Queer singer, songwriter, and producer Kaleena Zanders released a new track off her unreleased EP, Exit / Us. “RELOAD.” Zanders is full of life and passion in her recordings just as much as a live performance. She has taken the stage in music festivals such as: EDC, Coachella, and more. Zanders cannot be defined by one genre because she has a style across the board.
The single was produced with Micheal Christofi and Koil Preamble.”RELOAD,” is a multidimensional name with many different layers. Christofi is a multi-instrumental musician that has mixed with names like, Remi Wolf, and The Chainsmokers. Koil Preample has worked with Bob the Dragqueen, Ashanti, Demi Lovato, and more.
“RELOAD” is a personal anecdote of Zander in animation by Name Basil. The music video depicts a woman stopped abruptly by police. In 2009, before social media causined videos of police brutality to go viral, Zanders was wrongfully detained and held in jail for riding her bike on the opposite side of the sidewalk.
“I’m like, I guess this is how we people, this how individuals feel like when they haven’t done anything wrong, and are just sitting in jail for no reason,” says Zanders. “As the Black, gay, woman I am, I feel that weight. No matter how blessed I am, I never let my guard down.”
After the traumatic event, Zanders did not talk about the experience much or seek mental health support. Zanders grew up hiding that she was gay and did not tell her parents until later. It was not until two years after the incident that Zanders was able to feel less stressed around police.
“The anxiety I feel has turned into my superpower. Anxiety has fueled compassion and love,” explains Zanders. “‘RELOAD,’ is a call to action. A call, a plea … That with some love, and a bit of compassion, we can overcome this conditioned mind-state of hate we are in.”
When Zanders stepped into the studio, she knew she wanted to make some funk with a strong message underneath. “Really give it to them you know?” Zanders references Edwin Starr’s “War,” and exclaims, in perfect key, “War, What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” She goes to explain the influence music has in society.
“I hope my music contributes to the conscious shift in perspectives. To invoke some thought. Instead of bullets, learn to have compassion and love for other people,” says Zanders. 
Exit / Us will be available in March 2021. Unlike other music videos, Zanders’ EP will be in sequence. Each video will have its own, unique style and depicts a different narrative through artwork. The overall message contains strong elements of perseverance and love.
“RELOAD,” has also been entered in several different film festivals. Zanders has been a professional musician for 10 years now and started learning the piano when she was around 16 years old.
“RELOAD” is a visual segway into difficult conversations. A funky bass line and upbeat tempo makes one want to get up and vote. “This song goes past just my skin. Inclusivity for all that have been oppressed,” says Zanders.
