lyrics talk about honestly desiring someone. But I was kind of like, maybe it could you know how people interpret things differently. So I was like for me it's not. 

I wasn't desiring anyone, i was desiring a city, a country. So I was like that could yeah. So that's why we use desire, because it could. It's just broad, it could mean anything. 

And I wanted to make it about, make it around that you know I'm South African Australian working with a South African producer bringing this piano pop to us. I mean, even though it's here, it's still from like South African artists, like there's no actually South African artists here doing it. So I'm living here, i could actually be that, and a lot of like DJs are like, oh wait, you're an African artist here, you know, able to make piano. This is what we want to. You know, we want to mingle with and meet because we're just playing artists that are like only in Africa, overseas. 

So I was just like all right, we can do that. And then I told like my labels and my team and stuff, and they're like all right, we've got to make this like a documentary style. Like you know him over in Josie doing that, you know maybe my creative director getting into the music versus high blenders or dancers in the industry you know they're dancing like Casper and all of them They want, like they want a TV show and stuff They danced with, like Costa before RIP to Costi, yeah, yeah, so we know getting them involved and then having me on this side kind of showing how that sound has come over here, because for me it's like I feel South Africans, yeah, we kind of get, we kind of forget that we're actually also golden eggs, if I can say, like when I'm here in Australia and I'm like no, because obviously people are like we can hear an accent, like you're not just I'll say no. 

I'm South African. They're like, oh see how South Africa, wow, and they're just like wow. Yeah, yeah, they're like oh yeah. 

So I was kind of like I wanted to find a space where, obviously, with all the stuff that we go through as a youth in South Africa, let's make some light out of it. Like let's, let me not go overseas and forget that I grew my foundation up in South Africa. Like that's, that's where I got signed, that's where I met certain opportunities featured with Gigi LeMaine on her album. Like I got so much opportunities in a country that a lot of people don't assume there is opportunities, but I was able to have that. So there's no way I'm going to forget about it. Like first release year has to be like a dedication of no guys. This is what we're doing in SA, this is how we move and you know, respect us, see us. 

0:32:13 - Nasiphi Zwane
It's very beautiful. It came up. We're going to be obviously playing out with it just so people can get a bit of a taste. Yeah, in terms of what we would be, what we about all the sauce and the flavors that you're talking about. It's absolutely incredible. I feel like you know what you touched on. You're almost at the end, but you know what you touched on there about getting an opportunity to work with, like Gigi LeMaine. Like, if you look at that bio that Jesse sent me, shout out, jesse, once again, looking at all, looking at all the people that you've worked with, one of the more interesting for me personally, although it wasn't there Ava like. We've had her on the show and shout out Ava like Lava. How was your experience working with her? Cause she's absolutely incredible. 

0:33:00 - Don Calya
Yes, no, it was fun. Like the thing is, we met very early in our careers Like I think I was just starting and she was also like studying and starting and we were both like we don't fit in the mainstream of what South African artists are Like. People might look at us and be like like she is obviously Iranian and travel, also traveled the world, and I'm like coming back from Australia into SA, being South African, but I've also grown up overseas, so people can be like just so far in here. So we kind of touch base and found a safe ground here of telling each other like, look, we can do this. Like we're going to keep going. 

Like, yes, doors might close, yes, people might not really pick up yet, but if we keep going, like anything else, like be on or took how many years, it will eventually pick up. So it was so nice when we worked together because we were able to just do our own thing and no one was like, oh, that's not going to sell here. No, we were like screw it. Well, like do what suits you, do what fits it, make it more interesting, make it more crazier, because eventually people are going to jump on and you're just going to be like yeah, that's me. No one can say, oh, you guys sound like this or you copied it. 

0:34:07 - Nasiphi Zwane
It's like listen, i literally bombed out there, like literally my network cocked up again. 

0:34:15 - Don Calya
Just say what it is. You fell asleep in my interview. You fell asleep. 

0:34:18 - Nasiphi Zwane
It would be difficult for me to fall asleep, honestly, like this is the most interesting interview I've had in ages. I think the last interview that I had was wholesome was with Money Badoo, i don't know if you familiar with her? 

0:34:35 - Don Calya
Yes, I know Money. I feel like both of you guys are just that cool, though, like honestly, I think she's cooler than me, i'm always like whenever I'm around her I'm like hey girl, she's a girl and I'm like hey listen, it's like. 

0:34:53 - Nasiphi Zwane
It's like Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen. I feel like you can't. You're both, you're both up there. And we even made a pact when she was on the show. I was like, listen, dude, you need to, in the next 10 years, have won a Grammy. And she was like, listen, dude, we'll make it happen. So I think, for you as well, we can make that patch. I feel lucky on that level. So 2000, 2020, 2000? what 33? We need to 33. 

Yeah, we need to come back and do another interview, some more in between, just to catch up on how Australia's doing, and you need to keep this going. 

0:35:28 - Don Calya
I will try my best. That means a lot, you to that. 

0:35:32 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yeah, I have to. I have to keep trying. Thank you so much. 

0:35:35 - Don Calya
You have a very good podcast radio voice, but also face, so you should present Like you also have a good looking face. You see, the thing is, you know, don't hide. 

0:35:43 - Nasiphi Zwane
I appreciate you. It's just I'm very like. Even when I started this, i've got this whole thing in my mind where it's like it's not about me. So this us doing this is more of like an experiment for me. Like this will go up on YouTube as well. So I'm trying to. You are such a natural. 

0:36:01 - Don Calya
You have been a natural this whole time. I wouldn't think that I would think. 

0:36:04 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yeah, i honestly believe it's about vibes. I feel like I'm just feeding off of your vibes, so it may come across like I'm doing, but you, it's all. You, it's all you. 

0:36:14 - Don Calya
Oh, best believe it Mate, stop right there, wow. 

0:36:17 - Nasiphi Zwane
Wow, wow, listen. It's been absolutely amazing. What are the plans? Obviously, we mentioned a bit about the follow up, featuring big skis as well. That's going to be coming up, something to look forward to. What else can we sort of look forward to when it comes to just plans? Are you going to be coming back to the SA? Is there going to be a music video or music videos? Tell us a bit more before we close out. 

0:36:42 - Don Calya
It's my birthday, so I don't appreciate you asking me all these questions on my birthday. Okay, but you lucky, i stayed sober for this. It's not time yet. 

0:36:51 - Nasiphi Zwane
Off to it Off to it. 

0:36:54 - Don Calya
I might need that wine. 

0:36:55 - Nasiphi Zwane
Happy birthday, by the way. Happy birthday. 

0:36:57 - Don Calya
Thank you, i am 18. 

0:37:00 - Nasiphi Zwane
100%, i could see. I actually thought you were 17, but it's okay, 18 out of 10. 

0:37:07 - Don Calya
Yeah. So I think, besides the birthday, coming up next is the feature with big skis, who's a western Sydney rapper, aussie rapper, and he's doing a lot of moves here with like the grime rap but also Afro beat. So he's Sudanese, so he was like I want to bring that kind of feel like he was like I don't want to go home to Africa, but also South Africa, like shout out to South Africa because he knows us guys like Blxckie, Costa Titch, Cassper, obviously AKA, i mean like he knew the thing is when you hear obviously they're our biggest artists but you know, you don't assume in Aussie because no one's playing it on radio here, like yeah. 

But he was like, no, like South Africa. Like he's like I love music, so I'm going to take that step further. And he's like and I'm African, like, come on. So I was like to him, look as African to African, like let's feature, let's do this thing. Because for me, we're both in the same boat of being Africans in Australia, like you know, coming over at a young age. but what does that look like and feel And where do we fit? You know we never, we'll never fit in. So I'm excited to have that song come out. It's called Disturb. So yeah, that'll have. obviously, i think, like I will do visuals for desire, but we just want to visualize it. So you, know like. 

I said, more documentary style. It's more like we just want you to feel like, yeah, it's that storyline of coming over, but we really want to focus on, you know, introducing me more into the Oz scene a little bit more. So that feature with big skis will do it and have you know, that music video kind of feel towards, you know, the end of the year around, then, after desire has done its thing, And then I own my label and album. But I'm actually like I haven't even started. So they were like, no, you have till next year, june, and I'm like guys, y'all think it's far, but June next year is like here. So I think that's going to be, you know, more the focus of like the album And then figuring out the other gig scene here, like meeting more artists, maybe featuring more artists. 

First, like I just said with my team, even the label like this year is definitely both South Africa and Australia and the world just building your brand now because it's together, it's put together now and it's been so strong for a year. Let's keep that going. And what I love about Australia when I met the label here, they were like what they tell their artists is, i hope you know this is the. 

We want to know that you're here for the long haul, because if you're here for short, we don't want to work with you, So already it gives me such a like I have time and they respect my time. 

0:39:40 - Nasiphi Zwane
No rush. 

0:39:42 - Don Calya
There's no rush, like, even though they're like you have your brand and that together, you don't know what Don might look like in Australia. You might experience so much more in a few months. So let's, let's figure it out. You know this time, so hopefully you know gigs by next year. Also, like festivals and stuff like they already. Festivals that are like look the lineups already done this year because they start early, but you know like next year there's a whole new year. So I even said like I have to, like I gave getting signed time and getting my sound around, i have to the gig scene. It will come, you know. You just got to manifest that and push towards it. 

0:40:17 - Nasiphi Zwane
Hundreds. 

0:40:17 - Don Calya
It's always a step in stone, and I also started DJing, so lovely. 

You know, it might be in boiler room. all of that might be like cause. I was always like I wanted to DJ, but I grasped more to the singing in that and then put it off for a while. But now that I'm in Oz and like there's so many DJ spaces that are willing to you know support and stuff, so I'm kind of like there with it And I'm like you know what, if I could? if a DJ can't DJ for me, i can do it myself. So why? 

0:40:48 - Nasiphi Zwane
not, It's actually funny because I was about. I was about to say that, like, imagine you could split yourself up into two, have the DJ and the performing artist. 

0:40:59 - Don Calya
Just have the mic there in the decks And it's just like there you go, Solution You know what I mean. 

Yeah, so yeah, that's what you can be looking forward to. It's coming back to SA. Oh gosh, like maybe towards the end of the year if everything works out with gig wise Cause I said like even my team were like, look, if you're getting booked, that's when we would want you to come. But interviews and that they were like we can do it like this over online. you know, it's a really far trip, guys. Like they were like it's harsh on your body and stuff, so they don't want me to come there If I'm not gigging or I'm like not coming for a set of time, like four weeks maybe, like a whole month, where it's just getting gigging, getting that accumulation and then flying back. you know. 

Yeah So yeah, fingers crossed, you know. maybe the CLC SA, If not early next year, we never know. 

0:41:48 - Nasiphi Zwane
Yeah, hundreds, cause we miss you already. So I think you need to make plans, make plans, make it choppy. 

0:41:54 - Don Calya
Why don't y'all come here Yeah? 

0:41:56 - Nasiphi Zwane
We have to. 

0:41:57 - Don Calya
It's a must Make that trip. 

0:41:59 - Nasiphi Zwane
Listen, we're closing out, but before we close out, i feel like it's absolutely important that we get some advice. You mentioned, you know, obviously being signed. There's obviously released. I think you released. It was Count on You. 

0:42:12 - Don Calya
Yes. 

0:42:13 - Nasiphi Zwane
Through, obviously, universal music publishing and stuff And, as someone who is very much within you, know those sort of mainstream type structures. what sort of advice would you give anyone who's an aspiring musician or who is even making music right now and was thinking about making such moves? What are the best practices or the golden rule that they should follow or do? 

0:42:35 - Don Calya
I think for me it's like I always tell people like at the end of the day I can say how I went about it and maybe what to do that I think is best. but you're going to always choose what's best for you And that's fine, that's okay. You know I don't really have the answers, but I think for me, for someone who's like no, i really want to go about it your way, i took a lot of time kind of just understanding the industry. So they were doors earlier when I started that were like you look, you can do da, da, da, da da. but I found myself going but am I going to end up being that artist? I was like why did I do that? or end up confusing stuff. So let me. 

I always say like, let me take that, even though for me it's a one step, and people are like that's so slow for me I'd rather have one step and fall down like that much than that step and then you drop And you know a lot of people don't come back from it. And you know it's not to say you might not or I might not, but if you, if I, can take the time to just take that one step bit by bit. I'd rather like I got to understand universal behind the scenes of contracts of people, how they got screwed over, hearing from the label heads and even them kind of going. Sometimes artists should do this, but anyway, you know they do it this way and we're just like, oh well, it's business for us, so kind of seeing like they care, but they don't really care. So you've got to look out for yourself. 

Yeah so, or artists got to look out for each other. So it's always like do your research, you know, you're online, you're. If you're a tick-tocking, go in that extra mile. Googling like contracts is always up online, even asking people like if you're also in the music industry, don't feel shy to ask like Hi guys, you know what's this. Or Look up stories, like a lot of artists sometimes end up coming out about their contracts and stuff. 

You know, if you know someone That's getting signed, ask them what was you know? how did it go with the deals and stuff? Yeah. 

I'm trying to figure out like oh actually, because you can make it, the decision at the end of the day, never make little record label tell you that you can't. You can actually go. You know, i don't want a full deal. Can I just use marketing for this? or can I actually just use publishing, like with Universal publishing? They were like we could do either whole EP or just your single and I'm like I've rid up all the contracts that have gone through. There's about 500 artists that no one knows about And nothing's happening, and you know about 10. Yeah. 

Mmm, I'm new you know, let me let's baby step this. Let's suss the first single. Okay, cool, how did I feel in your assistant? And the thing is, i feel like Artists need to know that, yes, labels they have, like Sony, and that they have great names and they're the big boys And that's obviously the end. Right, it's good to have affiliation and work with that, but you don't need them to have your whole life Like you can just have connects because them just knowing your songs out could push it. You don't know who they're showing. 

It doesn't mean you need to be a hard lock sign thing because they might not even show anyone. Now You're signed at 3d 60 and you're stuck there. Yeah it's just about affiliation. You can actually do it around underground, your own Networks, online. You know, there are spaces online that are like we don't deal with, just label people. 

We deal with new artists that are independent. You know Indie And there's more labels that can even get you started, especially if you're upcoming That. It's that, like I said, it's that one step, that if crap goes wrong, you're only in a deal for you, or? you're only in a deal for this and you can leave at any point if you don't. You know, those are the contracts, you see where you can Actually amend it and be like you know what I'm not happy with this right a note, let's end it. 

So I feel like, do your research, guys. This is like it's a career to business. Like you wouldn't start an employment contract without reading it. I would you know, when you start a job, i would hope you read it and be like that's what they say about sick leave. Okay, so take it as that because at the end of the day, yeah, it's, it's a business. You're basically yes, i shouldn't say you're a product, but in the end you're, you're a business, you're a brand, your product. 

Yeah and it's kind of like yeah, if you had to sell this phone, how would you go about Setting it up, selling it? you know, putting it all together, having people on your team to come on board. 

What is your message and stuff. So I do say take the time to do your research, learn a little, obviously, take that step, learn, fall, but come back and come back from it. Know that faith failing does not mean your failure. It's actually a step towards growth and success. You need to fail guys to learn. And yeah, don't be shy to ask around, like even with me. I always tell people ask, ask me. I'm like an open book. I even one time was like Talking about all my status and like my A&R was just like um, i don't know how we feel about you, just I'm like. 

I didn't mention like exactly what it is, and I was just saying because I said it on DJ switches thing, and he posted it and I was like I'm not shy, like, and he was like no, i love that. You said that and that was the one thing. I was like I need to repost this. He's like that's what I picked up and he was like I need to do. He was like I'm so happy you came on the show because that's what I've been looking for in an artist Just this moment. And I was. I wasn't shy about, i was like to get my A&R. I was like you know, the thing is, we sat in my meeting and I told you what it was. He's still signed, so you knew that I was away and I would ask questions And we were gonna argue and it might be a thing, but as long as there's like a respect between both of us, that's yeah, it's the best thing to have. Just have respect. But also, guys, take the risk, do your research, keep believing in yourself. You want it. This is your dream. No one else is gonna do it for you. Then you'll get there. 

So you guys can catch me on all social media platforms at Don Calya, don space, space, don. Underscore CAL YA, don Kelly. On Facebook is Don Kelly and then on Streaming platform, same Don Kelly everywhere. Guys, youtube, tiktok, literally my name, like when you see it on like an Instagram. That is it across all of them. There's no like. Is it Kelly a star 69? No, it is Don Kelly across all platforms. And, yeah, hit me up whenever you need advice or anything. I literally am this constantly. That nothing will change. I've been this for so long. But thank you so much for having me and for creating these platforms like. It means so much for Parties like us and it's anyone in general. It's really great. Shout out to you.