Kavana (born Anthony Kavanagh, in Moston, Manchester, England) is a British singer, songwriter and actor. He shot to stardom in May 1996 after the release of his debut single Crazy Chance (written by Howard Donald of Take That).
His debut album, simply entitled Kavana was certified Gold on released in 1997, selling over 100,000 copies in the UK alone. The album went on to provide the young star with two Top 10 smash-hit singles; I Can Make You Feel Good and M.F.E.O. By the end of the year Kavana was crowned Best Male Artist 1997 by Smash Hits Magazine.
Spending a few months in Italy writing and recording, Kavana's second studio album, Instinct was released towards the end of 1998. The 10-track album was entirely produced by the legendary producers Absolute (Spice Girls, Boyzone). The maturing songwriter himself co-wrote every track on the LP. The first single from the album Special Kind Of Something rocketed into the Top 10 in August and Kavana spent the next six months promoting two further hit singles; Funky Love and the timeless classic Will You Wait For Me ?.
In Japan, they just couldn't get enough! Every promo trip involved tight security, being mobbed at airports and countless Gold awards for singles and albums. By the end of 1999 a Greatest Hits album was released by popular demand, Thank You : The Greatest Hits.
The new Millennium saw Kavana move to Los Angeles, looking to develop a brand new sound and also follow his passion for acting. This began with the odd TV commercial, before going on to star in the controversial MTV soap opera series Undressed. His publishing deal as a songwriter allowed him to pen tracks for the likes of BBMak and Gareth Gates.
Feeling confident as an actor and clutching a CD full of new material, the 28-year-old star flew back to London in 2006 and was quickly signed up to appear in a number of episodes of E4's Hollyoaks: In the City. Kavana played the part of Will, a drug-taking pimp, alongside Philip Olivier and Gemma Atkinson. December saw him take to the stage, joining Jools Holland as a session vocalist and backing singer on his UK tour.
One of Kavana's new demo's Automatic has already received over 20,000 MySpace hits, following industry support from PopBitch! and PopJustice!. Kavana filmed the video, starring Suranne Jones as a nurse, which called a stir in the UK tabloids and can be viewed on this page.
Another track, Madonna Called Me is also causing quite a stir. "Madonna actually called me a few years back and left me a message on my phone", reveals Kavana. "I had this private number calling me and I never answer those. I checked the message later and nearly died".
'Hi Kavana, this is Madonna. I'm with a friend of yours (Alex Keskishian) at a party and we were wondering if you wanted to come down. But I guess you're not gonna pick up. So long sucker!'
"I checked with Alex and it was her. I was gutted because I love her."
Kavana reached the final of ITV's Grease Is The Word, which screened every Saturday evening for over two months during April, May and June. Flying past 'boot camp' Kavana gripped the nation during the live shows where he proved week after week that he still holds his magic. Keep checking back here for details of Kavana's forthcoming plans and projects.
Compiled & written by: Nathan Smith.
Kavana's two solo albums Kavana and Instinict can be purchased via iTunes.
- DISCOGRAPHY -
SINGLES
May 1996 : Crazy Chance
Aug 1996 : Where Are You?
Jan 1997 : I Can Make You Feel Good
Apr 1997 : M.F.E.O
Sep 1997 : Crazy Chance '97
Aug 1998 : Special Kind Of Something
Dec 1998 : Funky Love
Mar 1999 : Will You Wait For Me?
ALBUMS
May 1997 : Kavana
Mar 1999 : Instinct
July 2007 : Special Kind Of Something - The Best Of...
KAVANA
Special Kind Of Something - The Best Of...
OUT NOW!
I Can Make You Feel Good / Crazy Chance / M.F.E.O. / Protected / Where Are You? / Release It / Is That You? / Special Kind Of Something / Just The Way It Is / Gotta Have You* / Funky Love / Will You Wait For Me? / Heart Like The Sun* (duet with Lulu) / Isn't Love Insane / Make Believe / If I Fall / Thank You / Succeed* / Wait For The Day* (Acoustic Version)
* previously unreleased
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Hey! Just wanted to say a big thank you for voting for me at the FX Factor. This is really a new beginning for me. Hopefuly you can give me some advice! Hope all is well Was wicked meeting you
