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MHCC welcomes Hawaiian singer/songwriter at this year’s Earth Day
The Advocate
Singer/songwriter Kalai, who says his music is considered an “urban vintage” by friends, family and fans, performed a solo act Wednesday in the Main Mall for MHCC’s Earth Day celebration.
The Hawaiian-born, Alaska-raised 29-year-old, who now lives in Salt Lake City, has been performing on the guitar since he was 16. In Salt Lake City, where Kalai has lived on and off for eight years, he performs in front of sold-out crowds that range from 3,000 to 7,000 people.
It was a different atmosphere in the Main Mall when he played Wednesday in front of maybe 100 students. “I didn’t mind it,” he said. “The weather was amazing. I hope to come back to Mt. Hood to perform sometime in the near future.”
In recent music reviews found online, Kalai has been considered a blend of Dave Mathews, Paul Simon, Ben Harper, James Taylor and John Mayer.
Kalai’s biggest inspiration came from Taylor, his favorite musician and songwriter.
Kalai said he developed his style at the beginning of his music career from Taylor. “I pretty much copied James Taylor when I first started performing. I’m very open-minded like him in my style.”
Kalai said he also gained inspiration from the Beatles. “The Beatles taught me a lot of structure. I didn’t take a lot from their style like I did with Taylor. But they have
definitely been a big part of my musical background.”
Most artists start at an early age and continue to progress throughout their lifetime but this came differently for Kalai, who didn’t get into music until he was 16 when he picked up his first music-inspired book.
“I received a music book called ‘Brother John,’ a nursery rhymes book that got me going in my music,” said Kalai.
Kalai said his musical style ranges across many genres and he tends to blend a variety all into one. “It definitely has a blues feeling to it,” he said on his style. “My
vocals are both blues and gospel. I can even go reggae sometimes.”
Kalai described his character as “very lazy,” adding that he is a “to himself” type of guy. “I really like people and have a lot of friends, but to be honest I don’t get out
“I stay in and spend a lot of time with my family (two kids and wife). As an example (of his laziness), instead of staying in a hotel when I am touring, I sleep in my van. It might sound funny but I am a very proactive lazy guy, if that makes sense.”
Kalai said that the minute music gets in the way of his family time, the road stops there. He said music was “never a dream of mine.”
“Not to downplay it — and trust me I love music and performing — but sometimes you’ve got to do what you got to do,” he said.