Ever keen to break out new tracks each year, Kalen Hogan headed back into the studio to create “Gone” as his latest single release for 2026. “Gone” is a track that delves into the complexity of love, distance, and the struggle to move on. The song has a laid-back, cruisy feel and introduces a female backing vocal to the chorus, adding a richness to the track.
“This song is about that impossible moment when you know someone has to go, and life will go on regardless of how you feel,” Kalen shares. “It’s honest, raw, and something I think a lot of people have experienced—trying to protect yourself from heartbreak, even as you hope for more time together.” Each verse captures a guy’s attempt to talk himself out of loving his partner, even as he wishes she would stay just a little longer.
Recorded over a couple of days at Damien Gerard Studios, Kalen was inspired to add in some female vocal backing in the pre-chorus and chorus. Not pre-planned and with no one around to call, he asked his younger sister, a talented vocalist in her own right, to help. With only that afternoon left in the studio, his sister came straight after school. “Normally, opera is her jam, but my sister is a versatile singer and great at harmonies. Time is money when recording, and given the short notice, I was super grateful she was able to put down the vocals like a pro.”
Kalen debuted onto the local Central Coast music scene in late 2022. He quickly captivated audiences through his evocative songwriting and unique sound. Kalen’s beginnings reached an early milestone with the release of his first album, Isolation, in May 2023, at just 17 years of age. Exploring themes of introspection and the human experience, Isolation embodies the solitude experienced during its creation amidst pandemic lockdowns. Songs such as “It’s you” and “Stoned and Cold” highlight Kalen’s talent for merging melancholic lyrics with engaging melodies. His pure vocal quality has drawn parallels to Thom Yorke of Radiohead and the late Jeff Buckley, while his musical style pays tribute to the 1990s grunge era, reflecting influences from bands like Nirvana and Alice in Chains.
In 2024, Kalen continued to expand his music, releasing three singles that solidified his reputation as creative songwriter. “On the Phone,” released in April, singing of a culture engrossed in dating apps and disconnected individuals. The June 2024 release, “Right There,” contemplates the transient nature of time and the human inclination to take the present for granted until it has passed. Following this, November 2024’s “Mindless” courageously delves into the complexities of mental illness. In 2025, Kalen released the two new upbeat singles “Love is Out” and “Ratio”, adding a more lively spin on his usual songwriting process.
Coupled with his growing live presence, this prolific young songwriter is an emerging talent that is certainly worth watching out for. You can catch Kalen performing live at varying venues and events across Australia in 2026.
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