His debut EP, ‘Keys To The City’ just dropped, so get familiar with North London rapper, Keeya Keys, who’s bringing banter and bars to the scene…
What five words define your sound?
STAND UP AND DANCE NOW.
Tell me something unique about your creative process
I always write bars in my bed when I’m nodding off to sleep. I feel like when I’m in bed my brain is at its most creative and I’ll be trying to sleep and a bar will just pop into my head, which will start the whole process of creating an idea.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
‘Street Life’ would be a song I’d point people towards cause I think it’s a song which shows off my introspective side, my music reflects a person and we are all multi-faceted. On the flip side a song like ‘BEBEY’ captures the fun elements of my character so I think listening to both would give you a well rounded picture of who I am.
What inspired you to make that song?
‘Street Life’ came from the stress of putting everything into this and feeling like there has been no reward. Even though I’ve been successful on many occasions, this life is a rollercoaster and when you’re aiming for the stars and landing on clouds, it can leave you feeling unfulfilled.
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?
Funnily enough it isn’t in a song that’s out yet. I find it hard to release anything that speaks on my family life, as they listen to my music and support heavily. But there’s an unreleased track where I unpack all my trauma throughout childhood which could be coming very soon.
What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?
Best experience was my sold out headline show last year. The energy was unmatched man, there was a moment where it clicked in my head that this is what all the work is for. I don’t think there’s a better feeling than connecting with people who relate to you.
The worst experience was in Hamburg, Germany when I was supporting NSG on their Europe tour. I just remember a girl right at the front burst out laughing [laughs]. I don’t even know if it was directed at me or not but bro, that feeling was terrible [laughs].
What is your favourite song to perform?
‘RUUD’ is my favourite song to perform, the song is so energetic and I get to rap my ass off in the verses. The beat is a Drill beat but it has a Grime feel to it. I love the genre blend between the two.
Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?
‘Late Registration’ by Kanye West was the project that really made me believe I could do this. I love the way Kanye writes and the soulful feel of the album had me hooked.
What’s the meaning behind your name?
My names is Keir but it’s pronounced Keeya and everyone used to call me keys growing up. Keeya Keys, very simple really LOL.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
Playing COD and eating Doritos.
What’s success to you?
Being able to impact people and put smiles on their faces. The more people I can have an effect on the better!
What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?
I think the moment I decided to have a real stab at music. It was lockdown and I was working as a PE teacher in a primary school to survive, which I enjoyed. However I always felt like I had the potential to do more, so I sat down and decided I’m gonna dedicate my life to this and here we are I guess.
Where can people keep in touch with you?
Instagram – @keeyakeysmusic
Twitter – @keeyakeys
Don’t add my Snapchat anymore I love my girlfriend thanks x
