What happens when faith, dual identity, and a love for Brandy collide into one R&B artist? This week, Riss sits down with Malkalm; New Jersey-bred artist, music exec, and one of the most quietly layered people in the game. From growing up between Nigerian and Sierra Leonean cultures, to dancing at African parties as a kid and pocketing hundreds, to performing at Barclays and touring with Showtime Camp; Malkalm's path to music was anything but linear.

They go deep on what it means to be an artist AND a label exec, how authenticity is the only real marketing strategy, the prophetic moment in church that changed everything, and why his songs literally write themselves in five minutes.

If you've ever felt in between worlds and wondered if that was your superpower, this one's for you.

Chapters:

0:00 – Cold Open: Faith & the Music

0:56 – Intro: Welcome to Via the Sound

1:29 – Meet Malkalm

2:14 – Icebreakers: 3 Emojis & This or That (Nigerian Edition)

6:19 – Who Was Malkalm Before Music?

8:20 – Growing Up Between Nigeria & Sierra Leone Culture

10:47 – Musical Influences: Brandy, Janet, Michael & More

12:11 – Dance as a Foundation

15:00 – The Mercedes Dealership Moment

18:07 – Faith, God & Staying Grounded

19:43 – The Church Prophecy That Changed His Life

22:36 – Dance vs. Music: Which Path Wins?

23:30 – Touring with Show Dem Camp

25:07 – The Double Life: Artist + Music Exec

26:04 – Courtesy of Records & Working in the Industry

27:01 – Keeping Artists Authentic in a Trend-Chasing World

28:49 – Malkalm's Creative Process

29:38 – Why His Songs Come From God

30:47 - Malkalm Salutes His Fellow R&B Peers

32:42- Malkalm's Upcoming Project

34:52 - Malkalm's Still Figuring Out

Jingle By: @uyixshane

Let's get to the route of your sound. 🎙️

Music moves us. But the stories behind it? That's where it gets real.

Via the Sound is where artists, musicians, producers, and music industry creatives get honest about their journey. The identity, the culture, the influences, and lived experiences that shaped their sound before the world ever heard it.

Before there was a genre, there was a community. Before the sound reached you, there was a whole life being lived.

New episodes dropping soon. Follow the show so you never miss a conversation. 🖤

https://linktr.ee/viathesound