Get to Know Singer Kalai: From MTV and Alaska to Restoring Love and His Faith
- Posted on July 26, 2012 at 8:42am by
Billy Hallowell
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Can’t make it to “Restoring Love?” You can watch Kalai, along with other musical artists, perform live on GBTV and TheBlaze this week. Click here for more about access and to see the event schedule.
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The music that Glenn Beck selected for “Restoring Love” is certainly unique, as are the talented artists behind each selection. On Tuesday, TheBlaze told you about singer-songwriter Matt Maher and his song, “Hold Us Together.“ The tune was selected by Beck to be the theme for ”Restoring Love.” On Wednesday, we caught up with Kalai — one of the other singers who will be performing at the event — to speak further about his career, beliefs and uplifting lyrics (download his music here).
(Related: Read the Story Behind Musician Matt Maher‘s ’Hold Us Together’ — the ‘Restoring Love’ Theme Song)
Showcasing a unique personal history, Kalai was born in Hawaii, raised in Alaska and he currently lives in Utah. This eclectic past dovetails perfectly with his unique sound. The performer calls his style “song-based music” that comes with a personal brand of and allegiance to versatility.
“If I’m going to write a song…the song and melody can dictate a style,” he explained, reiterating that, though he follows “old-school“ and ”vintage” rules, he allows the genre to match the words and flow of his compositions.
While he’s certainly independent in every sense of the word, the talented musician has been on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,“ ”Extra,” and MTV, among other popular programs.
In an exclusive interview with TheBlaze, Kalai detailed his path to success, explaining that he first began attempting to hone his musical skills at an early age. While it wasn’t a scenario in which he starting singing and playing instruments and was an instant prodigy, his dedication and passion led him down a path toward creating a refined and melodic sound.
“When I was a kid I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to play music, that‘s what I’m going to do,’” he explained. “I had no ability to do it, so I started to look for the ability to do it…it started to more or less come easy.”
(Related: Talented Guitarist Kalai Delivers Knock-Out Preview of His ‘Restoring Love Sessions’)
For Kalai, his inspiration and ability to create comes from an understanding of and appreciation for emotion. He says he grew up in a very emotional family and that he understands what happens when personal feelings are allowed to run wild. By keeping them in check, one can learn, in retrospect, to appreciate each and every personal emotion, including sadness and pain.
Aside from emotion, Kalai is inspired by the woman at the center of his life — his wife. While she is one of the focuses of his motivation, that doesn’t necessarily mean that all of his songs are about love. Faith, naturally, is also a central tenet for the singer, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He calls it “the invisible author of everything you do.”
Kalai’s “All Rise,“ a song that is on the ”Restoring Love Sessions EP,” for instance, is all about the power of prayer.
“The message behind it is prayer. I hope people are praying enough but I suspect that we are not,” he explained. “We need to remember the [nation's] first principles — and the easiest to remember is prayer.”
When it comes to helping our fellow man, Kalai believes that doing so is paramount. In agreeing wholeheartedly with the values inherent in the “Restoring Love” event, the singer believes that the nation has lost sight of what it truly means to selflessly reach out to those in need.
“We have perverted what it means to lend a hand to talking about it, but not really doing it,” he explained. “It is hard for us — [we say] ‘I’d like to help someone, but never at the expense of myself.”
Devotion to others, he says, is a necessity, as is the willingness to give sacrificially of oneself.
Find out more about Kalai here and the official “Restoring Love” soundtrack here.
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NILAP
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:34pmAnother Pat Boone and Barry Manilow combined ! Two of the greatest musicians American has given us are joined by this rising star !
Report Post »DimmuBorgir
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 3:37pmOh yeah BENINNY, Go F yoursefl
Report Post »LIBSALWAYSLIE
Posted on July 27, 2012 at 9:39amDIMMbulb. Why be such a lowlife?
Report Post »Inkmage
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 3:22pmThe people in here making negative comments towards this guy, who is quite talented I might add; are effin stupid, and part of the reason why, its been so easy for the left to capture the entertainment culture, and the youth culture, because muppets like yourselves, are still trapped in the bloody 50′s.
Report Post »DragoonChris
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 2:34pmWow, he sounds just like Ben Harper. Side by side they are nearly identical.
Report Post »BadDaddy
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 1:23pmI don’t normally chime in on these boards but I think I have a unique perspective here. If you like his music, great. If you don’t thats fine too. But the biggest thing most people are going to react to, whether they admit to it or not, is his disability.
I’ve worked in broadcast television for almost two decades. I’ve held every position from production assistant to Producer. And on more than one occasion I’ve encountered people who were bitter and angry because I had achievied a level of success they could not, despite my disability. I’ve never taken a hand out and never asked for special treatment. Because I have never expected anything to be given to me, I’ve out worked others. Despite my disability. And so when others who aspire to similar successes see me, with my obvious handycap, achieve more than them they get decide I don‘t really know what I’m doing and they can do better and by the way all my works sucks.
To wit I reply; show me.
This is the same challenge I offer up to all the demagogs of musical taste on this forum. If you think you can do better, do it. Make a record. Get noticed. Make money. Otherwise shut up.
And next time you dog someone on here because of thier disability have the stones to leave your address, I would love to make your aqaintence.
Report Post »DimmuBorgir
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 3:24pmDisability or not, his music I think is a bit played out and standard for what is “genius” in the cookie cutter music industry today. I don’t care what he had to overcome if what he succeed in creating is mediocrity. I don’t have any disabilities but I can play guitar and I have been involved in music my whole life. I would never insult or make fun of anyone’s disabilities regardless of what they do with it.
Report Post »ReaganBaby
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 12:40pmMan there are lot of people who don’t like this guy- why did you click on this story if you despise him so bad. I think he is good and i would listen to more, but we all have different taste no need for the hate.
Report Post »4xeverything
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 2:07pmI second that!
Report Post »Guitar Master
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 11:21amzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
From THE REPORTER
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Speaking with authority on this issue: Kalia is good, however, do you know how many other “good” performers there are out there just waiting for a break?
No one ever makes it because some rich and popular guy picks them up from nowhere and tries to make them a superstar. You have to make it on your own.
There are a couple of things this kid has to do:
No. 1 is lose that hideous bandage. He may have some sort of horrible malady but somewhere there’s got to be someone or something that can rid him of this conglomeration of “stuff” on his thumb. I mean come on!
No. 2 get cleaned up, trim your beard and wear some decent clothes. You can‘t perform looking like you haven’t bathed for two weeks.
The best thing for this guy is to strike out on his own. The market will test him and the market will make him or break him and that is something Glenn Beck cannot do.
On another note (excuse the pun) this Matt Maher dude is a real talent – this dude can really sing. I can’t say much for his guitar playing, however.
Matt, if you read this let me give you a huge tip my friend: Stop strumming your guitar between your chord changes, when you hit all strings open it creates horrible harmonic overtones which make your guitar sound less than it’s capable of sounding. It also makes YOU sound like an amateur, which I know you are not. Otherwise YOU SOUND GREAT !!
Report Post »ReaganBaby
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 12:36pmSounds like you have a bit of a jealousy issue
The bandage is for birth defect, if he doesn’t have it his hand is as he describes it would be in much more pain. As far as Glenn making him famous- the dude was on MTV TMZ etc before Glenn found him. how is he not making it on his own when so many people have been turned on to his music whether Glenn allowed more exposure or not if he did not have talent he would not be well received.
Report Post »LIBSALWAYSLIE
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 12:42pmGuitarMaster, your opinions are just that, nothing more than your opinions. #1 “lose the bandage” Easy to say when you know NOTHING of his condition. I’ve been playing guitar for over 30 years, if a doctor said to me, “we can try to fix your hand but there’s no guarantee we wont make it even worse” I’d opt to not have the operation. I dont know if this is the case, but neither do you. Here’s a better option, stop focusing on the bandage! #2 “trim the beard” tell that to ZZ Top, it sure didnt hurt them. You are filled with false notions of your own importance. Its his life, and he will do what he wants. Unsolicited advice is a sure sign of a know it all. So Master, how many albums have you sold?
Report Post »paulnsfca
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 11:08amReally Blaze! stop shoving this guy down our throat ! it seems alot don’t like his music or style
Report Post »LIBSALWAYSLIE
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 11:18amShoving down your throat??? How stupid can one idiot be??? YOU clicked on it!! You made the choice!!! You are so effing clueless! Many people DO like his music and appreciate his exceptional talent. Dont want it shoved down your throat? Then dont click on it! Its really that simple!!!
Report Post »ReaganBaby
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 12:37pmLast i checked it was me who clicked the story and read about him or turned the radio dial. Moron
Report Post »paulnsfca
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 11:05amTake a shower and you SUCK !
Report Post »BenInNY
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 2:17pmIf this guy’s music sucks, 75% of the currently active and prosperous musicians should give up and go try to find jobs at McDonalds.
Report Post »What gives you the impression he’s dirty? I suspect it’s the filth that fills your own head that keeps spilling out into comments here.
DimmuBorgir
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 3:26pmI think the dirty beard and rasta hat make him look dirty
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 10:47amWow! I really like this guy!!
Report Post »bsnrn98
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 10:08amI actually like his style. I would listen to more of his music. Now that I know a little of his personal life, I think that enhances his appeal.
Report Post »DimmuBorgir
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:38amMore of this guy??
Come on Blaze, stop pushing this hippie crap on us. Some of us actually have a musical ear and frankly, Kalai sucks
Report Post »LIBSALWAYSLIE
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 10:15amDIMM, I dont know what you’re listening to, but Kalai is an excellent entertainer and musician. I was blown away by his performance on Glenns show the other night. I’ve been a musician for over 30 years, this guy is very good. KEEP IT UP!!
Report Post »bpodlesnik
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 11:57amI love his music and he sings praise to the Lord as well. Care to tell what you listen to Dimm?
Report Post »BenInNY
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 2:29pmThe fact that you like Dimmu Borgir is all the rest of us need know about your musical “ear.”
Report Post »For the uninitiated: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gt7YWwOmRo
I’m a metal fan, but that’s like listening to a cyborg midget being crushed by a trash compactor.
DimmuBorgir
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 3:32pmTry to not mistake me for someone with no talent and someone who only listens to one genre of music. I enjoy alot of different styles. And don‘t rip on Dimmu Borgir especially when they have multple albums and each one sounds like it’s a different band.
Kalai might be a great entertainer, and many of you might really enjoy his music. My issue is with him being hailed as some musical genius. He really isn’t. And Beninny, pick any Dimmu Borgir song and you’ll hear guitar riffs that Kalai could never dream of playing.
Report Post »DimmuBorgir
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 3:34pmAnd fyi. I praise the lord as well.
Report Post »strewth_cobber
Posted on July 30, 2012 at 3:01amThat headbanging/headshaking is known to cause brain damage (and spinal/neck injuries).
Could you please send me the humming and whistling tablature for that tune – it’s just got such a delightful melody that could be so entertaining as I stroll down the street! Like the old Andy Griffith theme music.
I’d learn that tune on my guitar – but it just wouldn’t be complete without that particular dry-reaching, err, vocal accompaniment. And I can’t sing or dance – that’s why I play instruments, instead.
Excuse me while I go finish mastering guitar for “Losin’ My Mind” by Pride & Glory.
PS… Headbanging/headshaking is known to cause brain damage (and spinal/neck injuries. Not that I am inferring anything by that (of myself, that is).
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on July 26, 2012 at 9:00amHey Billy, is this one of the guys Glenn will award a medal?
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