Kalif Shear, more popularly known as HiddenLif, is a talented songwriter and recording artist who is quickly establishing himself in the music industry. Hailing from Woodbridge, Virginia, HiddenLif now resides in San Diego and is creating dynamic music that is garnering him thousands of avid new listeners, from all around the world. With numerous released songs to his name including, "R4TH!", "Pink Devil Lady", Welcome To Heartbreak", and "Purple Skies", it is clear that HiddenLif is proving himself to be not only incredibly prolific as a songwriter, but that he also has what it takes to achieve music greatness.
Most recently, to the excitement of his fanbase, HiddenLif has announced the release of his highly-awaited new 16-track album titled, "The Velvet Room", onto all digital streaming platforms. This compelling collection of songs explores the artist's mind and inner self - introspectively delving into concepts such as escapism, vulnerability, and inspiration. HiddenLif states, "'The Velvet Room' is a concept album about a metaphysical place I created as a kid in my mind that I could escape the outside world, and just be myself".
Released July 26th, "The Velvet Room" is already receiving an immensely positive reception from both dedicated and new listeners worldwide! Follow HiddenLif on his social media platforms to stay tuned on his future music releases and news.
Listen to "The Velvet Room" now on Spotify:
INTERVIEW
Hello, HiddenLif! Thank you very much for joining us today. First things first, could you tell me how you first discovered your passion for music?
HiddenLif: I come from a family of singers and musicians but it was always a passive hobby for me. My friends and family would always try to encourage me to start recording but it wasn’t until the start of quarantine that I went ahead and did it. The process of learning how to record and find my sound became an obsession to me and that steadily evolved into a passion.
You have a very creative artist name, by the way! How did you come up with it?
HiddenLif: Thank you! I’m a huge anime fan and it was something my friends started calling me as a Naruto related running gag (Hidden Leaf Village is name of the main village in the anime; the name is pronounced “HiddenLeaf”) and it just kind of stuck! I’m sure it will be mispronounced from now until eternity but it feels so well placed to me.
What three words would you say best describe your musical style as a whole?
HiddenLif: Layered, resonant, polarity.
What is your interpretation of being an artist? What does it mean to you?
HiddenLif: Being an artist is a chance a creation and that is most powerful ability for someone capable of it. The thrill of creating something that fascinates me and others is something that I search for when I make music. It’s give me a spark that’s incomparable to anything else.
Tell me about your new 16-track album titled, “The Velvet Room”.. what is something very special about it?
HiddenLif: The Velvet Room is metaphysical place. It does not exist on earth to visit but it did house real emotions and fears for a long time for me. It’s a place I made as a kid that eventually became more of a prison than a place of solitude. I truly believed that in order for me to be the person I wanted, I had to finally let go of the things I held in the closet forever. I couldn’t be comfortable without letting everyone know who I truly am and always have been. While making this album, I was achieving that goal of being more and more open and by the time it was finished, I barely even recognized the music or the person making it.
You have some really great tracks on your album! I’d like to know, do you have a favorite song on it? Why is it your favorite?
HiddenLif: Definitely “Faster". I wrote that at a point when I almost wanted it to be some sort of deal with the devil to get the things I wanted but didn’t have. Every time I listen, I go back to that time and realize how desperate I was to be better. Plus it might just be the peak of pen as a writer (with “Geminiluv”).
Most artists say that through their art they learn more about themselves, heal injuries… in what ways has music helped you?
HiddenLif: It’s really given me purpose and taught me passion, which most people never find.. It gave me something to be incessantly obsessive with and I had never experienced that with anything else. That’s when I knew I was doing something special. Something with passion.
How do you want your music to help or affect other people?
HiddenLif: I just want it to make people feel. That’s it.
In your opinion, what separates you the most from other artists in your genre?
HiddenLif: The writing and how intentional it is. I value lyricism so much and I know that’s something that separates me from other artists.
What is the next “big thing” the world can expect from you, HiddenLif?
HiddenLif: The Plush Edition of the velvet room is releasing next month. After that, I’m going to assault people with music for months. It’s gonna be glorious.
Listen to HiddenLif's music now on YouTube:
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