Detroit singer KALYSTA releases debut EP this month
The project, titled "Midnight Special," features pop music with R&B and jazz influences and launches with a local concert on Nov. 20.
By Luca Harrison ·
KALYSTA has spent roughly four years developing her debut extended play, a project she says has grown up alongside her personal life. The Detroit-area artist is set to release the record, titled "Midnight Special," at the end of November 2026.
Her musical background began in school choirs during her youth. Her parents noticed her interest in performance and encouraged her to seek opportunities outside of the classroom. She treated music as an extracurricular activity throughout high school and college before committing to it full time.
The new project blends pop structures with vocal influences from R&B and jazz. KALYSTA attributes these sounds to the music she heard growing up. "Especially for this EP, I would say the vibes for it are pop [..] but with undertones of that soulful vocal, R&B, and jazz as well," she said.
The lyrics focus on female strength and confidence. The artist described the collection as being about "just being a powerful, strong woman." Many of the tracks reflect her life experiences as a woman. She noted that "a lot [of the songs] are about life experiences as a woman and finding that confidence."
KALYSTA will mark the launch of the project with a live performance on Nov. 20. The show is scheduled to take place at El Club in Detroit.
