Hello everyone, I'm thrilled to share with you my recent conversation with Keanan, an incredibly talented musician who just released his debut album, "Golden Fever." We had an insightful discussion about his musical journey, his approach to songwriting, and his concert experiences.
The Birth of "Golden Fever"
Keanan's debut album, "Golden Fever," is a culmination of a year's worth of hard work and dedication. It's a significant step up from his previous EP, showcasing a more profound depth and diversity in his music. When asked about what this record says about him, Keanan explained that it answers the question of his musical genre. He's not tied to a specific genre but rather uses the album as a platform to showcase his unique sound. In his words, "just here is Keanan Eksteen everybody."
Keanan's Songwriting Process
Keanan's approach to songwriting is as unique as his sound. He shared that inspiration comes in dribs and drabs. While lyrics come easily to him, finding the right melody is the real challenge. He often finds himself fiddling around with the guitar or piano until he stumbles upon something that hooks him, and then he builds the song from there.
Finding His Voice
Keanan's distinctive voice, often compared to George Ezra's, is a result of impersonating different voices and trying to create his own unique sound by combining various inspirations and dialects. He's still exploring different sounds and growing as an artist.
Influences and Concert Experiences
Keanan's musical journey wasn't influenced by the local music scene or major bands. Instead, he was inspired by his dad's performances in cover bands and a few concerts he attended. The Lumineers had a significant influence on him, especially their ability to put on a great show as a folk band.
The Performer's Perspective
When watching a band on stage, Keanan admits to a healthy dose of envy. However, he also appreciates the performance and sings along as a fan. He's always learning, analyzing the show, and taking notes for his own future performances.
Memorable Concerts and Lessons Learned
Keanan's own shows are described as energetic and interactive. He fondly recalls performing at the Jam Rock Theater in South Africa and the Spring Festival in Hungary. However, not all concerts go as planned. Keanan shared a humbling experience of performing at a club on the same night as the Rolling Stones concert, where only a few people showed up. He took it as an opportunity to give those few audience members the best show of their lives, emphasizing the importance of staying realistic and understanding that building a name takes time.
The European Tour
Keanan's 13-stop, one-month tour of Europe was a major achievement and an eye-opening experience. It was his first time traveling outside of his home country, and he was amazed by the different cultures and architectures he encountered.
Measuring Success
When asked about how he measures success, Keanan believes it can be measured by views, streams, and the world's reaction. However, personally, he feels that if he can play on a big stage and make an impact on someone's life, he would consider himself successful, even if he's not making millions.
Touching Moments and Future Goals
Keanan shared a touching moment from a recent show where a fan started crying tears of joy during one of their songs. Moments like these, where he can touch people's lives and evoke emotions, are worth more than anything else in his career. Looking ahead, Keanan hopes to play a stadium gig and produce as much music as possible. He wants to be open to any opportunities that come his way and not limit himself to anything or anyone.
Behind the Mic or Behind the Desk?
When asked about his future, whether he sees himself staying behind the mic or moving behind a desk to produce, Keanan admits that he's still figuring it out. But one thing is for sure, he's committed to his music and his fans, and he's excited about what the future holds.
Stay tuned for more updates on Keanan's musical journey. It's clear that this is just the beginning for him, and I can't wait to see where his talent and passion take him next.
