Spencer Kane

See article link. - Cincinnati Enquirer

See article link. - Cincinnati Enquirer

See link. - RemedyLive.com

See link. - Radion Nation - Canada

See the link for the entire article. - Crown of Beauty Magazine

See review URL - Temperance Youth Magazine

See review URL - Temperance Youth Magazine

See the link - Our Family World Magazine

Spencer Kane is a teen artist and actor born on October 26, 1996. At barely 5 years old he recorded his first music video as a lip sync to the song “Written on My Heart” by the Christian band Plus One. Raised in a Christian home as a son of a Pastor, Spencer has been around musical influence in and out of the church world. Singing in church and later on writing and recording his own songs at a home studio, he partnered with his dad in competing at a county idol contest in 2010. His second place finish in the 16 and under group helped him gain the confidence to pursue music in a more formal way. In the spring of 2011 he recorded his first original single, “Best Friends”, at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne. He has continued recording and releasing original music ever since.

Spencer has a full EP being released prior to the iShine tour that will feature four original written songs and one cover song all produced in Nashville. he just released a cover of THE CHRISTMAS SONG last week and it was produced by a fast emerging producer/artist from New York called THE GROUND ABOVE (Avery Berman). The Christmas cover was his third production with Spencer and both he and Spencer are up for the AI Music Awards in their respective categories. It’s a new award show and Spencer is a back to back nominee. 2012 and 2013

The iShine Knect TV Show is a family friendly show aimed at tweens and features independent artists like Spencer Kane, Jamie Grace (2012 Artist of the Year – Dove Awards), and Rachel Chan to name a few. There are regular iShine artists that are exclusive to iShine that are regulars on the show (kind of like Disney artists are to Disney shows). Spencer is a guest artist that appears on their show as himself. Season 4 starts airing on TBN Network and 5 other international TV stations in multiple countries in early 2013.

Spencer is a Christian who is an artist. He is NOT an exclusively CHRISTIAN ARTIST. His music is not targeted as praise and worship, but is written from his life experiences and observances as a Christian teen trying to deal with teen issues like relationships, bullying, fitting in, overcoming tough times, and finding purpose in life. His lyrics are not overtly evangelical (trying to convert people to Christianity) but are more speaking about living a morally pure life in the decisions you make as a teen.

Spencer was a varsity starter in baseball as a Freshman and played part time varsity in basketball as a freshman. He is a varsity basketball player / starter this year and is not sure about his schedule having time to play baseball anymore because his music is starting to take off.

Spencer is a unique teenager with an amazingly inspiring story behind everything he’s doing.

Spencer was bullied for being an athlete AND choosing to pursue singing. He has maintained a commitment to save his first kiss for his fiance and remain sexually pure. Yes, he’s never kissed a girl except his mom, aunts and grandmas. He moved schools because the bullying got too bad to handle.

On a positive note, the bullying from a key student stopped and he has been kind to Spencer since he moved away from the school. However, the general student body at his old school still makes fun of him and his music career.

Key goal of the bullying message in the song is to show KINDNESS to those who feel alone and bullied. Talk to them, reach out to them. It asks the question of whether you’re just going to stand aside or be involved. It challenges the listener to THINK about being involved.

The following video credits are as follows. Written by Spencer produced by Jeff Savage (Grammy winning producer and songwriter with TobyMac) - Indie Magazine

Spencer Kane is a teen artist and actor born on October 26, 1996. At barely 5 years old he recorded his first music video as a lip sync to the song “Written on My Heart” by the Christian band Plus One. Raised in a Christian home as a son of a Pastor, Spencer has been around musical influence in and out of the church world. Singing in church and later on writing and recording his own songs at a home studio, he partnered with his dad in competing at a county idol contest in 2010. His second place finish in the 16 and under group helped him gain the confidence to pursue music in a more formal way. In the spring of 2011 he recorded his first original single, “Best Friends”, at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne. He has continued recording and releasing original music ever since.

Spencer has a full EP being released prior to the iShine tour that will feature four original written songs and one cover song all produced in Nashville. he just released a cover of THE CHRISTMAS SONG last week and it was produced by a fast emerging producer/artist from New York called THE GROUND ABOVE (Avery Berman). The Christmas cover was his third production with Spencer and both he and Spencer are up for the AI Music Awards in their respective categories. It’s a new award show and Spencer is a back to back nominee. 2012 and 2013

The iShine Knect TV Show is a family friendly show aimed at tweens and features independent artists like Spencer Kane, Jamie Grace (2012 Artist of the Year – Dove Awards), and Rachel Chan to name a few. There are regular iShine artists that are exclusive to iShine that are regulars on the show (kind of like Disney artists are to Disney shows). Spencer is a guest artist that appears on their show as himself. Season 4 starts airing on TBN Network and 5 other international TV stations in multiple countries in early 2013.

Spencer is a Christian who is an artist. He is NOT an exclusively CHRISTIAN ARTIST. His music is not targeted as praise and worship, but is written from his life experiences and observances as a Christian teen trying to deal with teen issues like relationships, bullying, fitting in, overcoming tough times, and finding purpose in life. His lyrics are not overtly evangelical (trying to convert people to Christianity) but are more speaking about living a morally pure life in the decisions you make as a teen.

Spencer was a varsity starter in baseball as a Freshman and played part time varsity in basketball as a freshman. He is a varsity basketball player / starter this year and is not sure about his schedule having time to play baseball anymore because his music is starting to take off.

Spencer is a unique teenager with an amazingly inspiring story behind everything he’s doing.

Spencer was bullied for being an athlete AND choosing to pursue singing. He has maintained a commitment to save his first kiss for his fiance and remain sexually pure. Yes, he’s never kissed a girl except his mom, aunts and grandmas. He moved schools because the bullying got too bad to handle.

On a positive note, the bullying from a key student stopped and he has been kind to Spencer since he moved away from the school. However, the general student body at his old school still makes fun of him and his music career.

Key goal of the bullying message in the song is to show KINDNESS to those who feel alone and bullied. Talk to them, reach out to them. It asks the question of whether you’re just going to stand aside or be involved. It challenges the listener to THINK about being involved.

The following video credits are as follows. Written by Spencer produced by Jeff Savage (Grammy winning producer and songwriter with TobyMac) - Indie Magazine

Thirteen is the age when most kids begin to see change in their own life as well as lives around them. For Spencer Kane, it was a critical year of change that involved his first public performance and making a commitment to stay pure until marriage.

For someone entering the dreaded middle school years, this was an extremely courageous public statement to make.

As an athlete in basketball and baseball, Spencer had always been one of the guys and held fast to his dream of playing college or pro sports some day. An honors student in school and a typical all-American boy next door, it would seem embracing his talent for music and commitment to avoid sexual activities until marriage would be honorable among his peers.

Wrong! Instead, he became the target for serious bullying and ridicule for making both choices. As a typical jock, it isn’t the norm for a male athlete to pursue the arts like singing and acting. Add to that his choice to wait for his first kiss until the right girl, maybe even his future bride, well, that was simply too much oddity for middle school peers to handle.

After several attempts to resolve the consistent bullying flair ups, Spencer’s parents elected to move him on to another school district. This new school fully embraced Spencer’s talents as both an athlete and artist.

That was 2011. Today, 2013, Spencer is 16 and has come a long way since those times.

“When I look back, I still remember how it felt and how lonely it was. I won’t ever forget that season of my life and still experience some verbal bullying even today. I’m more able to handle it now than when I was 13. I think a lot of kids and teens aren’t as fortunate to have parents who they can openly talk to or don’t understand the help that comes from having a relationship with God to get you through”,

said Spencer at a recent speaking engagement with a local Rotary International meeting.

Having had this personal experience as well as listening to dozens of fans from around the world share their own stories has allowed Spencer to be inspired to write the songs on his latest CD, ‘One of the Kind’ released February 1, 2013 on iTunes and many other online download retailers.

Be One Of The Kind

“The music I write is usually inspired from things I observe at school or talk about with people. It helps me to want to write lyrics that share the issues most teens face today and hopefully give them a message of hope that things can get better”,

he added.

One of The Kind CD“This new EP (Extended Play) release of five songs includes four original and one cover song, which all deal with a positive message of hope. Mixed in the lyrics is sometimes a direct reference to his faith but still applicable for anyone desiring hope to get through life’s challenges.

The first release from the EP of the same title, “One of the Kind”, is an upbeat electro-pop song addressing the best remedy to prevent bullying… kindness. Released to the public on December as a free download for a period of time but also as a music video, the song has made huge impacts with youth around the world. Within the first week of release, the official music video already gained 90,000 views and has steadily increased ever since.

Spencer KanePACER Organization, based in Minnesota, took notice of song and immediately began dialog with Spencer and his management team about ways to work together. By early January, a formal partnership took place.

The mission of the PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights Center) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. Founded in 1977, PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and works in coalition with 18 disability organizations.

Spencer Kane joins Demi Lovato as a spokesperson, and Disney and Facebook as official partners with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

“Our goal is to change the culture so that bullying is no longer considered acceptable in our society,”

said Director Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. She went on to explain;

“One very effective way to reach kids is through the influence of young, popular performers like Spencer whose opinions really matter to teens. He is a great role model and we’re thrilled to have him as a spokesperson.”

Other songs on the EP include “413?, “Reason to Be”, “Move in the Right Direction” and “Blue Sky”. Each of these songs includes a message of hope in a pop genre that appeals to kids and teens alike.

Spencer explains EP Inspiration Behind Spencer’s Music

Spencer KaneSpencer starts his first multi-state tour on February 15 in Nashville, Tennessee and continues on to other states including Indiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Florida and Ohio. The iShine Live tour takes place each spring and fall every yea - Rivenmaster.com

It's official, Spencer Kane is on his way to becoming a teen pop star. Joining the 2013
iShine Tour, Spencer could very well take over the post-Bieber tween audience (10 - 15
year olds) that has been clamouring for a new solo male artist to cling to. Spencer's
upcoming EP, "One of the Kind", which is set to release in conjunction with the iShine
Tour, contains five (5) commercially viable pop tracks that offer positive messages.

Working with top producers, Spencer wrote or co-wrote four of the five songs on the EP
which is a great accomplishment when you consider the fact that most new artists do not
write on their debut project. The songwriting is very good and Kane does a great job
delivering the vocals on each song, although I would have preferred less AutoTune. The
overall production of each song is well balanced (sonically), so the quality of the sound is
definitely first class; but don't expect outside "the box" beats. I couldn't score the music
production based on the quality of the mix; instead, I had to base my decision on the fact
that I couldn't tell the difference between the production on Spencer's EP and that of
other male pop artists his age (e.g. Cody Simpson, One Direction), a good and bad thing.

But what I liked the most about Spencer is the fact that the kid cares about other people.
Not many teen pop singers write songs that focus on helping their peers overcome real
life issues like Spencer has. Songs like "One of the Kind" which touches on bullying, and
"Reason To Be" which speaks to a myriad of teen issues from dating to not making the
school sports team are the exact reasons I believe Spencer's new EP is a winner.

Overall, this is a solid project that should do very well coupled with the iShine Tour. - I Am Entertainment Magazine

15 year old Spencer Kane of Indiana, launched his music career in early 2011 with debut single ‘’Best Friends’’. Spencer has continued to work on his own material during the last few months and continues to release it through Itunes and Amazon and not to mention the other music sites too. His YouTube channel views have soared past the 100,000 mark and thanks to his thousands of online fans from across the world Kane seems to be hitting the big time.

His debut ‘’Best Friends’’ is a soft pop song with killer lyrics and a truly amazing hook which lead to a remix featuring Redux and the ground above. Spencer is using lyrics that speak about the problems that face teenagers every day. Spencer recently got some ridicule for announcing that he wants to keep his first kiss for his future bride. He responded back through his music which makes his peers realise that it is ok to keep the serious stuff to later, which you can only praise him for.

He followed up his debut with ‘Knowing’ this is a little more mature but is again showing how talented this young lad is. The song talks about people trying to figure out why the person they like doesn’t like them back. The song has a very strong melody to it and the guitars and drum beats made the track stand out even more. This song has been said to be his best release yet. I particularly love Spencer’s voice on this track as it holds a very mature tone setting him apart from other singers his age.

Spencer has already been nominated for Best Pop Artist and Best Solo artist by All Indie magazine in 2011. A top 3 place at the X Factor auditions in Fort Wayne in 2011 and he was Reverbnation Number 1 artist for NE Indiana. It’s no wonder that Spencer has just signed a deal with Bema Media for ‘’iShine’’ based in Nashville, Tennesse.

Spencer will feature in season four of the TV sitcom which airs in January. Not only will he be a star of the series he will begin working in the studio with writers and producers based in Nashville to bring his fans more original music in 2012 and 2013 all before he hits the iShine Concert Tour in Spring 2013.

When I contacted Spencer he was currently on his way to Nashville for script run-throughs and an 8 hour drive that’s dedication if you ask me. He told me that “iShine gives me a great opportunity to develop more as an artist and performer. I’m excited to get started with their producers and writers.”

Well one thing’s for sure that Spencer Kane is a name that people will be hearing a lot from in the next coming months. I think there may be a chance with a big label behind him that he can become the next big thing in pop and hip hop music. I wish this talented young singer/songwriter the best of luck. - Music Review Unsigned

See link to listen to the actual interview on Sound Cloud - 88.9FM / Triple H FM - Sydney, AU

See link to listen to the actual interview on Sound Cloud - 88.9FM / Triple H FM - Sydney, AU

See Online Magazine using Link - I Am Entertainment Magazine

See Online Magazine using Link - I Am Entertainment Magazine

KENDALLVILLE — Athlete. Musician. Good student. Articulate. Target of bullies.

Spencer Kane, 16, would seem to be an unlikely victim. But bullying began in 5th grade.

Maybe it was because he was a “preacher’s kid.” Maybe it was because he pledged to save sex for marriage.

But those negative experiences produced a positive result: A message that resonates with young people.

Because of his willingness to share his experiences, young people from around the world have benefited from his potentially life-saving message of hope.

“You hear about people hurting themselves or committing suicide because of bullying,” Kane said during an interview Jan. 13, a rainy, gray Sunday afternoon. “It’s a really big topic today.”

Kane finds the results of his outreach to be “humbling and motivating.” For example, the mother of a Norwegian girl who was hospitalized because she had attempted suicide because of bullying thanked Kane for helping her daughter with her healing process.

“The mother told him, ‘Thank you for being a nice friend to my daughter,’” Patrick Hess, Kane’s father, said.

Kane writes and performs his own songs. Because of his parents’ dedication to his career, he has been able to connect and move forward with people in the Christian music industry.

Beginning Feb. 15, he will be on an iShine Live tour involving 15 cities and 12 states. Traveling and performing with him will be Rubyz, a Christian tween pop group consisting of Alexis Slifer and Olivia Huesmann; Mission 6, a young Christian pop/punk/rock band; and Rachel Chan, 16. During that time the sophomore at Prairie Heights will be at school only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Kane says his musical style is “pop music with a positive message.” His father is his marketing and branding manager.

“I’m excited,” Kane said about the tour. Other artists have told him it’s “a great time.” The young artists will travel on a 16-passenger bus that will include adult chaperones.

Kane said he enjoys performing because he likes seeing people’s reactions and being on stage doesn’t make him nervous.

Although he has been singing since he learned how to talk, and performing — often in a church setting — since age 5, he was more focused on sports — baseball and basketball — until age 13 when he came in second at the Noble County Idol competition.

His music career advanced past first base this summer when he was in Nashville, Tenn., for a baseball tournament and met with executive producer Robert Beeson. Kane signed a two-year “talent and development” contract with iShine and spent most of July in Nashville to film 10 episodes of “iShine Knect.” Season four of iShine Knect, a sitcom, will begin in February, airing Saturdays on Trinity Broadcast Network. Kane will debut as himself. More information is online at ishinelive.com/ishine-knect.

TBN is America’s most watched faith channel, according to Nielsen Ratings.

Kane says his 3 1/2 weeks in Nashville was “a really cool experience.” He and his father stayed with other artists in housing provided by TBN.

Another highlight of 2012 was the Dec. 15 release of “One of the Kind.” The music video, written and performed by Kane, caught the attention of PACER, which last week signed Kane to be a spokesman in their campaign to prevent bullying.

Produced by iShine, “One of the Kind” can be viewed at kpcnews.com. This is the direct link: http://www.kpcnews.com/youtube_cf71ff94-486c-11e2-ad9b-0019bb30f31a.html

Hess admits he is biased — “he’s my kid” — but he likes the passion with which his son is pursuing his career. “I am excited that he is being given these opportunities to pursue a career that can last a lifetime. And it’s in line with our family values,” he said.

Although they live in Kendallville, Kane’s parents chose Prairie Heights in rural LaGrange County for Kane’s high school education. State officials determined that Kane’s time spent performing is vocational training. At Prairie Heights Kane is considered a home school/vocational student when he is performing and/or traveling.

And somehow he manages to be a guard on Prairie Heights’ varsity boys basketball team.

“We didn’t know how to handle his schooling but the state has other students engaged in a public career like this, so they provided the legal means for him to not be counted as absent from school,” said Hess.

Hess, who is the owner of Day 6 Design, stepped out of pulpit ministry in 2007 after pastoring at Garrett Church of the Nazarene. He and his wife Melissa, who works at Parkview Noble Hospital, are focused on helping their only child “get into his adult life.”

According to Kane’s press kit:

• In the spring of 2011 he recorded his first original single, “Best Friends,” at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne.

• When his new EP (extended play) comes out Feb. 1, he will have released 11 original songs since 2011.

• Kane was nominated for the 2012 and 2013 Indie Pop Artist of the Year (AI Music - KPC News

KENDALLVILLE — Athlete. Musician. Good student. Articulate. Target of bullies.

Spencer Kane, 16, would seem to be an unlikely victim. But bullying began in 5th grade.

Maybe it was because he was a “preacher’s kid.” Maybe it was because he pledged to save sex for marriage.

But those negative experiences produced a positive result: A message that resonates with young people.

Because of his willingness to share his experiences, young people from around the world have benefited from his potentially life-saving message of hope.

“You hear about people hurting themselves or committing suicide because of bullying,” Kane said during an interview Jan. 13, a rainy, gray Sunday afternoon. “It’s a really big topic today.”

Kane finds the results of his outreach to be “humbling and motivating.” For example, the mother of a Norwegian girl who was hospitalized because she had attempted suicide because of bullying thanked Kane for helping her daughter with her healing process.

“The mother told him, ‘Thank you for being a nice friend to my daughter,’” Patrick Hess, Kane’s father, said.

Kane writes and performs his own songs. Because of his parents’ dedication to his career, he has been able to connect and move forward with people in the Christian music industry.

Beginning Feb. 15, he will be on an iShine Live tour involving 15 cities and 12 states. Traveling and performing with him will be Rubyz, a Christian tween pop group consisting of Alexis Slifer and Olivia Huesmann; Mission 6, a young Christian pop/punk/rock band; and Rachel Chan, 16. During that time the sophomore at Prairie Heights will be at school only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Kane says his musical style is “pop music with a positive message.” His father is his marketing and branding manager.

“I’m excited,” Kane said about the tour. Other artists have told him it’s “a great time.” The young artists will travel on a 16-passenger bus that will include adult chaperones.

Kane said he enjoys performing because he likes seeing people’s reactions and being on stage doesn’t make him nervous.

Although he has been singing since he learned how to talk, and performing — often in a church setting — since age 5, he was more focused on sports — baseball and basketball — until age 13 when he came in second at the Noble County Idol competition.

His music career advanced past first base this summer when he was in Nashville, Tenn., for a baseball tournament and met with executive producer Robert Beeson. Kane signed a two-year “talent and development” contract with iShine and spent most of July in Nashville to film 10 episodes of “iShine Knect.” Season four of iShine Knect, a sitcom, will begin in February, airing Saturdays on Trinity Broadcast Network. Kane will debut as himself. More information is online at ishinelive.com/ishine-knect.

TBN is America’s most watched faith channel, according to Nielsen Ratings.

Kane says his 3 1/2 weeks in Nashville was “a really cool experience.” He and his father stayed with other artists in housing provided by TBN.

Another highlight of 2012 was the Dec. 15 release of “One of the Kind.” The music video, written and performed by Kane, caught the attention of PACER, which last week signed Kane to be a spokesman in their campaign to prevent bullying.

Produced by iShine, “One of the Kind” can be viewed at kpcnews.com. This is the direct link: http://www.kpcnews.com/youtube_cf71ff94-486c-11e2-ad9b-0019bb30f31a.html

Hess admits he is biased — “he’s my kid” — but he likes the passion with which his son is pursuing his career. “I am excited that he is being given these opportunities to pursue a career that can last a lifetime. And it’s in line with our family values,” he said.

Although they live in Kendallville, Kane’s parents chose Prairie Heights in rural LaGrange County for Kane’s high school education. State officials determined that Kane’s time spent performing is vocational training. At Prairie Heights Kane is considered a home school/vocational student when he is performing and/or traveling.

And somehow he manages to be a guard on Prairie Heights’ varsity boys basketball team.

“We didn’t know how to handle his schooling but the state has other students engaged in a public career like this, so they provided the legal means for him to not be counted as absent from school,” said Hess.

Hess, who is the owner of Day 6 Design, stepped out of pulpit ministry in 2007 after pastoring at Garrett Church of the Nazarene. He and his wife Melissa, who works at Parkview Noble Hospital, are focused on helping their only child “get into his adult life.”

According to Kane’s press kit:

• In the spring of 2011 he recorded his first original single, “Best Friends,” at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne.

• When his new EP (extended play) comes out Feb. 1, he will have released 11 original songs since 2011.

• Kane was nominated for the 2012 and 2013 Indie Pop Artist of the Year (AI Music - KPC News

Spencer Kane is an awesome young artist who has a lot of potential to become a
superstar in Pop/R&B music. At just 15 years old, Spencer delivers some vocal talent and
I think we're quite possibly looking at the next big thing in popular music.

Spencer's latest release, "Knowing," is a great track that is well produced and has strong
melodies in it. The music is very catchy and has a lot of melody to it, and I really enjoyed
the guitars and drum programming. Spencer's singing on the track is very good and he's
got a pretty mature tone to his voice.

The song is about a young man who is trying to figure out why this girl he's into doesn't
like him. It's a good piece of insight into the world of what teenagers these days are
thinking and it shows some of the tough spots a young guy has trying to learn the ins and
outs of the female mind.

Overall, Spencer Kane has the makings of a chart topping artist. With a little more help
from a top producer and a music video, we could see this kid on the Grammy's
performing or accepting his "Best New Artist of the Year" award.

MUSICAL GOAL: "To record a full album and work with a producer who has proven
success with young artists. Where it goes from there... I don't know... but I hope my
music is appreciated and loved by fans around the world." - Spencer Kane
- I Am Entertainment Magazine

Thanks to my many Facebook friends, I am often led to talent that I might have overlooked if it were not for their referrals. Such was the case of fifteen year old Spencer Kane. Once in contact with Spencer’s family, I realized I had also missed my good friend Tommy’s article on Stars2come which I now have happily read.

Spencer was born in South Bend, Indiana, but spent the first Seven years of his life living in Ocala, Florida where his family had relocated due to a job change. During Spencer’s forming years his family was actively involved in a church filled with high-energy modern Christian worship music. This musical influence filtered over in their daily lives with some form of contemporary Christian music always being played in their home. At a very young age Spencer quickly showed signs of musical interest and ability. His parents recall observing him as early as two year’s old, singing along to the cd in the car and be-bopping in his seat.

Spencer KaneSpencer’s participation in the children’s choir at church also provided an outlet for him to share his musical gift. At the age of just five, his family produced his first music video. (which has yet to be seen by the public) I did find out that the video consisted of Spencer lip synching to a Christian boy band song combined with video shots of him playing basketball and singing to the song while dancing. His family feels that this little home video was the springboard that laid the foundation for Spencer’s love for music and performing.

He has always had a passion for hip-hop music and he became a big fan of TobyMac in the early 2000's. This influence perhaps was the driving force that inspired him to write his first “hip-hop” song at the age of Ten. The song is titled “Do Ya”, a children’s song with a lively hip-hop beat and a message about listening to your parents and following Jesus……

By the time he was twelve he had assembled and written lyrics to about a dozen songs. One in particular was about seeing a girl with her friends and wanting to be her “best friend”. His parents downloaded some music tracks from a site and attempted to record an original using a pre-made song, but Spencer never liked the “vibe” of the song.

At age 13, Spencer’s county was hosting an IDOL competition and his dad challenged him to audition with him for the contest. Spencer took his dad up on the challenge and they both auditioned that year. Spencer ended up with veteran judges who had been in and around the music industry all their lives. They remarked how strong Spencer’s vocals were for a youngster his age. Of course both his parents were delighted to hear these wonderful accolades about their son but hearing it from qualified music judges only solidified their feelings they had always harbored concerning Spencer’s talent. As the contest progressed, Spencer advanced by qualifying round after round until reaching the finals where he won Second Place in the Sixteen and under division.

Spencer Kane Noble County Idol Actual performance with judge’s comments!

If the truth be known, Spencer has spent most of his youth as a dedicated athlete in basketball (since age 4) and baseball (since age 7), his whole families path has been to prepare him for college and getting a scholarship. They have invested a lot of time and resources in having him on travel AAU teams. Over the past 4 yrs Spencer has spent an average of about 200+ days a year traveling to practice, games, tournaments, and training for his sports. Something that aids his athleticism, especially for basketball, is the fact that he is already quite tall for his age standing at nearly 6 feet. He comes from a long line of tall individuals in his family and every indication points to the fact that he will continue to grow in stature. That being said, music has actually been a hobby behind sports until this past year when he and his family elected to take it more seriously.

In the spring of last year Spencer suffered an injury that prevented him from playing for the first time in his life. His parents took that opportunity to remind him that while sports is a wonderful talent and tool to get a higher education and possible career, at the same time he would always be one injury away from not being able to perform at the level it takes to make that goal. They also advised him to pay attention to all the talents he was blessed with and that God desires all of us to maximize our abilities in life.

Spencer Kane Knowing videoSpencer’s Latest Music Video for “KNOWING”

This may have been a turning point in Spencer’s focus on what he first believed was only a hobby he now takes very serious and that proof is in his latest music video and original song called “Knowing”!

His parents shared with me that Spencer can hear a new song ONE TIME and know the lyrics and tune like he’s heard it a 100 times. “It’s bizarre”; they said;

“He has a STRONG connection with music that we find to - Rivenmaster.com

Kendallville’s Spencer Kane would rather discourage than foster comparisons to Justin Bieber.

But it seems to me that if fans of the Canadian crooner call themselves “beliebers,” fans of Spencer Kane might want to consider calling themselves “Kaneadians.”

Not that I am trying to stir up a feud or anything.

As Bieber did at the start of his career, Kane is generating some buzz on YouTube with his original songs and self-produced videos.

Kane, whose full name is Spencer Kane Hess, says people often compare him to Bieber with the best of intentions, and he always responds politely.

“I wouldn’t mind being in his spot, making millions,” Kane says. “But I want to do something different.”

Kane, 15, says he is a fan of the pop music that Bieber makes and that Bieber’s chart-mates make, but he also appreciates the neo-soul of Maroon 5, the hip-hop of Drake and the folk-pop of Jason Mraz.

It was a Maroon 5 song called “Sunday Morning” that tipped off Spencer’s dad, Patrick Hess, to his son’s potential vocal talents.

Hess, who had some vocal experience of his own in the disparate worlds of musical theater and musical ministry, says he heard Kane singing the song in the bathroom in 2009 and he was astounded.

“He had a real jazz quality to his voice,” Hess says. “I had never heard him sing that way before. I said, ‘You really should consider doing more with your voice than singing along with records.’ ”

Kane subsequently entered the Noble County version of “American Idol” in 2010 and was runner-up in the 16-and-younger division.

At an open “X-Factor” audition in Fort Wayne in 2011, Kane finished in the top three.

When music experts at the latter praised Kane’s talents, it was a validation that spurred his dad to step things up a notch.

“I was freaking out,” Hess says. “That was when I knew it was not just a case of dad and mom saying ‘He’s got something.’ That’s when we started to take it seriously.”

Kane has since recorded three songs with the help of the engineers and consultants at Sweetwater Sound and has made three videos, two of them directed by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Greg Thompson. A full-length album is due in August, Hess says.

Last summer, Kane performed before his largest audience yet (several thousand) at IPFW’s Riverfest.

“It was really fun,” he said. “It was really different from the coffee shop shows I do. I couldn’t even see anyone out there. It was like singing to a field.”

Hess says he is acting as Kane’s manager but that he and his son are taking things slow.

“My wife and I are very protective of him,” Hess says. “We don’t want him on the wrong path.”

Academics and athletics will always come first, Hess says, and Kane’s mom is ever on hand to remind everyone that childhood should not be crowded out.

“She’s the nurturer,” Hess says. “She says, ‘Patrick, you’ve got to let him be a kid.’ She gets choked up when she hears him singing. From her standpoint, he is growing up before her eyes.”

Hess describes his family as “faith-based” and says his son has taken a vow of “purity until marriage” that led to some bullying at a school that Kane no longer attends.

But both Hess and Kane say they want Kane’s songs to have a broader appeal than is possible within the confines of the “Contemporary Christian” musical genre.

Hess says he hopes his son’s lyrics will always “reflect a lifestyle that is faith-based” but “we’re not trying to sell somebody something.”

“I tell people my age that I want him to be this generation’s Donny Osmond,” Hess says. “Kid-tested, mother-approved.”

Like the young Osmond, Kane is already being fan-tested: marriage proposals and dodgier offers have poured in.

“I often say to my wife, ‘Look at this tweet,’ ” Hess says. “ ‘What parent would allow their child to talk this way to someone they don’t even know; be this intimate.’ ”

Hess says he his fully aware of that “whole side of things you see on the news,” i.e. the pressures that are brought to bear on celebrities from without and within.

“But I think his foundation is strong enough, and the bond between us is strong enough, that (he will stay grounded),” he says.

Spencer Kane is currently up for Best Pop Artist and Best Solo Artist at the Artists In Music Awards, which will be given out Feb. 10.

For information about this and all things Spencer Kane, go to www.spencerkanemusic.com.
- Fort Wayne Journal Gazette