The week after spring break, students sat out on the grass under the sun as piano music and singing floated through the air.
Archer held its very first Spring Soundstage, an opportunity for students to watch upcoming artists, Tuesday, April 14, during lunch. The inaugural event featured Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Amelie Kalia, who performed for the Archer community on a stage in the courtyard. Kalia grew up in Napa, California, and is preparing to graduate from UCLA.
Charlotte Joe (’27) kicked off the event with a short Q&A with Kalia about her career. Students submitted questions ahead of time, including one asking if Kalia knew she wanted to start a career in music after high school.
“Growing up, I always wanted to do music, and I think that even if it wasn’t my primary source of income, I will always be doing music,” Kalia said. “I chose UCLA, and I’ve been there for the past four years. I’ve been studying music industry, and it’s been awesome. I’ve been able to learn about the business part of the industry and pursue a degree in that while also pursuing my own career outside of school.”
Kalia also shared her experience with applying and starting college. She took a songwriting class in college, which she said amplified her passion. In this class, she met people who professionally released and wrote their own music, and she learned from them.
“I really like talking about going to college for music and that whole thing,” Kalia said. “Things were really hard for me when I had to figure them out. I really liked sharing what I learned with other people that want to hear it or want guidance on that.”
Kalia played four songs from her discography, including “folktale” and “alone again,” from her recent EP “while we’re ahead.” Tyler Reif (’29) said she loved the performance and plans on adding Kalia’s music to her Spotify playlists.
“I think seeing her be very herself and seeing somebody love something like her music is really inspiring,” Reif said. “I’m going to start listening to her, because that was great.”
Kalia plays guitar, piano and produces her own music. She has been writing her own songs since she was 9 years old, and she credits Taylor Swift for inspiring her. Liana Awai (’29) was in the crowd and found Kalia’s songwriting inspiring.
“Her voice was really beautiful,” Awai said. “She was very confident, and she wasn’t scared at all. It was really good.”
Kalia has performed her music live many times. Most recently, she supported Ber on her “Good, Like It Should Be” tour stop at the Moroccan Lounge. Although Kalia has performed for people of all ages, she said singing for middle and high schoolers was beneficial for herself and her craft.
“This is the most rewarding, and also intimidating, crowd I could have ever performed to because this is the group of people whose opinion I value the most and who I want to inspire,” Kalia said. “It’s so scary, but also so cool.”
