BIOGRAPHYCanadian Jazz vocalist, Composer, Educator and Visual Artist, Kalya Ramu, is making a name for herself in Toronto’s Jazz community. Ramu has a passion for storytelling and reinventing old Jazz music. She began singing at the age of 12, frequenting Jazz jams and performing with community big bands at festivals. At 22 she graduated from the Humber College Bachelor of Music Degree Program and continued building her career as a performer and songwriter. In 2019 Ramu released her debut full-length album, Living in a Dream (2019), from which the title track (an original song) was featured on the soundtrack of CBC show Frankie Drake Mysteries. Ramu’s latest work, Duo (2021), is a five-track album of all original material performed by piano and voice. The album was cowritten with and features pianist Ewen Farncombe. Kalya has a new single, Algo Contigo, coming out on July 14, 2023, featuring the composition of Argentinian songwriter Chico Novarro and the playing of Brazilian guitarist
André Valério. As a visual artist, Ramu focuses on watercolour portraiture. She is currently working as an illustrator for smART Magazine (by Lighthouse Immersive) and has her work published in their print issues! She has designed album artwork for herself and Canadian musicians Marshal Herridge, Chris Platt, Claire Coupland, Shealagh Rose, and Trevor Peverley.
PRESS for "Duo" "Ably accompanied by talented pianist Ewen Farncombe, Ramu breezes through five well crafted jazz flavored originals that show off her lyrical brilliance, pitch control and command of dynamics." "The fact that the breathtaking repertoire on this short EP is all original work is another welcome surprise." "Ramu is at her sandy-voiced best...with rich stride work by Farncombe...personal and cozy." |
NEWSNEW ORIGINAL SINGLE COMING SOON! Kalya Ramu's second single, HOLD ME CLOSE is set to release in January 2024. This song was written with and features André Valério on guitar as well as some flute playing, mixing and mastering by Rob Christian.
SINGLE OUT NOW! Kalya Ramu's first single, ALGO CONTIGO (written by Chico Novarro and featuring André Valério), is out now on all streaming platforms! Click to listen below!
Video Game Release! In collaboration with Nathan Ford and Michael Wyckoff, an unexpected rendition of Bing Crosby classic "Don't Fence Me In" is featured in the closing scene/credits for new Stress Level Zero VR game, Bonelab! OUT NOW! Music Video Release for Kalya Ramu's original song Laugh It Off, co-written by and featuring Ewen Farncombe. WATCH NOW! PRESS for "Living in a Dream" “She is one of the most captivating vocalists to come along in several seasons.” “She swings like a kids jungle gym. " “Ramu's voice has a warmth, depth and maturity to it that belies her years. ” “The veiled voice of Billie Holiday, the sensuality of Rita Hayworth, and the playfulness of Doris Day. ” “Ramu's pitch, phrasing, intonation, and lyrical interpretation result in this excellent vocal jazz recording. It is no dream that she is so good. ” |
