"SET ME OFF" chronicles the frustrated emotions I’ve experienced since childhood,” Kaleena Zanders explains. “When I was entering Middle School, I remember getting so mad at the kids who would bully other students. I would legitimately stand up for the underdogs. Being older, I see that not much has changed — I still get frustrated with social injustice and music industry challenges. "SET ME OFF" is my way of taking a stand creatively.”
Dubbed “Supernova Songstress” thanks to her rapturous vocals and empowering lyrics, LA-based vocalist, songwriter and producer Kaleena Zanders has released the music video for her latest single “SET ME OFF.”
Melding together indie funk and blues rock, “SET ME OFF” marks a departure from Zanders’ typically electronic-focused sounds as she ushers in the next phase of her career. Captained by Zanders’ sultry vocals, the song is a declaration of valor; a theme song railing against the system and marching to a steady drum pulse, its verve crescendoing into thundering guitar riffs and spiraling Hammond organs that evoke a spirited energy ready for battle. “SET ME OFF” was also spotlighted on Spotify’s coveted ‘New Music Friday’ playlists in four countries, which boast 3M+ followers.
Now, enter the visual realm of Kaleena Zanders. The accompanying animated music video paints an apocalyptic landscape of a Western world scarred by the ongoing war on social injustice. Here we see Zanders reborn as a bionic superwoman. A rising phoenix prevails throughout the video as a symbol of Zanders’ regeneration and continued journey of discovery.
Zanders first stepped away from electronic music vocal features to focus on her solo project back in October with “RELOAD,” which chronicled her experience with police brutality. “SET ME OFF” similarly rails against the system, and was featured on Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger on Freeform. Zanders’ solo efforts showcase her ability to careen through a medley of indie, rock, pop, blues, and more.
The songbird has already achieved mainstream recognition with her commanding sound, gracing the covers of Spotify’s editorial playlists like Dance Rising and Mint. She performed on Oprah Winfrey’s 2020 VISION TOUR, and her biggest hit to date, “Stronger Than I’ve Ever Been,’’ premiered during Super Bowl LII for Toyota. The track scored syncs with the 2018 Winter Olympics, America’s Got Talent, Fox, VH1, and was featured at the Women’s US OpenFinal with Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.
On the dance music front, she’s dominated airwaves with her vocal features for electronic music stars like Loud Luxury, Breathe Carolina, Morgan Page, Moon Boots, SNBRN, and AC Slater. Zanders’ music has been released through notable dance labels including Spinnin’ Records, Armada Music, and Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak, earning her over 100 million Spotify streams.
Capturing audiences with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, years of musical theater have crafted Zanders’ showmanship comparable to that of Tina Turner and Prince.
CONNECT WITH KALEENA ZANDERS