Biography:

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. 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. 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.”

On Wake Up Living, Kalan worked with a crew of credited writers, to produce an album that showcases his newfound creative maturity. “Being away gave me the time to figure out the sound I wanted and the kind of direction I wanted to take,” Kalan explains. “I needed that time to develop creatively.” Kalan co-wrote much of the album, writing being one of the most frustrating and rewarding things he’s ever accomplished and it gave him an outlet for his emotions, as he watched his mother successfully beat her battle with breast cancer. Lyrically, there are moments on the album that are uncomfortable for Kalan. He explains “I’ve always been a shy person and some songs make me feel very naked.” The songs represent a growth that is based on his personal life experiences but is easily relatable too.

Kalan wanted to map the journey he was on, so he began “Kalan’s Awkward Video Blog”, a chronicle of his writing and recording process, and posted it on YouTube. His debut blog drew numbers that made his channel the #6 most watched Musician video, and each subsequent blog posted thereafter, rocketed into the Top 10 in this category. These video recordings gave him an outlet to reconnect with his fans and eased his fears about taking a break and leaving the spotlight behind.

“Seems like I was sure, someday I’d be growing up to save the world, but at this pace now, I’m only saving face, but I came so close. (Destination…Where I belong)

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.