From Trader Joe's to Center Stage: The Rise of Kaleena Zanders in Dance Music
Kaleena Zanders had aspirations of being a rock band lead singer but found her calling in dance music while working part-time at a Trader Joe's in Los Angeles. She transitioned from a background in musical theater and rock bands to collaborating with producer SNBRN on the hit track "California" in 2015. Despite initial challenges in the dance music scene, Zanders found a sense of community and joy in performing at festivals like EDC Las Vegas.
As she navigated the dance music world, Zanders faced issues with royalties and credits, leading her to take a break from collaborations and focus on her solo career. The pandemic provided a reset for Zanders, who taught herself to DJ and developed a unique performance style that combined DJing with live vocals. This newfound independence led to her booking solo gigs and collaborating with artists like LP Giobbi.
Zanders' journey culminates in the upcoming release of her debut album "Anything Goes" on Helix Records, featuring collaborations with Bi-Polar Sunshine, Shift K3Y, and Hayley May. The album showcases Zanders' introspective lyrics and infectious melodies, reflecting her growth as an artist. She is currently on a headlining tour across North America, with upcoming festival performances at Force Fields Festival, Electric Forest, Beyond Wonderland, and Seven Stars Music Festival.
With a string of successful singles and high-profile performances under her belt, Zanders is poised to make a significant impact in the dance music scene with her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence.