Interviews/Reader's Digest: Kalan answers some questions - Sep. 20/04

1. Kalan, congratulations! Are you planning to write some of the songs and/or music on your new album?
Janna J., Port Perry, Ont.

Although time will give us some restrictions, I'm hoping to have at least one or two of my own songs.

2. Hi, Kalan, You have an amazing voice and I am so happy for you that you won Canadian Idol. I was wondering when you plan on releasing your first CD and if you could think about doing a Christmas Album. I'll see you when you come to Vancouver for your tour!
Katherine Wiebe, Surrey, B.C.

My album will hopefully be out by November 23. I will have a single on the "Platinum Christmas" album.

3. Hey Kalan! I just wanted to ask you, who is your idol? Is there anyone you look up to who really drove you to enter this competition? I think you'll be a wonderful idol, and Canadians should be proud!
Sarah McDonald, Cambridge, Ont.

My parents wanted me to enter the competition. My parents are definitely my idols.

4. Kalan, you seem so down-to-earth and honest, which is one of the things I truly liked about you! My question to you is: When you get all rich and famous, which I am very sure will happen, will you live in Alberta still?
Lee-Ann Ledoux, Saskatoon, Sask.

I will be living in Toronto for now, but I think Medicine Hat and Alberta will always be home.

5. Which judge gave you the best advice and what was it?
Charmaine McLeod, Bonnyville, Alta.

Farley said, "Just do what you do and don't worry about anything."

6. Were there days during the competition when you and the other Idols could just relax with each other and family, or were you always on the go with press and rehearsals, and if so, how did you feel about that?
Caitria, Woodstock, Ont.

Throughout the competition we had some evenings and a couple of days off. It was tough, but we were all doing things we loved.

7. I'm 15 years old and started taking singing lessons at 13. I've always loved to sing, but I've only sung in front of an audience at my Grade 8 grad. How should I get out there and get more opportunities to sing?
Kayla, Guelph, Ont.

Just take every opportunity to sing. Perform everywhere you can.

8. Hey, Kalan! Thanks for being such a well-deserving Canadian Idol! I think you're amazing and truly an inspiration to everybody out there! I love you and hope you keep up the good work! What's on your agenda for the next couple of months now that you've become the Canadian Idol? And what car do you drive? I always wanted to know the answer to the second question because it was mentioned that you "could not live without your car" in your bio. Thanks and best of luck!!
Leonsia, Toronto

The album is a top priority as we plan to have it out on November 23. And I drive a Ford Escort Sport. It's nothing fancy.

9. Hi, Kalan!! You are an amazing singer and I'm so happy you won! Since you're so young, was it hard to take some of the harsher comments (not like you had many) from the judges? Have fun with your album, it's gonna be great (please put "Nature Boy" on it).
Shyvonne Allen, Whitecourt, Alta.

I think the criticism helps you prepare for the industry. You have to develop thick skin.

10. Before you came to Canadian Idol, what did you do? Did you have a job? Did you go to school? Also, what happens now...Will you be living in Toronto? Thanks and congratulations Kalan.
Heather Campbell, Sarnia, Ont.

Before Canadian Idol, I was in a commerce program at Medicine Hat College but wanted to take time off to try music. I'm staying in Toronto until the album is finished. After that I'm not sure.

11. I am sure all the girls want to know... Do you have a girlfriend?
T. Fischbuch, Alberta

I have lots of friends who are girls.

12. Kalan, I felt from the very beginning that you and Theresa would make it to the final two. Have you considered producing a CD with Theresa with both of your original songs on it? You could sing separately, in your own styles, and then do a couple of duets. I think it would make for a very eclectic, interesting CD with lots of variety and would be a huge hit. You will give back to humanity in a big way through your music.
Grace Visconti, Calgary

Thank you. I'm not sure that we will ever make a CD of duets but hopefully we will do something together.

13. Hey, Kalan! Congrats! I am probably your biggest fan! I miss seeing all of you guys perform now that the competition is over. My question to you is: Who were you the closest to in the mansion? I love you and miss you and good luck with your album!
Trisha Lagerwerf, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

We were all so close. I think Jacob, Theresa and I really grew close in the last few weeks.

14. I just want you to know how much your singing touched us this summer. I think you are the most compelling entertainer I've seen in years; you evoked so much emotion through your songs. We all got lost in the music. I just want to know how you feel about living in Toronto while preparing this album. Have you gotten used to the city yet and what's the hardest part about being so far from home?
Leea Nutson, Markham, Ont.

I am slowly getting used to Toronto. It's a lot different from Medicine Hat, but I'm having a blast.

15. What is the best way for your fans to follow your career from here?
Faith Cook, Scarborough, Ont.
My web site www.kalanporter.com will have constant updates and newsletters.

16. Now that you are going to be recording your first CD, is there anything in particular that you would really love to do on it?
Kelsey Borys, Winnipeg

I am really hoping to write and play violin on this CD.

SOURCE: http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2004/10/kalan_responses.html