Kevin California
Kevin Nizi, known for his stage name Kevin California is a Canadian indie rock singer-songwriter and producer. Inspired by his experiences in Venice Beach, California, his music combines soulful melodies with introspective storytelling. His releases, including the EPs Dear Mom and Timeless, BLEND influences from folk, roots, blues, and rock. In addition to recording and producing his own music, Kevin California has performed live at venues throughout Toronto, Canada.
Although the stage name, he is permanently based in Toronto, Canada, with family roots from Istria, Croatia.
After being recognized by Grammy U for his songwriting and studying independent music production at the University of California, Los Angeles, Kevin California released his debut EP, Dear Mom, inspired by his time in Venice Beach, California. The project featured the singles “The Ground I Walk On,” “Love in the Sand,” and the title track “Dear Mom,” accompanied by a series of music videos filmed along the California coast.
Following the release of the follow-up singles “I Am” and “Golden Dreams” from his debut EP Dear Mom, Kevin California released his second EP, TIMELESS. The songs for TIMELESS were written during a period spent in Venice Beach, where he had previously recorded his debut EP and singles, and later completed in Montreal, Quebec. The EP’s masters were recorded near the Mont-Royal district, with final production work completed in Toronto, Ontario. The title track reflects California’s travels and explores themes of personal growth, ambition, and self-discovery through pursuing one’s dreams.
Self-produced by Kevin California, TIMELESS combines elements of folk, rock, roots, blues, and reggae. California described the recording process by stating, “I started writing these songs in one place only to finish them in an entirely different environment.” The EP’s lyrical themes and production style reflect the varied settings and emotional experiences that shaped its creation.
Following the release of TIMELESS, Kevin California was featured in interviews on several Canadian campus and community radio stations. Songs from the EP received significant domestic airplay and debuted at number nine on Earshot’s National Folk/Roots/Blues Chart. His music was also added to Spotify playlists in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Europe. Music videos for “TIMELESS” and “Dear Mom” premiered on the Canadian music publication Canadian Beats.
Additional career highlights include being selected by Grammy U curators to perform original material for eleven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile during a songwriting circle event, as well as attending the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.