After writing for big names such as Jennifer Hudson and Chris Brown, accompanying JoJo and Jessica Simpson as a musician on their tours, and working with the likes of Swizz Beatz, will.i.am and more, New Orleans-raised singer/songwriter Keithian is prepping a solo breakthrough of sorts with his EP 'Power.' Headed by the title single, Keithian’s grown and sexy sound is all about love, inspired by love stories in his own life.
The talented indie musician answered a few Q&A’s about his burgeoning career, his inspiration, and the importance of finding life's purpose. Get to know Keithian better:
Is your family musical? If so, in what way(s)?
Yes. My grandfather taught all his grandchildren and me how to play instruments. Literally, we have a Jazz band.
Which famous musicians (dead or alive) do you admire? Why?
I admire artists that change the world. Artists that are innovative, and have longevity like, Michael Jackson, Prince, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Lenny Kravitz, Jay Z, Beyonce, Kanye West and so many more.
Play any instruments?
I play 8 instruments, including the guitar, piano, saxophone, and drums.
Did growing up in the jazz mecca New Orleans influence your draw towards music growing up? If so, how?
Yes, it taught me how to “feel” everything that I do. Not only in music, but also in life. It also gave me the platform to explore different types of genres, that’s why I call my music, “Gumbo Music” or “Dirrty Pop”.
How did you start writing and producing songs for artist like Jennifer Hudson, Tyga, Nicole Sherzinger, Chris Brown, etc.?
Man, I was in a publishing deal and had written & produced so many songs that my management started sending them out to other artists, and they liked them.
What’s it like during a day in your life as an indie musician?
It's work, work, work. The Ultimate Grind. Check my Instagram, and see me on a daily basis. You will see that it is crazy. @KeithianVision
What have you learned as you progress through your music career?
Everything that I do matters. I realized that everything is bigger than me, and that something that may mean nothing to me can influence and touch someone else, which in return, fulfills my destiny & purpose.
At one point, you were prepping an EP called, Bayou Boy. Was it shelved, or did the name change to Power?
Bayou Boy is still coming out because it tells a story about who I am as an artist. But I wrote & recorded Power in a few weeks, and put it out first because I felt like I’d rather give you guys a glimpse of what’s going on in my life at the moment, which was me getting touched by the Power of love. I wrote an open letter about it on my website at www.Keithian.net
Tell us about your upcoming Power EP. What's the creative process/inspiration behind it?
Falling in LOVE inspired it all. I went in the studio with a guitar and wrote what I felt with no censor. I was totally in the moment when recording this EP.
What artists are you feeling right now?
My good friend Elijah Blake, Jhene Aiko, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, and too many more to say.
Who would you want to duet/collaborate with (producers, writers etc.)?
Ester Dean, Rihanna, Prince, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake, Sage the Gemini, Ariana Grande, Frank Ocean, hell, everybody ready to work.
How do you feel about the state of R&B right now?
It’s looking for something new and innovative. R&B wants a change and we are all doing that naturally the best we can. Other than that, it feels good to me.
Any hobbies during your spare time?
I like to play football, run track, hike, and surf.
How do you keep your drive to succeed in this difficult industry?
I hear the voice of my grandmother everyday (who is no longer on earth) telling me that, “You have to use your voice to inspire others to change the world and serve their purpose by being an example and living in your purpose.”
Where would you like to see yourself in the next five years?
On tour. At the White House. On Stage. On TV. And doing whatever “The Man Above” wants me to do.
