Kaden Walsh

Kaden Walsh's 2023 Apple Music Profile (Static)

Shania m. 2022

Imogen Walsh(b. 2019)

Bradley Walsh (Father)1950-

**Kaden James Walsh**, OBE (September 27, 1978-) is an Irish born singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist, record producer and director. Often stated as one of the best British acts of the 21st century for his prolific work, and musicianship. Kaden is known to play all instruments on his tracks and albums much like his pop counterparts. He is known for is consistent releases, songwriting, instrumental work, warm vocal range and stage presence. Walsh has often been regarded as one of the biggest selling artists of the modern day United Kingdom music scene beside British hit-maker Adele. Due to Walsh's impact, he has also received the Freedom of the City award alongside the Order of the British Empire due to his service in the British Music industry.

Born and Raised in Derry, Ireland. Walsh signed a contract with a talent finder, Michael Davies, his uncle, a common friend of Davies at the age of 19 and released the albums Last Train Home (1998) and Kaden Walsh (1999) which allowed him to achieve almost immediate success in his home country. Walsh would later be picked up on the global world scale with his third album Justice (2000) and later go on to, alongside his third album, make game changing albums which included Forsaken (2001), 2045 (2002). However, his sixth studio album Contention (2004) became one of the biggest selling albums in his career and in the US which had the biggest year end sales by any artist at the time. Though not achieving the same sales due to the immense success of said album, he would later release Overkill (2005) and his later, often underrated album Memories (2007).

In the midst of his peak, Walsh began frequently having disputes with his label, Prism Records, Walsh had stated that it had become a personal vendetta of Michael Davies, the CEO of the label at the time to fail to market to due to his complete removal of executive producer in 2000 with his album Justice and that he would be taking him to court over the matter. Things further accelerated months later after winning the damages of upwards of 50 Million pounds, double what was stated to be made back on many of the tours, he did not receive, Walsh would later further begin to split away from Prism and Davies as a whole with the launch of his own label and studio facility in mid 2006 called Black Dog Records and Black Dog Studios, set in Derry Ireland unlike Prism, where the headquarters were based in London, England.

Kaden Walsh was known for his prolific output, as of 2021, he now has an outstanding 23 studio albums with an apparent vast array of unreleased music and albums. It's never been reported as to how many albums Walsh has made and or songs that are in the vault that have never been released. However, Walsh has released hundreds of songs under both his name, and other pseudonyms during his life. Estimates give that Walsh could have upwards of 350 unreleased songs, however, that has been yet to be updated since 2007. Walsh has sold over 150 million albums worldwide, ranking him among some of the best selling artists of all time. Walsh has won over 27 Awards as of 2007 and nominated for over 75. He was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, just months after dropping his Multi-Platinum selling album Overkill (2005)

## Early Life

Kaden James Walsh was born in Derry, Ireland on September 27, 1978, to parents Linda Perry (later known as Linda Walsh) and Bradley Walsh. His parents initially considered naming him 'Caden', but they ultimately decided on the Americanized spelling 'Kaden'. The name, of Gaelic origin, is typically associated with the term 'battler', although the precise etymology remains a subject of debate.

In a 2011 interview on the morning television programme Daybreak, Walsh elaborated on the backstory of his name, revealing that his parents had also contemplated naming him 'Sean'. However, they eventually decided that 'Kaden Walsh' had a more mature ring to it.

Walsh grew up during a period known as The Troubles, a violent ethno-political conflict in Northern Ireland that took place from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. Derry, his hometown, was one of the cities most impacted by this conflict. The volatile political climate, marked by constant protests, bombings, and civil unrest, inevitably limited Walsh's outdoor activities, confining him on most days to the route between his house and school. This situation, while affecting his social development, also shaped his introverted personality to which he often carries now and preference for solitude. Walsh once described himself as 'the one weird guy making melodies in the corner while everyone gets sh\*\*tfaced' at social gatherings while in high school.

Walsh's creativity manifested early in his life when he composed his first song, "Yeats Street Daisies," at the tender age of 9. The song, reportedly crafted on his mother's Casio recorder with kitchen pots and pans providing rhythm, is believed to be a tribute to the street where he grew up.

His childhood, however, was fraught with challenges beyond the usual hardships of growing up in a conflict zone. Derry was not only grappling with political unrest during Walsh's formative years but was also in the throes of a devastating drug crisis. One particularly harrowing incident involved a local gang mistaking his mother for a drug dealer, which nearly resulted in her death. Walsh has been understandably hesitant to discuss this traumatic event, stating that it left a lasting impression of fear in him. Since this incident, Walsh had made sure his parents have had the protection of a security detail to prevent a recurrence of such a terrifying ordeal.

Walsh attended Saint Joesph's Boys' School where he took it upon himself to begin music club and begin learning the likes of guitar, drums and bass. While attending Joesph's, Walsh caught the attention of his uncle's new to the scene, musical talent director Michael Davies who later took it upon himself to run the label Prism Records and co-produce Walsh's first two albums. Many people who attend alongside Walsh had stated how scarily accurate he was in learning guitar and bass, and had learned the likes of the basic chords within two weeks. Gaining rhythm and beats alongside basic understanding of drums within four weeks.

## Career

### 1996-1998: Beginnings

In 1996, on permission of the school, Wash began taking it upon himself to learn the basics of songwriting which Michael Davies watched over and tried his best to direct which was the sound was going or even could be going at the time, however, unable to get Walsh any possible studio time due to no possible label wanting to sign Walsh due to his 'inability to be marketable for the new 2000's pop scene'.

During the later months of 1997, Walsh had begun writing many songs for what was to becoming his debut album, though not much Is known about the process of the album, many close friends and family, including Walsh himself had stated that the initial demo process for the album was quite fatiguing given that there had to be usual spaces in and around the song in case of a mix up of lyrics or incase something wanted to be added later on. Walsh went to go on to state in 2017 that the initial process for the albums, though quite difficult, was later finding to be the most easiest part of writing and making any sort of song given that he follows the same method of his younger self. However, now makes it easier with studio recordings and not tape recordings.

It was by 1998 that at age 20, Michael Davies had gathered enough money, at the time to create the label Prism Records. Only $5,500,000 to allow Walsh allocation to studio time, a contract and a simple photoshoot for his album, whatever would come out at the time. With the help of Davies. Walsh began recording songs for what would eventually become his first debut album Last Train Home (1998). With the album mixed on March 4th, only allowing a space of a single month to get the album released. It was decided by Walsh to put the album out first and then any singles to make sure that, though the album was heavily panned in a negative fashion, that the singles would have some breathing room after the album was launched. Becoming Walsh's one of a handful of albums that was in an album first, singles later sense, both singles from the first album only became minor hits in the UK with the first single "Last Train Home" becoming his first Top 20 hit where it reached Number 16 and stayed on the charts for fifteen weeks. However, the next single that was issued after "Dear Diary" became Walsh's first Top 10, reaching Number 5 for thirteen weeks on the UK Charts. The album, though not impressed by initial sales, eventually went on to sell 540,000 copies, however, it has been reported that as of 2000, the album went to sell just on 1,000,000 copies.

### 1999-2001: *Europe Breakthrough*

In 1999, Given the relative success in both the United Kingdom and United States of his debut album, Walsh was given a bigger budget for his sophomore album, simply titled after himself, Kaden Walsh (1999). With the album taking initial place in September of 1998 at the same studio his first was completed, Walsh was able to have some relative freedom with his sound and studio time, with the first song that would later be used as the initial single later on called Hear Me Out (1999). Though certain songs would not be mixed until months later, the album would be completed a year later, however, due to constant issues in the studio, to which the album was taking place in Animal Studios. It was revealed by Studio Workers that Walsh was there at least until November-December of 2000, still working on tracks. And was later to be revealed by personal friends that Walsh may have openly re-recorded the songs in his own studio, eight years later due to the poor quality in recording.

Now that Kaden had his name out in the world and was, though known by few, with Davies at the helm of the executive production of the album, Davies openly suggested to place the album out first like they had last time, and then singles. However, Walsh openly objectified to this due to the low sales the album had encountered due to no previous marketing for the LP, though the marketing team openly criticised Walsh for going this route initially, Walsh went along with it in the hopes that the album would sell more then what was expected by marketing. With the first single dropped on August 23, 1999. Hear Me Out (1999) shot into the Top 10 in Many countries, and became Walsh's Second Top 5 after the radio success of his previous song Dear Diary (1998). It was however, the only single from the album to be released before the album and the only single of Walsh's to be released in 1999 due to Marketing stating that one single will leave many interested in hearing the album and what it has to offer. And to try and further help the albums launch, Walsh went on tour in September of the same month, which went on to be known as the British Mastercard Presents: Kaden Walsh Tour (1999) Come October, with the albums launch, the album achieved great success in Europe, Australia and the UK where the album reached the Top 5 in many places and reached Number One in both Australia and the UK, having sold 339,000 copies Worldwide. Though Walsh was wanting to release the next single in December, a month before marketing recommended the single to be released in to help further boost the sales of the album that had now gone Gold and Platinum respectfully in Australia and the United Kingdom, his first of later many. The albums success would eventually gain greater traction towards the later singles which would take Walsh from a Top 40 Charting Artist to one of a Top 5 and Top 10.

With no single being launched in December of 1999, Divisions (2000) would be placed as the next single and had become Walsh's first Top 40 in the US due to this success, alongside becoming his First Top 10 hit in Australia and breaking through the European Top 10 with two consecutive singles that had reached the Top 5 from the album. It would also be of the very same month, that Walsh would begin working on his third studio album in-between shows at Abbey Road Studios. Within the first month, twelve songs had been written with one of them ending up on the later work of the album. Walsh would begin working on some of these tracks during time off between shows, however, would not have many tracks complete until the later part of the year. It was in March of 2000, that Walsh would push the final single to his second studio album, Hold On (2000). The single would garner Walsh yet another Top 40 hit in the United States, however, would become his first of many UK Number One hits. The single also saw major success in Europe where it would go to Number One as well and allow Walsh to succeed in Europe.

During March and September of 2000, Walsh would wrap up both his first tour and continue on recording for his next studio album, aptly titled Justice. 75 songs had been written for the album between January and August of that year and of the 75 tracks, only eight were chosen during the process. Later studio recordings of songs done during these sessions would be complete until May of 2001 due to the heavy task of both Walsh's next tour and album and single promotion. Justice (2000) was launched with the title track as the single on September 11, 2000, to almost varying amounts of success. Though the single did become a Top 5, reaching nowhere at Number One. The single faltered in Canada, reaching a peak at Number 22. It was during this time as well during the initial weeks of the singles launch, that many people put a complaint forward about Walsh's intimacy and lyrics used on the track, with many listeners calling in and complaining about how laced with sex it was. Though the single would go platinum in the UK and become another Top 40 in the United States for Walsh, it would be his only Top 40 in the US from this album thanks to the complaints on US radio stations.

Thanks to the uncertainty of how the albums later singles would be received, only two further singles were released from the album, after its launch. The album, though achieving relative success with it becoming a Top 10 album, and his first Number One album across Europe.

## Artistry and legacy

Toni BraxtonJanelle MonaeAlicia KeysAaliyah HaughtonBeyonceAlanis Morissette

### Toni Braxton

Kaden Walsh's interest in music was initially sparked by American R&B singer-songwriter Toni Braxton. In a 25-year retrospective interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Walsh revealed that his first significant encounter with music was in 1993 when he heard Braxton's single 'Seven Whole Days'. At the age of 15, Walsh was captivated by the simplicity and emotional resonance of the song. "The mind is so easily hooked into things that will either be life altering for the best or worst of times," Walsh remarked, "and when I heard the start of that song playing on MTV at the time, my head just stuck onto the screen... I just said to myself, well maybe I could do something like that."

Walsh's early admiration for Braxton's music eventually led to a professional collaboration. In 2000, as Walsh was breaking into the US market with his album "Justice," he had the chance to work with Braxton on a compilation Christmas album titled "Multi-Platinum Christmas". This experience was a landmark moment for Walsh, who was reportedly star-struck by the presence of Braxton, Whitney Houston, and Brandy in the studio.

Their professional partnership quickly evolved into a close personal friendship, which is still strong as of September 2022. Walsh's deep respect and admiration for Braxton were candidly expressed in an interview where he confessed, "I own three copies of Toni's debut album. I had to buy a third after two of them broke on the same day. It was the most random thing that's ever happened in my life, and when I told Toni. That was the first time I'd heard her genuinely laugh"

Over the years, Walsh has often spoken about the inspiration he drew from various cuts from Braxton's albums. Songs like 'Breathe Again', 'Lies, Lies, Lies', and 'Spanish Guitar' have had a profound impact on his writing style and musical approach. The influence of these songs is apparent in the emotional depth and sophistication of Walsh's own music.

## Personal life

Walsh has been known to be. like many, very private in his day to day goings, which also include relationships, though it has rumoured that Walsh has been involved with four women before having been married, the likes of his third ex-girlfriend had stated that Walsh was "though an amazingly respectful boyfriend, most of the time, he was way too invested into the music he was making, and would not make room for much else". His first wife however, Kerry Anne, had stated during an intimate interview between the two, that "I was the one to finally bug him and go, right, you need to take a break from the studio, two months, just for me, and he did"

As of the 25th of September in 2022, Walsh has come forth to acquire the likes of both Aaliyah, JoJo and Toni Braxton's full catalogue for an estimated $230 Million dollars from Blackground Records and has stated openly that 'should they want their work published, they are openly able to do so through Black Dog Records with the full support of the team behind them, as for their masters, they fully own them and the work they each individually did that has been unfairly taken from them'. Walsh openly stated that he has also made another purchase of $165 Million dollars to acquire the likes of Toni Braxton's catalogue from LaFace/Artista and Jive Records to also give back to Toni. When asked as to why he did so, Walsh openly stated that 'not only have they openly had an influence on my music as a whole, but finding out that they no longer own their masters [Toni and JoJo] sort of broke me, as well as that, I don't like having this much money to my name, so I need to get rid of it where it will benefit others and not just me.'

## Achievements

Main articles: List of awards and nominations received by Kaden Walsh

## Discography

Main articles: Kaden Walsh Discography, Kaden Walsh singles discography,

* Last Train Home (1998)
* Kaden Walsh (1999)
* Justice (2000)
* Forsaken (2001)
* 2045 (2002)
* Contention (2004)
* Overkill (2005)
* Paradise (2006)
* Memories (2007)
* Timeframe (2008)
* Love = Death (also referred to as ❥ = **💀**) (2009)
* Tron: Legacy (2010)
* Force (2011)
* Unholy Heaven (2012)
* The Hits I (2013)
* The Hits II (2013)
* The Vault (2013)
* 1978-2014 (2014)
* Kaden Walsh II (2014)
* Forever Is Here Now (2015)
* Closed (2016)
* Break The Chains (2016)
* Warnings (2018)
* Burn (2018)
* Alone Together (2019)
* The Year 2020 (2019)
* The Sleeping Chosen (2020)
* The Hits 25: Remixed (2021)
* The Year 2020 - Remixes (2021)
* Background Check (2021)
* Kaden: One Night Live (2022)
* Kaden: One Night Live...Continued (2022)
* Kaden: One Night Live...Afterparty (2022)
* What's Your Name? (2023)
* The Quarantine Sessions I (2023)
* The Live Sessions (2024)
* The Quarantine Sessions II (2024)
* The Quarantine Sessions III (2024)
* Sleeping Dogs (2024)

## Tours

### Headlining Tours

* Kaden Walsh Tour (1999-2000)
* Justice Tour (2000-2001)
* Forsaken Tour (2001-2002)
* 2045 Tour (2002-2003)
* Contention Tour (2004-2005)
* Paradise Tour (2006)
* Memories Tour (2007)
* Timeframe Tour (2008-2009)
* Naked Tour (2010)
* Force Tour (2012)

### Headlined Events

* Osheaga Music and Arts Festival (1998)
* Summertime Ball (1998)
* Byron Bay Bluesfest (1999)
* Hangout Music Festival (1999)
* Summertime Ball (1999)
* 80/35 Music Festival (2000)
* RiZE Festival (2000)
* Villa Mix Fortaleza (2000)
* Villa Mix Vitoria (2001)
* Villa Mix Belo Horizonte (2001)
* Firefly Music Festival (2001)
* Villa Mix Beto Carrero World (2001)
* Planeta Atlantida (2002)
* Lollapalooza Chile (2002)
* Oxegen (2002)
* Villa Mix Rio (2002)
* Lollapalooza Argentina (2003)
* Lollapalooza Chile (2003)
* Villa Mix Manaus (2003)
* Villa Mix Vitoria (2003)

## Trivia

* Though it has been heavily debated, Kaden Walsh, during his album Overkill (2005). It has been noted that during one of the screams, it is unknown if Walsh's voice broke during the scream or he had actually reached a G7 note on the track "Social Mediation". Though many people believe he did hit it due to how it is often never played on tour
* When asked on an interview by MTV in 2007 about his political beliefs - Walsh had simply stated "Whatever makes the human condition better than insufferable is the one I stand for. As for beliefs? I'll always have peace, love and middle grounded views in mind."
* Kaden is one of the handful of modern day artists that is able to play the 12 string guitar and even played it on his London shows on his Force Tour (2012)
* Kaden has stated in a 50 Questions with Vogue that the best 10 Albums of all time are "Ray of Light, Rhythm Nation, One In A Million, Songs in A Minor, Toni Braxton, Seventeen Going Under, What's The 411, Come on Over, Original Musicquarium and SAWAYAMA"