Douglas G. Cala & Jerraine Williams / Agent Blurr 'Ambrosia' Album Interview
Douglas G. Cala has released his new album Ambrosia on October 9, 2025. The project features ten tracks that explore themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the current socio-political climate in the United States. It serves as a call to action against authoritarianism while promoting communal uplift. The album blends Beat poetry–infused spoken word with elements of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, folk/Americana, and electric blues. Ambrosia follows Cala’s 2023 release Oenomel and presents an evolved sound that demonstrates his growth as a spoken word performance poet and co-producer.
In addition to Douglas, the album features three guest artists: HBO Def Poet and LGBTQ activist Emanuel Xavier, touring frontwoman and poet Emily Nacchio, and Westchester County Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva. Ambrosia was sound engineered, composed, and co-produced by Jerraine Williams (Agent Blurr). The album cover design was created by Jason Swartwood (Buttered Roll).
This project was awarded a grant from Staten Island Arts with public funding from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
Can you tell us about the theme or concept behind this album?
Douglas The concept behind the album was rooted in exploring the socio-political climate of America over the past two years. The pieces began development after the release of Oenomel in 2023 and evolved into a more expansive and thematically focused work. The project weaves personal experiences with a broader narrative that includes social and political commentary.
Jerraine (Agent Blurr) Doug brought the idea to the table. It was an interesting way to deliver poetry to an audience, and I was on board immediately.
What inspired you to create this album?
Douglas The inspiration came from global and domestic events that highlighted humanitarian and political challenges. The album was designed to communicate ideas that encourage awareness, critical thought, and unity.
Jerraine For the production, Doug provided direction on the tone and instrumentation for each piece. From there, I developed the sound. The process was collaborative and efficient.
How would you describe the sound and style compared to your previous work?
Douglas Compared to Oenomel, this project focuses more on structured beats and live instrumentation rather than sound design. Ambrosia blends multiple genres to create a more accessible listening experience. The vocal performances were approached with more patience and clarity, allowing the words to take center stage.
Jerraine I entered the project without expectations, which gave me a blank canvas to create freely. The sessions were dynamic and productive.
Are there any tracks that hold special meaning to you? Why?
Douglas Three tracks stand out: Poltergeist featuring Phylisha Villanueva, Taking the Victors to Task featuring Emily Nacchio, and Compromised Skyline featuring Emanuel Xavier. Each collaborator contributed original material and helped shape the pieces’ direction. The tracks address themes including technology, politics, and economic disparity.
Did you collaborate with any other artists or musicians? How did those collaborations happen?
Douglas In total, there were five collaborators. Along with the featured poets and vocalists, Jerraine Williams (Agent Blurr) served as co-producer and sound engineer, while Jason Swartwood (Buttered Roll) created the album artwork. Collaborations were confirmed early in the process as part of the grant application requirements with Staten Island Arts and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
Were there any challenges or unexpected moments during production?
Douglas One collaborator was unable to record due to scheduling conflicts. Emily Nacchio stepped in for that track and contributed both poetry and vocals. The result aligned naturally with the album’s direction.
Jerraine That was the only scheduling issue, and it worked out well in the end.
Can you share any interesting stories from the recording studio or tour?
Douglas Touring is planned for 2026, but local and regional performances around New York City are underway. Studio sessions often included creative and philosophical discussions that influenced the work indirectly.
Jerraine The sessions provided insight into each other’s creative processes and built a strong working relationship.
What message or emotion do you want to convey to your audience?
Douglas The project encourages listeners to question systems of power and explore ideas of freedom, responsibility, and growth. It emphasizes awareness and the importance of continuous personal and collective development.
How does this album reflect your personal growth as an artist?
Douglas The creation of Ambrosia represented significant artistic development. The writing took more than two years, and recording occurred over several months. The process reinforced focus, discipline, and artistic evolution from previous work.
Were there any specific instruments or production techniques that shaped the sound?
Douglas Each track draws from different genres including jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, swing, folk, and blues. Sessions began by establishing tone and mood before recording vocals. Most performances required only a few takes, and final mixing and mastering were completed in-studio.
Are there any lyrical themes or narratives throughout the album?
Douglas The album maintains a consistent thread of questioning authority and promoting constructive dialogue. Guest artists often provide counterpoints or complementary ideas, creating balance and conversation within the work.
What are your plans for promoting it? Can fans expect live performances or videos?
Douglas Promotional plans include media outreach, podcast interviews, and regional performances. A U.S. Midwest tour is in development for 2026, supported by educational and cultural institutions. Visual content for social platforms will also accompany the rollout.
If you could remix any song on the album, who would you feature?
Douglas If a remix were produced, it would be of Taking The Victors To Task featuring Yetvart S. Majian. The concept was originally developed for that collaboration, and a future version could be released as a bonus track.
What advice would you give someone with a dream?
Douglas Seek guidance only from individuals with experience in the field you want to pursue. Protect your focus and mental well-being, and avoid distractions. Growth takes time and persistence.
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