Kalan Porter

As a classically trained musician (piano, vocals, violin, viola), Kalan and his siblings grew up in a house surrounded by music. Kalan elaborates: “The majority of our childhood was spent practicing, rehearsing, playing in orchestras, string quartets, bands, taking private lessons, theory classes and playing weddings and local gigs on weekends.”  After a whirlwind year filled with incredible experiences and successes, Kalan was eager to get into the studio and start writing. He loved what he was doing and he was driven.

Bio/History

 When Kalan Porter completed his sold-out 65 date cross-country tour in 2005, you would have thought he would retreat for a much needed break. After all, he did have an incredibly successful year.  With a double Platinum debut CD (219 Days) that spawned the hit single “Awake In A Dream,” which went on to become the most successful single by a debut Canadian artist ever, 3 JUNO Award nominations and a MuchMusic Video Award, Kalan’s career was on fire.  The fast-paced, tremendous year as the winner of Canadian Idol, turned the musician who grew up on a ranch outside of Medicine Hat, Alberta, into a household name. 
Kalan was ready to jump into the next phase of his career. Kalan was determined to have his album out for the following summer.
His plans drastically changed when while in studio, he received the news that his mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Kalan immersed himself in writing, hoping to work out some of his feelings through this creative outlet, but all thoughts were of home.  “I tried being in studio to keep my mind occupied, but I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t work. All I thought about was how I should be home.”
Kalan made the difficult decision to put his recording on hold and go home where he could be with his family. Despite knowing he made the right choice, he was concerned that taking any long period of time away from the spotlight, could be detrimental to his career. “I spent many sleepless nights wondering ‘would the fans still be there? Would the record company still be supportive?’ But there was only one thing to do. I needed to be home.”
“Beauty, where to find it, can’t be far; beauty, where you hiding, tell me, I’ll go where you are.” (Beauty)
The time that Kalan spent at home with his family allowed him to slow down the pace of his life and re-evaluate, and provided a new perspective, helping him create the focus of the new album. “It was a hard album to write and a tough album to record. The songs really speak to the events that were occurring in my life at the time and how you can find a sense of beauty, support and life at the most unexpected times.”
Kalan emerged stronger and more confidant than ever. Besides influencing the theme of the record, his family’s experiences inspired him to bring awareness to the disease. Kalan is lending his voice of support to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run For The Cure, and will be working with them on an ongoing basis as well.