For Kiama musician Kane Calcite, music isn't just about melody, it's about meaning. His acoustic sound, blend of folk, reggae and heartfelt storytelling, has quickly earned him a warm following. But for Kane, it's never been about chasing fame, it's always been about connection.

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“Every show is different”, Kane says. “If it’s a small gig, it's raw storytelling. If it's a big one, you might get a lot more energy. I like that it changes - it keeps things interesting.”

That creativity reflects the heart of Kane’s approach to music: honest, grounded, and deeply connected to nature. He credits the ocean and the bush for sparking lots of his imagination. “If I’ve been stuck trying to write a song for a week, I’ll go for a swim or a walk in the bush,” he explains, “weirdly enough, I'll come home and finally write something. It’s like magic - nature just rests me.”

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Kane’s passion for his community is just as strong as his love for songwriting. Alongside his manager, he recently helped launch Busking for Convoy, a campaign tied to the i98FM Illawarra Convoy that uses live music to raise funds for local families. “It’s about getting the local music community more involved,” he says. “Music brings people together - it draws them in and helps heal them.”

That belief in the power of music extends to supporting other emerging artists. Through initiatives like Battle of the Bands for Convoy, Kane is helping give young musicians a platform to share their talent. His advice to them is simple; “Trust yourself. Don't try to change who you are to fit someone else’s sound - people want authenticity.”

Looking ahead, Kane is gearing up to release his debut album next year - a milestone that feels like the natural next step in his steady, heartfelt journey. In his very own words, “It’s exciting. It feels like I’m exactly where I need to be.”