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Kalan does not post on my site. I have taken these journal entries
from two different websites.
Updates on Kalan's journal will be coming soon!
Oct 16
Hey
Everybody
Sorry I haven’t written in a while. It just seems like time is passing so quickly. I can’t believe
its only two months until Christmas. The last three or four months have been insane. By the middle of September I was feeling
ready to finish up the tour and hit the writing hard. Touring was great and was definitely the highlight of this whole thing
to date. I have to thank all of you for supporting our shows. I was worried that once the hype of the TV show wore off the
crowd turnout might suffer, but right throughout the summer we were setting attendance records. Performing for a huge crowd
that really gets into it is a musicians dream and you guys were awesome when it came to that. I’ll miss seeing all the
familiar faces in the front couple of rows.
Writing is going well. It took a while to really get into the groove. It was
tough because not only am I trying to write great songs, but also develop a unified sound for the album. It’s the first
question everyone asks, “What is this album going to sound like?” I’m still figuring it out but I think
I’m getting closer to knowing. I think the nerves and fear I had are slowly turning into excitement and anticipation.
I think.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I went home for a much needed break. My week home wasn’t all that
relaxing though. We had two Thanksgiving dinners, one with each side of the family, a total of 42 relatives (8 under the age
of 10). It was a bit of a zoo. It’s funny though- as I get older I find myself oddly enjoying time spent with family.
It’s strange- the longer and farther I am from home the less weird and annoying my family is becoming-looks like they’re
finally coming around. I especially enjoyed my time on the ranch this trip home. I hadn’t been back since last Christmas
and it was so great to sleep in my own bed. I think this time I finally noticed something about the ranch and my family that
I took for granted while growing up. There is something in those hills, something in the quiet starry black nights, in seeing
the buffalo grazing in the sunset. Something about the pride in my grandparents eyes as they stood at the gate, waving goodbye,
as we all return to our busy lives. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and the simplicity of the life I was raised in. You can’t
grow up there and not believe in God (must be a song in there somewhere).
I also got my fill of turkey and can now return
to my daily rations of Kraft dinner and Ichiban. I considered getting out the Tupperware and taking home an extra suitcase
full of leftovers but decided last minute that pumpkin pie might not fare that well on the luggage carousel.
Anyways now
back in Toronto, post-tour life has returned to normal-somewhat. Toronto is feeling more and more like home all the time.
Lately, when I’m not writing, I have been reading a lot, going out, meeting people in TO, and slowly regaining my sanity.
My friend and I spent a couple days this summer IKEAifying my apartment which really helped.
I have also had some more
time to enjoy my new vehicle, which was sort of my big splurge after the show. As it gets cooler out I am slowly regretting
buying a vehicle before checking the height restriction on the downstairs lot. Parking a block away might not sound that bad
but in the winter it could be a little rough. It makes it all worth it though if I remember I will never have to take another
cab.
It was also great to be back on Idol for the finale. Thanks to everybody who came out. The highlight for me was definitely
seeing all the crew and friends from last year. The highlight for Dad was meeting Miss Universe. He put the picture he took
with her on our fridge and brags to everyone that stops by. “Hey wanna see a cool picture?”
Well. I should
probably get back to staring at blank paper. Before I do though, I wanted to take some time for thank yous. Someday I am going
to buy a couple thousand cards and send them to you all but until I do please accept my extreme appreciation for all of your
hard work, thoughtfulness, and support. From the flowers to the crosses, quilts, jackets, photos, watches, paintings/drawings,
letters, scrapbooks (some that weigh more than me), and the incredible donation to breast cancer in my name- thank you for
your generosity and kindness. I have trouble buying presents for my sisters at Christmas let alone someone I’ve only
just met. Throughout this year I have met so many genuine, selfless, loving, caring individuals. Regardless of how depressing
the state of the world is today, meeting all of you has really given me a new faith in people. I feel like I have this amazing
extended family behind me, supporting and believing in my career. For that I want to thank you all.
OH! Mom wanted me
to thank all those who sent pictures/photo albums to her and my dad. She is always nagging me to take pictures to have when
I’m older-doesn’t seem like a priority now- so she is extremely grateful.
Anyways have a great fall. I will
try not to stay away so long. This may be my last letter as a teenager though. I will try to keep you informed on the progress
of the record.
Thanks again. See ya soon.
Kalan
June 28
Hey everyone,
After getting up on Monday
morning, I think it finally sunk in, the MMVAs were wild! It was very exciting to have been a part of such a high energy and
high profile event but to have won an award that is voted on by the fans was way more than I could have hoped for. I really
feel that the excitement of winning this award should be shared by all of us. I am very humbled by the efforts that many of
you put towards voting for me and I am extremely grateful that you would take time out of your lives to help my career. I
hope that your carpal tunnel has all cleared up!! I have met many of you at various events and concerts and I am sorry that
it is often too hectic to give you all the time and thanks you deserve. Please realize that I appreciate all you have done.
I was a little - well a lot nervous at the Awards show but knowing that I had fans out there who support me really helped.
Overall, everything went relatively smoothly with the exception of the phone call after my award presentation from my mother,
who said that I am no longer permitted to take out my nervous energy on a stick of gum-sorry Mom! And, even though Fefe somehow
mispronounced my middle name when announcing the winner, it was an evening I will always remember. I have gotten to know Fefe
over the last while and have come to expect the unexpected. She is actually a very cool person and a great artist. I am now
busy preparing for the summer fair tour and writing songs for the next album. It will be a busy next few months but hopefully
I will be able to see some of you during the tour. When I mentioned at the MMVAs that I have some of the coolest fans I was
not exaggerating. You guys are awesome and I am so appreciative of all of your support. The award I received was a real team
effort! You all have my thanks and respect.
Kalan
April - Letter to fans
Hey everyone,
Today marks exactly one
year since my first audition in Edmonton. I had no idea what was about to unfold- I was thinking it would be cool to get a
free trip to Toronto! Well, I got the trip to Toronto and since then it has been a non-stop whirlwind of excitement.
I
am finally feeling rested from the tour and I have a lot to look forward to in the next few months. I didn't realize I had
been running on fumes the last weeks and kind of crashed when I got home. If it wasn't for the incredible fan support and
the opportunity to meet so many of you on the tour, I'm sure that I would have had a much more difficult time enduring the
pace. I received so many encouraging comments and thoughtful cards and gifts. Once again I cannot put into words what all
of your support has meant- not only in helping my career but reinforcing that there is good here after all.
The Junos were
an exciting way to wrap up a very memorable couple of months. It was extremely humbling and intimidating. From playing local
bars one year earlier, to playing in front of the entire Canadian music industry alongside long time established artists,
the adrenalin was definitely pumping. I hope one day I'll have the chance to do it again- who knows, maybe a duet with Jan
Arden!
It was also great to have had the chance to work with so many professionals on the tour. The whole crew got along
really well, they were a great group of guys. There were lots of laughs, and world problems solved. I really enjoyed having
Amanda Stott along. She is the ultimate professional and I have the utmost respect for her, not only for her talent and beliefs
but for putting up with us and all of our practical jokes.
I finished a photo shoot yesterday and I will be filming a new
video this week. Then I will be able to head home for a few days and catch my sister Mackenzie's performance of "Anne" in
"Anne of Green Gables". After that I will be going AWOL with some of my hometown friends and my sister Kelsey. I bought an
extra large bottle of Coppertone so I may finally get my 'moment in the sun'. When I get back I will start a six concert tour
out West - never been to Melfort before. We are also booking a number of major summer dates across Canada so it looks like
I will see a lot of you again soon.
It's been a crazy ride this year, one that I will always remember and no matter where
this all takes me I'll have had the time of my life. Thanks for sharing the journey!
Kalan
May 20 - letter to fans
Hey everyone,
Just thought I’d drop a quick note to let all of you know what I’m up to lately. After spending a week in
Cancun, which went by way too quickly, I got right back into the swing of things with a six date Western Canadian min-tour.
It felt great to be able to get to Vernon to make up for the concert that I had to cancel the first time around. I was really
happy with how my first major tour went, but I still felt that until the Vernon show was complete I had not done what I had
set out to do. After what became a somewhat grueling schedule the first time around, this tour seemed so much easier. It was
an interesting mix of communities. From the beautiful settings in the wine growing regions of BC to the rural town settings
in Saskatchewan, the people I met were extremely kind and very supportive. I would like to thank everyone who attended my
shows and I hope that you all had a good time.
After staying in Medicine Hat for a few days to attend my sister’s
graduation, I returned to Toronto in time for the Sunshine Games charity event. It was a great time and the kids seemed to
really enjoy themselves. I would also like to thank my fans who attended this event in support of the kids. A lot of funds
were raised for a great cause.
I am now spending most of my days writing songs for the next album- anybody know a catching
tune they’d like to record with me? It’s extremely challenging and I am my own worst critic. As I type this I
am sitting in the midst of a pile of crumpled papers, attempts at songs that sounded good at first. I want this album to be
great and I’m prepared to kill more than a few trees to get there.
Thank-you all very much for voting for me on the
various sites. My videos have been doing very well and much of the credit goes out to you. As you may be aware, I have been
nominated for favorite Canadian Artist at the Much Music Video Awards. It is a real honor to be included with some great artists.
The voting for this award takes place until Monday on the much music website so if you can pull yourself away from your May
long-weekend events to vote once a day, it would be very much appreciated. Speaking of the May long weekend, in Medicine Hat,
it is tradition for many to spend the weekend at Elkwater, the closest lake to our city. To all my friends who will be heading
out there, I hope the weather is warm, (it is notoriously bad this weekend) the lake warmer (it is notoriously cold) and the
barbecue hot. Don’t have too much fun without me!
I hope everyone has a very safe and fun weekend whatever you are
doing and I will talk to all of you again soon.
Kalan
February 1st- What I love the most: singing and playing!
Hey
everyone,
I hope everyone’s New Year is going well. The start of my tour is only days away and I will finally have
the opportunity to do what I love the most – singing and playing. I am anxious, I am nervous, but most of all I am very
excited. I’m even looking forward to living out of a tour bus with eight other guys for two months –I guess I’ve
been in Toronto alone for too long! For the past couple of weeks we have been going really heavy on the band rehearsals. The
members of my band are brilliant musicians and are a lot of fun to work with so I think that we are going to have a blast.
We will be playing to what I am told will be a completely sold out national tour. I feel so indebted to all of you for that
kind of support and I will do my best to put on a show that you will remember. My video finally made its debut and I would
like to sincerely thank my fans (of all ages) who came out to MOD to support me. It was great to see all of you and I only
wish that everyone who was there would have been allowed to come in out of the cold. A huge thanks to all of my fans who have
been voting for me on the various forums and polls. It makes a marked difference in the success of the video, the single and
my career. Because of you Much Music has placed “Single” on heavy rotation. Few “idol” videos get
this kind of exposure. It is only because of the amazing fan support that I have been able to accomplish this. I also need
to say a heartfelt thank you to those involved in the birthday “Star” project. Along with the star I received
a letter indicating that approximately $800.00 was donated to the “Make a Wish Foundation” in my name. There have
been so many thoughtful things written to me and done for me since this whole thing started that I want you all to know how
much I appreciate it even though I can’t thank you all individually. The only way I know to collectively offer my thanks
is to have a concert, a song, or a video that you can enjoy. Well, back to practice now so we’ll see you all on the
tour!
Kalan
December 24th- Seasons Greetings from Kalan
Seasons
Greetings,
Well I finally finished my cross Canada promotional tour! It was a fast paced few weeks. I traveled to many
cities that I have never been to and met so many great people. It was a blast. When I look back over the last 6 months I cannot
believe all of the fantastic experiences that I have had or how much I have learned and although it has been a lot of hard
work it has also been incredibly fun. On the day before I left to come home, we shot my music video. Once again this was a
new experience for me which was extremely interesting and… somewhat exhausting. We started the process at 8:00 am and
wound it up at 4:30 am. I left to catch my flight at 5:00 am. I am really excited to see the finished product and hopefully,
it will start airing early in the New Year. Presently, I am at home spending time with my friends and family. My mom thinks
more time is spent with friends than family but that will soon change with all of the family dinners she has planned with
the more than 45 relatives. I am actually really excited to see everyone especially all of the cheek pinching aunts. Like
do they ever stop?? I have a cousin arriving from China and one coming from England so that will be very cool. For all those
concerned, I am finding time to rest and relax. This has been great for me but my sisters are not impressed as they are doing
my share of the housework. Although I am very happy to be home, I am also super excited about my upcoming concert tour. Thanks
to all of you, most of the concerts are already sold out. You guys continually blow me away with your amazing support. I want
to thank all of you for the cards, gifts, e-mails and letters. I only wish I had the time to respond to each of you individually.
I wish you all a Christmas and New Year filled with love, laughter, health and great friendship. Please take time to reflect
on the reason that we have this time to get together.
Kalan
November 23rd- You guys have been outstanding...
Hey guys,
Just wanted to see how everyone is doing. Sorry I haven't written in a while. I have just
been so busy, so thanks for you patience and understanding. I recently got back from Atlantic Canada where I visited Halifax,
Moncton and St.John. It was a lot of fun and great to see so many people at different events along the way. It was a little
cold, but the East was beautiful and I can't wait to be back out that way in February when we're on tour.
Right before
going out east, I got to spend a few days in Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener and London. It was fun to meet everyone.
The album came out today! Very exciting! It's so cool - I'm in Edmonton performing 219 days after my first audition in this
very same mall! I want to thank everyone that has supported me over the past 219 days. People always tell me not to change.
I agree, but I think it's important to take away something from every experience. I really feel like I've learned and grown
so much over the past few months. I learned so much about myself and I owe a lot of it to the people I meet everyday. You've
all been so supportive and I want you to know that I'm truly touched. Thank you.
Now that the album is released
I need your support more than ever. The cross country promo tour has been going really well. Today's mall event was crazy!
3500 people! I signed so many autographs I can't believe my hand is still attached. I was really happy because I got to sing
two new songs from the album, 'She's So Dangerous' and 'Single' as well as 'Awake In A Dream' and 'Nature Boy'. I'm going
to Calgary tomorrow for another event just like this one.
This weekend I'm performing at a couple of corporate
events along with Sass Jordan. I'm really excited about being on stage. Sass' husband, Derek Sharpe, is my band leader. We're
in the middle of putting our band together. Our first official gig is New Year's Eve in Kitchener, Ontario - so if you're
not busy… come out and see us!
Looking forward to going home to Medicine Hat on Sunday and then to Saskatoon
on Monday where I get to see Theresa!
Before I go - a special shout out to the Boomers & Hens that came out to meet
me and attend the Vicki Gabereau show.
You guys have been outstanding. I hope to meet you all and give back in
some small way.
I promise to write again soon.
Bye for now,
Kalan
November 1st
Just thought I'd drop in for a minute to say hi. Sorry it's taken awhile
but things have been a little crazy. I just finished recording the album and am now busy doing various media and charity events.
I'm also putting the band together and will be practising and rehearsing for the tour whenever I have a spare day. I'm looking
forward to meeting Shania Twain on Wednesday and singing the anthems at the Raptors game. It seems so strange that I now have
these kinds of opportunities when just a few months ago I was playing at local pubs in Medicine Hat. Life sure has it's share
of adventures. I feel so fortunate to have fans like all of you who have shown an interest in my music. I will try my best
not to disappoint you. For those of you (including my mother and grandmothers) who are worrying about my diet, excercise,
stress level, etc., thanks for the concern but I'm doing just fine. I'm getting used to the pace and I'm having fun. I only
get homesick when I have too much downtime- that's not a problem lately. Thanks again to all of you-I could not have asked
for better fans.
Kalan
October 27 - Finished Recording!!
Hey Everybody
We just finished the
record and I'm really excited about it. It hits stores November 23. I was really fortunate in that I got a chance to be very
involved in the album's creative process which is very important to me. Musically the record is a pop and rock mix with maybe
a few surprises.
I also wanted to thank everybody who came out for the homecoming and the Sherway Gardens events.
I was once again overwhelmed by the turnout and it was great to see everybody. Both the Medicine Hat Food Bank and the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation really appreciated the support.
Now I have a short break before we start a month long promo
tour so I am taking some time to catch up on sleep before we hit the road. We have a lot of events across the country and
so hopefully I will get a chance to see all of you at different stops. I'll try to keep you informed regarding when and where
I will be.
Anyways I will be back soon. Thanks again for all of your time, support, and prayers.
All the best
Kalan Porter
October 6 - Thanksgiving
Hey Guys
I finally have a break and just thought I would say Hi. Sorry
I took so long to write but I have just been so busy recording and writing for the album. So thanks for your patience. Because
this is the first entry since the show, I wanted to once again thank everyone who has supported me through this whole experience.
This has been such an exciting and lifechanging time for me, and I want to sincerely thank each one of you.
This weekend
I am really excited to be going home for Thanksgiving. We are doing a Homecoming event on Saturday and I can't wait to see
everyone in the Hat. I am going to be performing the new single along with some favorites from the show. I hope to see you
there. Anyways I have to get back to the studio so have a great Thanksgiving weekend and if I don't see you at the homecoming,
I'll be back on the forum soon.
All the best
Kalan
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