Viv Kalo

Meet the Artist

It all started on a boat

My musical journey began on a boat in Greece at fifteen years old. I was feeling down, so a friend placed her headphones in my ears, pressed play on her portable CD player, and then left me alone with Bob Marley. This was my first real introduction to his music, and it completely saved my mind. It inspired me to buy a guitar so that I could play and sing Redemption Song, with no prior musical experience. I learned the song within 3 days, and started composing my own music.

This began my prolific playing and singing alone in my bedroom, where music became my temple, my medicine, my way of transmuting my thoughts and emotions. I did three years of private classical voice training, once a week in the school year. Outside of this, there was lots of jamming with the other young musicians of my neighborhood. All the while I kept on

composing my own songs, always in a way to help me emotionally deal with the state of the world. Eventually I played in some bands and had solo gigs. I was an Étoile du Metro, a highlighted street and subway musician in Montreal…

I played a show at the Seagle Center of Performing Arts in Montreal, as 1 of 4 highlighted independent artists in Canada. This opened more doors to many opportunities, and I turned them all down…

An artist on a mission

Today, I am coming back to the importance of art to inspire positive social change, and its power to soothe the soul in this overwhelming world. Gifts are meant to be shared and put to service others.

Growing up, I was exposed to lots of Jazz music that my father listened to. Many alternative rock bands inspired me. I have a small love for dirty folk. My Greek/Celtic and jazz roots definitely show up in the way that I sing. But the core of my musical essence lies with Bob Marley. He is the reason I am a musician. His soul, his message, the courage he brings to stand up. His calls to a dignified and unified humanity, awake and aware. One Love. Purity and Realness, No Bull Shit. The warrior spirit, for peace, truth, and freedom.

This is the same essence I wish to inspire with my music, with an added touch of reconnecting to Earth consciousness. I hope it inspires others to show up in the way we need humanity to today. I hope it brings validation in the way people have been feeling, and a sense of belonging. To hold firm in the deep knowing that something better is coming. A humanity transforming, remembering itself, stitching itself back together, to our roots, our truth, our creative power, our intimate connection to this Earth and the Stars, and the sacredness of life. To remain grounded, with open hearts and in service to these deciding times… that we may create the world we know is possible in our hearts.

It’s time. May the balance be restored.

The Jamhouse connection

My connection to Jamhouse Records is its founder, Emma Anders. She and I went to high school together in Montreal West. Over the years I watched her create a beautiful community of musicians around her. When I began to make actual plans to finally record my music and prepare myself to assume the musician that I am, Emma kept coming to mind. Then she launched Jamhouse Records, and the decision was an obvious one for me. Going back to the glorious Mount-Royal in Montreal, my roots, felt right to me. Plus the comfort of doing this with the accompaniment of a solid, experienced and talented lady that I’ve known for over 20 years. And all that comes along with what Emma has woven over 15 years… Banding together with a community of musicians with deep roots and long standing bonds is unique, special and powerful. Together, we lift each other up.

Offerings and passions

I am a compost queen, entrepreneur and a renowned specialist in soil ecosystem regeneration. I’ve been helping farmers transition to regenerative practices for 10 years through my company, Docterre. I also teach ecosystem regeneration in agriculture, soil ecology, composting, and earth sciences through my company to anyone who wants to learn about it.

I love to garden, grow my food, and work with my community to meet our collective needs in food reserves each year. I like to make ferments, brews, and medicines.

You can catch me playing music at community events, in sheds and greenhouses, and in festivals. Sometimes you’ll catch me offering musical accompaniment in a yoga class or a breathwork session. You might even find me on stage with a voodoo, organic trance, shamanic, tribal band, or busting out jazz standards.

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