L.A.-based alternative R&B duo Kali and Tali (aka
outsideOUTSIDE) use languid beats to convey themes of anxiety, loss, and depression in a heavily romanticized style. Although predominantly based in electronic music,
outsideOUTSIDE explore the space between urban genres and emo -- the next logical step after trap and mumble rap paved the way -- best demonstrated on the single "almostDEAD," which featured rapper
Yung Bans.
Before publicly releasing any material, someone passed a demo along to Warner Bros., who signed them from the get-go in 2018, going on to release their debut single, "Habits," through the label. As the year went on, they drip-fed singles onto streaming services, leading up to the release of If I Don't Wake Up, which included the track "almostDEAD." In the latter half of 2018 they released their debut full-length,
Hell with My Friends. ~ Liam Martin