Kai (Canadian singer)


Alessia De Gasperis-Brigante, known professionally as Kai, is a Canadian singer and songwriter from Toronto, Ontario. Best known for her collaborations, she co-wrote and was featured on Flume's Grammy-nominated "Never Be like You", Diplo's "Revolution", and "Mind" from the Grammy award-winning 2015 album by Jack Ü.

Early life and education

Kai went to Bishop Strachan School, notable for its various alumni, including actress Laurie Holden. She is the granddaughter of deceased Italian-Canadian billionaire Alfredo De Gasperis.
Kai derives her name from the Japanese word 'kai', which means 'change'. She claims to be something new in music and she only wants "to relate share her stories with her fans and anyone who will lend their ear".

Career

Early career

In 2011, Kai released her debut extended play 11:11, which included her debut single "I Choose Me", which is frequently used in campaigns for First Choice Haircutters. The EP received minimal promotion and did not impact any charts.
In 2012, Kai teamed up with Montreal dubstep group Adventure Club on the track "Need Your Heart", which features Kai's vocals and writing. The song has been remixed by several artists, including Minnesota, Crywolf, and Candyland. The track peaked at number 2 on the iTunes Electronic music chart.

Breakthrough

Kai collaborated with Diplo on his EP Revolution, co-writing and appearing on the title track "Revolution". She lent her vocals to the track "Crawl" by Childish Gambino for his second studio album Because the Internet.
In 2014, Kai wrote "Sweet Talker", which was produced by Diplo, the title track from Jessie J's third studio album of the same name which was released in October 2014. She claims to have written the song with Rihanna in mind. In 2015, she was featured on Skrillex and Diplo's collaborative project Jack Ü's debut album on a track entitled "Mind", which she wrote.
In 2016, Kai wrote and was featured on the track "Never Be Like You" by Australian electronic musician Flume. It reached number one in Australia and the top 20 in the United States, as well as becoming an international hit and her first song to top the iTunes Electronic music chart.

Discography

Albums

Extended plays

Singles

As featured artist

Other featured in