Kalai’s style is original in every way. He grew up in Hawaii, then Alaska, to parents who allowed him to stretch his musical legs. However, Kalai’s family dynamics were rocky, leaving him to mostly raise himself after his parents’ divorce. At 15, he taught himself guitar. Despite his left hand’s deformity, he has mastered many instruments, including the mandolin, banjitar, and hand drums. Music was a huge part of his life, and he practiced every day for many hours as he grew to adulthood.
His songwriting earned him awards at age 16 in Alaska. Sam Cardon, another mormon music artist, helped Kalai as a friend, and he soon found himself signed with Treble V Records, where he put out 3 records. He later moved to Bridgetone Records, and released “Crow’s Feet” in 2006. His work has been used in several films, such as The Work and the Glory: An American Zion, The Legend of Johnny Lingo, and the IMAX film Mysteries of Egypt. Kalai’s appeared on TV, both on Extra and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
I’ve been a music lover forever and Kalai is far and above one of the most talented I have ever had the privilege of hearing. He’s a musical genius. He knows how to put the entire song together, beginning to end and his live performances are brilliant. Don’t miss the opportunity to see him live. He’s outstanding.