The Kamalins
The Kamalins are a trio based out of Toronto Canada. Founded by LeBlanc and Babaei in 2024. Their music is a fusion of folk, rock, pop, indie.
Kevin LeBlanc
Bio
Kevin has spent decades as a singer-songwriter, producer, and engineer. In mid 2024, LeBlanc and Babaei co-founded the Kamalins.
Kevin has recorded three albums and has performed in both Canada and the United States. He has appeared on Breakfast Television and CBC, which named him and his band, The Dropjoys, a runner-up in the “Hockey Night in Canada” theme song contest for their composition called, “I’m a Canadian”.
He’s been passionate about music from an early age, but it wasn’t until he was in his late 20s that he discovered his desire to compose. Having played in more than a handful of accomplished acts, Kevin continues to evolve as a musical artist.
Kevin is also a published photographer, and he holds a 4th Dan black belt (international instructor level) in Tae Kwon-Do. He was also member of Canada’s national team in 1988 and ‘89. Kevin lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife, Naoko. They have two children together, and a Husky!
Arsam Babaei
Bio
Arsam Babaei was born in Iran and grew up in a musical family, beginning his musical journey at the age of three with the Tombak drum. His deepening interest in Persian traditional music led him to study Iranian music and its classical techniques. At the age of 12, he began playing the Kamancheh professionally, mastering advanced techniques from renowned methods such as those of Saba and Khaleghi.
Arsam spent time in England with his family in 2008-2009, where he studied at the Special Art and Media School in Sheffield, Yorkshire. This experience significantly enriched his knowledge of music production technologies, media, and electronic devices. Upon returning to Iran, Arsam invented a new instrument called the Kamalin, a hybrid between the Kamancheh and the Violin, which received acclaim from esteemed Iranian music masters.
Throughout his career, Arsam has performed over 400 concerts as a soloist and instrumentalist, collaborating with various renowned artists and bands. In 2014, he participated in the international project "Zendegi Zibast" in Poland, performing alongside artists such as Marek Jakubowicz, which provided him with invaluable experience.
Arsam pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English, a Master’s degree in Linguistics, and later a PhD in Applied Linguistics. In 2022, he relocated to Toronto, Canada, where he began working at a college and continued his musical journey, performing with various bands for live performances and studio recordings.
Josh Smiley
Bio
Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Josh completed his studies at Mohawk College, studying with Adrean Farrugia. Graduating from Mohawk with Honours, he received numerous scholarships including the Richard Newell Memorial Scholarship and the Antony Roberts Music Excellence Award.
After Mohawk College he continued his studies earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Toronto receiving the Jean A. Chalmers Award. There he learned from Canadian Jazz Greats such as Dave Young, David Restivo, Mike Murley, Chase Sanborn, and Gordon Foote.
Still living in Toronto, Josh is a busy performer playing in many large and small ensembles, with some of the top musicians in the city. Including groups such as John Macleod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra, Marie Goudy 12tet and the Sonuskapos Jazz Orchestra.