Taleen Kali: Reclaiming Armenian Identity Through Genre-Bending Punk

Los Angeles, a vibrant metropolis, serves as the backdrop for an unparalleled music scene, where each concert venue, regardless of size, possesses a distinct atmosphere and a dedicated following. Within this dynamic environment, Taleen Kalenderian, the frontwoman of the genre-defying punk band Taleen Kali, has carved out a unique space, reclaiming the music that has always represented her Armenian roots.

Unearthing the Melodies of Her Heritage

Diverse Influences, Diverse Sounds

Kalenderian's musical journey is deeply rooted in her diverse cultural heritage. Born to a Lebanese-Armenian father and an Ethiopian-Armenian mother, she was exposed to a rich tapestry of musical influences from an early age. Her uncles, skilled musicians from both sides of her family, played a pivotal role in shaping her love for music, with her guitar-playing uncle Dikran Avakian and her accordion-playing great-uncle Sahag Bukruian serving as her primary inspirations.

Reclaiming the Sounds of Her Roots

Kalenderian's classical piano training during her childhood and teenage years never fully resonated with her, as the music she learned felt inauthentic to her experiences as an Armenian-American. However, the music of her cultural heritage and the respective Armenian diasporas her parents hailed from struck a deep chord within her. Visiting Armenia for the first time at the age of 18, Kalenderian was profoundly moved by the choir's singing in the Echmiadzin church, and her subsequent discovery of Ethiopian jazz further fueled her passion for the diverse musical traditions of her ancestry.

Weaving Influences into a Unique Sound

Kalenderian's keen ear for the Armenian and Middle Eastern influences that permeated the music of her youth became a driving force in the creation of Taleen Kali's sound. She noticed the prevalence of the "evil eye" symbol, a powerful cultural icon, in the psychedelic rock music she listened to, and she sought to redefine and reclaim its significance within her own musical expression. Kalenderian's love for bands like The Cure, whose albums often incorporated Arabic-influenced melodies, further inspired her to blend these diverse elements into her own genre-bending punk compositions.

Forming Taleen Kali: A Collaborative Journey

After the dissolution of her previous band, TÜLIPS, Kalenderian found herself with a collection of songs that had either only been played live or never recorded. This included the sequel to the TÜLIPS song "Evil Eye," which would eventually become a Taleen Kali track. Determined to bring these songs to life, Kalenderian enlisted the help of her friend and former TÜLIPS bassist, Miles Marsico, to record a few demo tracks. The collaboration felt "inevitable," and Marsico ultimately joined the newly formed Taleen Kali.

Crafting the Debut EP: "Soul Songs"

In 2017, Taleen Kali recorded their debut EP, "Soul Songs," which was released the following year. Produced by Kristin Kontrol (Dum Dum Girls) and mixed by Brad Laner (Medicine), the EP seamlessly blended Kalenderian's riot grrrl-inspired beliefs with a more sophisticated punk sound, infusing elements of noise pop and new wave. The critical acclaim the EP received, including features in prominent music publications like Stereogum and Pitchfork, solidified Taleen Kali's place in the vibrant Los Angeles music scene.

Exploring Themes of Life and Transformation

Taleen Kali's debut album, "Flower of Life," delves into themes of death, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of existence. The titular track, which Kalenderian describes as a song about "coming back to life and making it through the other side," serves as the conceptual centerpiece of the album. The album's distinct moods, ranging from dreamy punk to moody post-punk, reflect the unique creative process behind its creation, with half of the songs written in 2018-2019 and the other half in 2020-2021, during the isolation of the pandemic.

Fostering Community and Representation

Taleen Kali's impact extends beyond their music, as the band also serves as community organizers and cultural producers. Kalenderian has been running a publication called DUM DUM Zine since the beginning of her musical journey, providing a platform for diverse voices and creative expression. The zine has expanded to include a boutique record label, Dum Dum Records, and an annual festival, Dum Dum Fest, which aims to unite the disparate scenes of the dark Los Angeles underground.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Armenian Artists

Kalenderian's ultimate goal is to create a lasting impact on the representation and visibility of Armenian artists, particularly women, in the music industry. Growing up, she found limited examples of Armenian women in music, aside from the iconic Cher. With Taleen Kali's growing catalog, Kalenderian hopes to fill that gap and inspire fellow artists and members of the Armenian diaspora to create their own unique expressions. By continuing to make art that reflects her cultural heritage, Kalenderian aspires to witness its influence being reflected back to the Armenian community and beyond.