Calista Kazuko

A singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for cinematic genre-bending and controversial boundary-pushing, Calista studied classical/jazz piano and composition at London’s Royal Academy of Music, and has since been performing and winning fans across the world with her dynamic voice and captivating songs.

With shows from Wembley Arena to Live from Maida Vale for the BBC, Calista’s music has opened Stella McCartney runway shows and graced programmes on Channel 4, E4 and ITV. She’s enjoyed top 5 chart success and major radio station play-listing (BBC, Capital). Recent releases have seen features on popular playlists such as Spotify's 'New Music Friday'.

A passionate advocate for using her art as a platform for change, Calista founded charity-based arts collective Voice of Aiko and heads the ongoing ‘Uchi’ project in collaboration with Migrant Help. She led music making project ‘Notes from the Frontline’, creating an album of songs with NHS staff in response to the pandemic.

Her stunning concept album ‘Empress’ continued to modify the norms of modern songwriting, working alongside some of the UK’s leading charities to challenge complex themes while never losing its sense of fun.

Whilst dedicating time to becoming a Mother, Calista wrote her debut piece of music-theatre alongside playwright Stephanie Martin. ‘Fury and Elysium’ premiered at The Other Palace in June 2023.

“An undoubted talent.” Sir George Martin