Keven Porter Jr

"Keven brings a highly polished performance to the stage. His amazing talent, presence and intensity are truly awe inspiring. His show is a refreshing insight of the artists commitment to the art of entertainment." - Gate City Community Center

Preferring to be called just “Keven,” he describes the project as akin to “Ziggy Stardust, a cool and honored comparison to Mr. Bowie. “Within us all there is light and darkness, a dormant Hyde to our exterior Doctor Jekyll. On this record, it is the dark within, the inner conflicted Mr. Hyde, which takes the forefront. Much of what I lyrically pull comes from my own inner strife.” I’ve not seen the video, but Keven DID send me a copy of the 20-track Keven Darklight. I rarely do literal album reviews, preferring to let the Hometown CD contribs shine in that department, but this singular local-centric release would seem to call for an exception…. I have to admit, I was pretty curious! Knowing nothing about the guy other than from the chat that yielded the above (and that his mom is a Reverend), I was frankly imagining something along the lines of Spinal Tap’s Stonehenge. That said, I ended up playing the entire CD from start to finish. Not at all what you’d expect… Add to that the prominent (and ridiculously/intriguingly optimistic) web addy “KEVMEGASTAR.COM”... AND the two photos of unblinking Keven wearing a low rent Bedazzled MJ-style jacket (Bad-era minus the buckles)... AND a back cover photo of him wearing skull face wrestler-style makeup... and you have a truly offbeat package that it took MUCH courage to open and play, I don’t mind telling you….

‘Kay, didja ever wonder what it would have sounded like if, instead of joining the Jackson Five, Michael Jackson sang lead for Devo? No, huh? How about El DeBarge fronting the Human League? Or Rockwell -- remember “Somebody’s Watching Meeeee”? -- Actually rocking well?? These were my first notes on listening to “Keep Holding On,” which surprised me with its driving guitar riff and funkified ‘70s bassline. The electronics were a bit robotic, but Kevin’s melodic – and oh-so-sincere – vocals channeled a very Michael Jackson-esque vibe. And I mean that in its most positive interpretation – the production may not have been Quincy Jones slick, but it was far more glossy and full than I would’ve expected from what I was expecting to be a one-man Casio keyboard band. Nearing the end of the disc, “You’re a Winner” is another fine rockin’ handclap-driven tune, not at all hindered by the odd Star Trek sound FX that seem to come outta the left field mix. “Rest My Heart” is nearly outstanding, with a completely unexpected acoustic guitar bed track. Probably my favorite track on the album… Around a half dozen of the tracks are quite good and VERY listenable. Impressive, even. And certainly NOT AT ALL WHAT YOU’D EXPECT…… - By Jay Allen Sanford | SAN DIEGO READER

Keven Porter Jr., a 2000 Poway High grad, has chosen the Poway Center for the Performing Arts as the venue to unveil his latest album.


This Saturday (Jan. 22) Porter — who goes under the stage name Keven — will introduce songs from “Darklight,” his newest self-released album at the center, 15498 Espola Road, during a two-hour concert. Porter said the concert will feature songs, dances and some surprises, drawing from the years he’s spent as an actor and performer.

As a child, Porter sang with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. He starred in several productions at Poway High his senior year and won the Palomar Council Reflections Award for a song he wrote and sang called “Everything is Possible.”

Since graduation, Porter has dedicated his time to music and television. He had small roles in locally produced shows, including the now-defunct “Veronica Mars,” and had a role as a bouncer in an episode of HBO’s “Entourage” that ended up on the cutting room floor.

Porter — who now lives in Ontario, Calif. — has released five albums, but said this most recent effort is the first he feels confident sharing with the public.

“This is the first one I would like everyone to hear,” he said in a phone interview. “The others were me starting out as an artist.”

The name of “Darklight” refers to a character, which Porter describes as his way of tapping into the frustrations of life and the struggles that people face. He said the inspiration for that struggle is based on both personal and current events.

“There’s two masks, the one we show and the one we don’t,” Porter said. “The character of Darklight takes the inner emotions about being fed up and not willing to put on that nice mask on when you’re dealing with negativity... He’s the emotional buildup waiting to get out.”

Porter said that despite the darkness, the idea behind the character is a positive one, since he sees Darklight as a means to deconstruct the negative and build something positive in its place.

“The character is chipping away at inner pain, but trying to replace it with ideals of hope,” he said.

The 28-year-old, who moved to Poway from Indianapolis in for his senior year of high school, said he wants to return to the area because he always felt accepted as a performer.

“Returning to Poway felt like the right thing to do to launch this project,” Porter said. “It was very inspiring to be at that school, where the teachers gave you individual attention and listened to you. I always felt very accepted in Poway.”

Tickets to the show are $25 for adults and children 13 and up; $10 for children ages 1-12. They can be purchased online at powaycenter.com

- The Pomerado Newspaper Group (by: José A. López)

Keven Porter Jr. was a high school senior the last time he performed at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.

Porter, who graduated from Poway High School in 2000, will return to the same stage tomorrow, for a two-hour concert featuring songs from his latest album “Keven: Darklight.”

Porter began recording the album, a combination of pop, rock and R&B songs, in San Diego in October 2009. “Keven: Darklight” was released on Jan. 1.

“Since I had recorded the vocals down in San Diego, I felt that I wanted to return back to my base,” Porter said.

Porter and his family moved from his hometown of Indianapolis to Poway in the summer of 1999.

Although he attended Poway High School just one year, Porter was actively involved on campus. He participated in a number of theater and choir productions, including The Tavern and The Music Man. He also wrote a lyrical composition called “Anything Is Possible” that won awards in the state’s Palomar Annual Reflections competition.

“Everyone was very warm, very open, very receptive in Poway,” he said. “I just loved my experience in Poway.”

After graduating from Poway High School, Porter attended San Diego State University as a theater major. While at SDSU, Porter performed at the Spreckles Theater and self-released his first album “For All Times” in 2004.

“Keven: Darklight” is Porter's sixth album. For his latest project, Porter said he “looked within” and found a character named “Darklight.”

“I really looked inside myself and found summation on what I was feeling based on many social issues that we are all facing today—dealing with terror, dealing with the financial crisis, dealing with emotional strife,” he explained. “Hopefully, during the course of the album and the course of the show, I start to show people that despite all these horrible things that are happening in the world, there is hope.”

The album is a “big shift” from his previous work, which he called “happy” and “commercial.”

“I really wanted to focus on this particular character because I felt in the modern day world, this is a character that many people can relate to,” he said. “Many people have their own ‘Darklight’ within themselves.”

Of the album’s 20 tracks, Porter said his favorite songs are the theme song “Darklight” and “House.”

“I really tried to put as much on the table as possible because I realize there are a lot of people that can relate to what I’m talking about,” he said. “Out of all the songs, I think I pulled from that place within me the most with the two of them. I hate to say this because the others are too, but those two are the truest as far as who I am deep down as an artist.”

The album also features a tribute song to Michael Jackson called “Goodbye.”

Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Prince and Stevie Wonder have influenced Porter's musical style, he said.

“I would say that my sound is very unique,” he said. “It’s inspired by their works, but at the same time, it has its own artistic niche because I’m talking deeper within the political sounds and I’m going deeper within emotional states than most people are willing to go.”

Porter has had a passion for the arts since he was a child. In addition to his favorite artists, he was inspired to pursue a career in the entertainment industry by the children television programs “Kids Incorporated” and “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," he said.

Porter is not only a singer, but an actor, dancer, writer, director and producer. He enjoys staying busy with multiple projects, he said.

“The struggle with me is that there isn’t anything that I prefer most,” he said. “It’s weird—the moment that I get my project in music up and running, I’m working toward my next acting gig or I ‘m sitting at my computer writing my next novel. When one project is up and running, five others are being planned out.

“From an artist’s perspective, I think that’s part of the point of 'Darklight.' There is this constant awakening in the night and desire to always do something else, something more.”

The concert, which is produced by Porter’s production company Porter Productions, will feature all the songs from his new album as well as selected songs from his previous work.

“I really look forward to bringing the 'Darklight' character to Poway,” Porter said. “I really try to sing from the heart and from emotions. Coming as an actor, I know that if it’s not real, I can’t put it on stage. I’m really looking forward to entertaining everyone.”

For more information about Porter, visit Kevmegastar.com.

- Poway Patch (by: Kristina Blake)

Poway

Keven Porter, Jr., a 2000 graduate of Poway High School, will return to the city to perform songs from his latest album by Porter Productions, entitled “Keven: Darklight” in a two hour and fifteen minute pop, rock, dance show 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.

As a student at Poway High, Porter played leading roles in school productions and wrote a lyrical composition, entitled “Anything Is Possible” that won awards in the state’s Palomar Annual Reflections competition. While attending San Diego State University, Porter performed at the Spreckles Theater and self-released his first record, “For All Times” in 2004, followed by five others. Porter started recording his Darklight album in late 2009 with JCB Music Studio in San Diego. Tickets: $25; $10 children under 12.

For more information, see www.powaycenter.com and www.kevmegastar.com.

- San Diego Union Tribune (by: Linda McIntosh)

“Love the music cascading down. Vocals right on the money. Cool electric licks and a fine lyric. Drum keeps it movin'. Very well done…!” - AOM Artist of the Month

“Damn.... I like your songs a lot.... and I'm picky! GREAT ALBUM TITLE! - Songwriter Eric Pickel

“Great vocals Keven, I joined your fan club!” - M.A.D. Records Artist / B.M.I. member Roget

“Sounds great…! WOW!! Awesome for sure…!” - Songwriter/ NSAI & BMI member Diane Glee

“I think the music is exceptional...........Good luck with your musical future.......I think it will continue to shine.” - Musician James Cain

“This would play well live!!! Well constructed, the hooks, hook!!!” - Songwriter Rittmo

“Great performances…! Mixes are AWESOME!” - Show Dogs Recording Studio owner Brad Miller

“Yeah man, great sound! I get more than a bit of Michael from your sound, carry the torch my brother.” - Major Touring Artist “CenterPeace” (David Haddad)

“He understands how effective and powerful subtle changes in tone, beats, and delivery give range and depth to his performance. I have no doubt he will soon be a success.” - Film/ Video Director Sherra Powell

“I can hear the Michael influence for sure, but it's yours now! Really tight production and great emotive vocals! Love the harmonies! Nice clear vocals, good lyrics. It definitely gets you moving with it, and is one of the better ones that I've heard in this genre. Very cool! I'll look for more from you!” - Songwriter/ ASCAP member Sheila Kaufman

LOS ANGELES, CA - After two years of Covid lockdowns and quarantines, Keven Porter Jr brings renewed momentum to pop music in the debut of his EP Not Without You. "With his latest release Keven Porter, Jr. continues his musical and creative odyssey, in a new collection of self-penned music that is both emotionally accessible and artistically intriguing. Keven is easy on the ears and soothing to the heart" -Rick Kolan (Musician). Not Without You is now available on all digital platforms including apple music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/not-without-you-ep/1590417624.

This is Keven’s 9th music project, 5th commercial, but first EP with all previous projects being albums. Supporting musicians hail from Spain, Canada, Italy, Morocco, America, Brazil, Denmark, and Ukraine, with mixing and mastering completed in the Netherlands. The EP features five tracks that were inspired by his emotional journey during the start pandemic, but also give optimistic vibes toward the continuation of life’s enduring journey. The first official music video off the EP, Fake People, can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZSqyOBgrNCc.

An actor, singer, songwriter, novelist, screenwriter, producer, filmmaker, and dancer, Keven is a buy guy based in Los Angeles. In 2004 Keven self-released his first self made record entitled For All Times, followed by Revolution (2005), Black Knight (2006), Rewound (2007), Endurance (2008), to studio albums Darklight (2010), Eclipse (2013), Take Me Away (2015), Burn (2020), and on to his first EP Not Without You (2022).

“Listened to your EP and I think you did a great job. It starts strong with the first track and never loses momentum the whole way through. I think the vocals, and production quality are top tier, and the lyrics hit hard when they need to but also convey a sense of longing and sentimentality in the slower tracks. The music video is well shot and edited, and exhilarating as it showcases the power struggle between you and the execs.” – Sashi Peterson (Film Director) - Porter Productions Entertainment

Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, and am the son of a pharmaceutical engineer and school teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Science from Indian State University.

What inspired you to get into music?
I have to rephrase to acknowledge music as a calling. The presentation of music, through music videos, was inspired by the pop artist of my youth; however, music is in me and something I have to do due to an inner drive within me that will not allow me to sleep at night if ignored. A calling is not something you pursue, it pursues you regardless of what other attributes you are up to. For example, some artists sit at a piano and play around with notes till 1 + 1 = 2. I on the other hand may be driving or folding clothes when I hear a song with its hook and accompaniment. Like a whisper from God, my process often starts when I am not focused on making music. Out of the blue, I hear and quickly jot down or record with my phone what I hear. I even hum each instrument into the phone. Perhaps my creativity beckons to my emotional state at that moment… still I have ended up with many great pieces this way. Perhaps one could argue the brain and one's emotional being inspire each other to create.

Do you write and produce music?
Yes, I create everything from the ground up and produce work until ready to release. I say it this way because after the music production phase there is the consideration for a music video, promotions, and on to release. The project is not truly out of your hands until your distributor releases it to the public. At that point my initial producing job is complete; though I always consider future remix ideas. I create the concept, melody, music, lyrics, and produce the arrangement.

What is a recording session like for you?
It is the same as any professional production should be run. I hold hours and breaks the same as a SAG-AFTRA mentored film set. My team and I go in with what we have to do, follow the hardcopy schedule as best as possible, chat about new ways to reinterpret what’s in my head, take breaks, and I provide catering should we go over mealtimes. This is currently not required, but to be a professional should conduct business professionally. Despite how this sounds, my sessions are always filled with laughter and open to new ideas. We are focused but with skill and experience comes the freedom to have fun.

Do you play any instruments?
I am mostly a vocalist, though I create my instrumentation digitally. I often feature guitar artists to have the opportunity to work with and listen to others; for my upcoming release, I was able to feature a sax and horn player. Everything else, strings, beat, percussion, piano, synth, voice, bells, snaps, tambourine, cymbals, etc, are all me. I create everything from scratch to store. I also write all of my lyrics.

What is your local music scene like right now in Los Angeles?
Acts are performing open and underground, but I currently prefer to wait till Los Angeles passes the Omicron surge for the safety of my audience and support team. I care beyond me. The scene is not as robust as before, but people are doing whatever regardless of how or where they inspire their audience to follow. It’s unfortunate.

Any acting gigs lately?
I am currently auditioning for a couple of projects on television and theater, which is a great way to start the New Year. Unfortunately, the landscape of the entertainment industry has greatly been impacted by Covid. Just today I was offered a virtual audition from one of Arizona’s largest playhouses with the understanding Covid could shut the production down. Still, for this year I am looking forward to returning, with many of my peers, to the live stage as an actor and musician – in addition to TV and film. I was cast in a feature last summer, but that is still in pre-production and like many LA projects my non-name dropping is NDA related.

Have you done some touring in your career?
Weekend west coast performances from a few years ago, as a solo artist include: Bar Lubitsch (West Hollywood, CA), The Crest (Los Angeles, CA.), Gate City Community Center (Pocatello, Idaho), House of Blues (Anaheim, CA), Chaparral Live Room (San Dimas, CA), Trip Club (Los Angeles, CA), Amplify- Club (Los Angeles, CA), The Bamboo Club (Lancaster, CA.), The Palmer Room (Los Angeles, CA), and the MGM Grand Convention Center (Las Vegas, NV). For a time, a couple of years ago, I was the lead singer in the southern California cover band SoCalSoul. I cherish the memories with that band and took with me gained front-man experience and forward-thinking guidance from each of my former band-mates. We performed at venues in Simi Valley, California.

Tell us about your latest project.
“Not Without You” is a pop/ R&B EP written, produced, and recorded by me, and is set to release Sunday, January 23 (my birthday). This is my 9th music project, 5th commercial, but my first EP with all previous projects being albums. Supporting musicians hail from Spain, Canada, Italy, Morocco, America, Brazil, Denmark, and Ukraine, with mixing and mastering completed in the Netherlands. The EP features five tracks that were inspired by my emotional journey during the pandemic. In making peace with the “new norm” I have had to find myself again and return to my inner creative core, which still houses my inner child (hence the album cover). The same day I am releasing the EP I am also releasing the first music video through a virtual screening on my YouTube channel. The first music short video, entitled “Fake People,” is about confronting people who literally and metaphorically smile in your face while stabbing you in the back. What’s great is that this project is half music video and half short film, which I plan to submit to festivals as I have done with my award-winning feature screenplays and short film. The story-line starts consist of an entertainment attorney who helps my character, the artist, to discover the twisted motives behind the pretense of his producer and manager. As the video progresses I confront them through song and dance leading to their expulsions.

What can we expect from you in the future?
You can expect to see me in strong roles on television and supporting in a feature film. You can also keep a look a lookout for me appearing in stage productions while producing myself written stage and film works, in addition to having my novel series published. And of course, I also look forward to challenging myself as a music artist towards giving the world something, or an angle to something, they have yet to hear. In summation, you can expect to see my name associated with many creative projects that will be interpreted by the world while providing job opportunities for featured musicians, engineers, producers, cast, crew, and many workers in the entertainment industry. - World Wide Music Directory