DEBUT SINGLE ‘CALI’ OUT FEB 13TH
Refreshingly intimate and filled with soul, Blake Appelqvist (they/them) has officially released their debut single ‘CALI’ – a tender romance that dives into the oceans of a new love.
This cosmic confession feels like the most heartfelt voicemail you’ll ever receive. Part voice note, part love letter, and immediate classic. This song is about falling into someone, of navigating queer nuance and choosing to sink deeper together.
A new dreamy anthem for the pop lovers and the hopeful romantics.
Naarm based singer/songwriter Blake Appelqvist is the crossover newcomer we’ve been waiting for. Drawing inspiration from artists like Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar, Justin Bieber and James Blake, Blake blends their R&B roots and pop sensibility through a soulful lens, creating a uniquely intimate vocal tone that they credit to their Māori and Swedish parents. Think Stan Walker meets Zara Larsson.
Although ‘CALI’ is their debut single, Blake has built a prolific performing career on stage and screen, and has featured in many original locally made musical theatre albums, including the ARIA nominated ‘FANGIRLS’ Cast Recording. They are a community leader and advocate for trans and queer representation in the performing arts, and produce a show on Gadigal Land each year called ‘Theys at the Hayes’ which champions trans, gender diverse and nonbinary artists across the live music diaspora. This storied grassroots dedication paired with their artistry has been paramount to their loyal following and growing fanbase.
This is their third collaboration with well loved Sydney producer Self Tape (he/him), known for his signature pulsing beats and undeniable eclectic approach to composition. Blake has featured on a number of tracks with Self Tape including their debut feature on ‘Hold’ which gained acclaim in 2025 featuring as Triple J Unearthed’s Track of the Day on its release day, as well as their secondary track together ‘Deep Down’.
With a debut EP set to be released later this year, ‘CALI’ provides an insight into the kind of recording artist Blake is and marks the beginning of their independent music career.
Blake shares “I wrote ‘CALI’ about my love, mi amor, very early into our relationship.. who is from Cali, Colombia. It was one of those moments in the studio where my producer and I were playing around with chords and suddenly the lyrics just floated out so easily, like they were meant to find me in that moment. Simple yet delicate. ‘CALI’ is a love letter to brand new queer love, that first part of a connection when you don’t fully know each other yet, but somehow you know you’ve found something truly rare. This one is for the romantics.”
‘CALI is a milestone moment for Blake Appelqvist. An undeniable talent on the rise, with the vocal tone, seasoned stage time, diverse inspiration and unique perspective of a recording artist who knows why they make music. With a fiercely loyal fanbase, a debut EP underway and an exciting future ahead, 2026 is set to be a career defining year for ‘Australia’s most refreshing new R&B heartthrob.