Cal Blac took the stage on New Year’s Eve night, setting the tone for an evening filled with groove and glamour while showcasing his unique sound and artistic vision.
Cal Blac
Jackson Cal Smith, professionally known as Cal Blac, is a Philadelphia-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, session musician, and lead audio engineer at Spit Philly, a recording studio in Philadelphia. Cal Blac performs and releases music that combines electronic production with live instrumentation, featuring vocals, guitar, piano, and analog synthesizers. His music blends classic genres such as psychedelic rock, jazz, and R&B with modern electronic elements, resulting in a dynamic and eclectic sound. A sound that some might describe as electronic space rock. Cal Blac is known for his hands-on approach to electronica, balancing traditional musicianship with contemporary technology in his live performances.
Cal Blac delivered a captivating New Year’s Eve performance at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, opening for the band Lotus during their How To Dream In Color Tour. Accompanied by drummer ZONE Drums and bassist clemintine, Cal Blac showcased his unique blend of electronic production and live instrumentation, engaging the audience with a soulful fusion of electronic rock, blending improvisation with ambient textures, and futuristic soundscapes.
Opening with singles Smoke and Mirrors and Greenwood Ave., attendees praised the energy and musicianship displayed during the performance. The venue hummed excitedly as the crowd, dressed in shimmering outfits and accessories, gathered beneath a constellation of lights. The audience was fully immersed, grooving to every note Cal Blac played, but they couldn’t get enough! As Velvet Curtains and the final notes of Sweet Hypnosis concluded the set, the venue erupted in a chant of “one more song!”. Cal Blac set a vibrant tone for the evening, contributing to a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration and ending 2024 on the right note!
In addition to live performances, Cal Blac often collaborates with various artists. One previous recording project, Devil’s Pool Session, features ZONE Drums, including tracks Greenwood Ave., Elysian Fields, and Shine On Through. Recently, he mentioned hitting a three-day studio session as a group for the first time with drummer Aaron Harel, ZONE Drums, and bassist Alby White, clemintine. Before concluding 2024, Cal Blac has released several singles and albums, including Sweet Hypnosis, Wishing Well, and A Sublime Illusion. His music can be streamed on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where he shares studio recordings and live performances.
For more information and updates, visit his official website at calblac.com.
