We are thrilled to exclusively premiere Coleman’s latest single and music video, “Cali”. Known for his work as part of the indie-pop duo Coast Modern, Coleman has ventured into his solo career, and with “Cali”, he delivers an infectious fusion of hip-hop and Latin pop that’s set to grab your attention from the very first beat. This acts as his third single release, to date, following “Ahoy” and “Knowing, respectively.
Written and produced by Coleman, himself, the track immediately hooks you with its dynamic sound, blending influences from hip-hop, pop, and dance, creating an addictive experience that feels fresh yet familiar. Coleman’s smooth rap flow weaves seamlessly with the catchy, pop-infused chorus, offering a versatile musical journey. The lyrical narrative sees California personified as a tempting force that pulls Coleman in, chews him up, and spits him out. With rhymes that effortlessly stick, “Cali” conveys both the beauty and the pitfalls of life in Los Angeles.
Talking about the track, Coleman said, “This song went from inception to completion in one very fun session. They don’t always come this easy, but Cali’s musical themes and narrative elements were drawn out of an authentic and effortless place.”
But it’s the music video that takes this concept to another level.
In a visually stunning and thought-provoking narrative, Coleman uses piñatas to symbolize human struggles. The story follows a piñata character who spirals into depression and alcoholism, reflecting the darker sides of indulgence and excess, a poignant parallel to Coleman’s lyrical reflections on California. What begins with the innocent joy of children smashing piñatas for candy turns into a deep narrative about how this piñata ends up on a path of destruction, ultimately leading to a tragic car accident. The video doesn’t shy away from tough topics, even showing our piñata protagonist in prison, before fast-forwarding five years to his release and stay at a halfway house.
The tension in the video builds as the children approach the halfway house, setting up what seems like a devastating conclusion. But just when you think you know what’s coming, the story takes an unexpected turn. Without giving too much away, Coleman delivers a clever twist that completely changes the game, leading to a surprising and satisfying final scene. To fully grasp the brilliance of this twist, you’ll need to see the music video yourself!
Watch the Music Video to “Cali” by Coleman Here:
Visually, the video explodes with colour, embracing bright, bold shades that make each scene pop. The artistry and creativity are superb, with each detail reflecting the layered meanings of the song. By turning a piñata into a metaphor for the struggles of life in California, Coleman has created a truly memorable piece of art that aligns seamlessly with his single.
“Cali” is set to officially release on September 27th, but you can watch the video and listen to the song exclusively here at Good Star Vibes. Keep an eye out for more music from Coleman, as this is just the beginning of a new chapter for him following his Coast Modern days.