Hey Keaton! I hope you’re doing well!
Thank you! I hope you’re doing well as well!
So you started your music career at a very young age, did you always know you wanted to be a singer?
I always knew I wanted to be in the music business, but originally I actually wanted to be a producer as the thought of being my own artist felt “Too Difficult”. I soon realized that being an artist is what I was called to do.
What inspired you to try music at all?
My brother Wesley basically forced me to be in his bands when we were younger, and my love for music blossomed from there.
How would you describe your musical style and how did you get into this style of music?
I’d say my musical style is heavily alternative influenced and it definitely came from listening to bands like Death Cab for Cutie, The Beatles and Foster the People growing up. I’ve always just loved the sound and you can definitely hear it in my new album.
You first started your music career as a trio named Emblem3 with Drew Chadwick and your brother, Wesley. Whats the difference between being in a group and being a solo artist?
While being in a band, you rely on the other members to work with you to guide the direction of the band. Being a solo artist you have all eyes on you and full control over the direction you’d like to go.
You guys also were on the second season of X Factor USA finishing fourth. What was that whole experience like for you?
The X Factor was an incredible learning experience. I’d say going on the show was a double edged sword, as I gained some pretty incredible exposure, while having to sacrifice creative control and some artist integrity, something I grew to appreciate while creating my album.
What artists do you look up to right now?
I look up to a few different bands right now, such as Bad Suns, Coin, and Saint Motel, for the fact that they aren’t just following the popular curve of the music industry. I also love Death Cab for Cutie because they have built such a long lasting career and great fanbase, while staying true to their artistry.
What artist has influenced you and who you aspire to be like?
Paul McCartney has always been a huge influence and I absolutely aspire to create amazing music like he does.
Whats your friends and family’s thoughts on your music career?
My friends and family have been very supportive of my music career.
How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
Alternative, Heart, Sensitive, Bold, Authentic
You just released your new album “The Simple Life” a few days ago. Whats was the process like creating the album?
This album started about 7 years ago when I started writing the song “The Simple Life”. This album is unique to the fact that every song was written at a different time in my life, over the past 7 years, about what I was going through at that time. It’s also unique to the fact that I did everything by myself to produce this album. I wrote, recorded, produced, mixed and mastered the album all on my own.
Did you write the songs for your album? If yes, whats the process for you to write one of your songs?
Yes, for almost every song I write, the song just flows right through me and it feels as if I’d explode if I didn’t get the song out. Typically I’ll be at an instrument (usually Guitar or Piano) and start playing chords and singing different melodies and words that feel right. From there, I’ll lay down the demo in my home studio and start building on production.
What would you say is the main topic of “The Simple Life”?
Love. I want everyone to know that you can always be in The Simple Life, simply by expressing love. Not just in intimate relationships, but with everyone and everything.
Are there any other projects in the works you can tell us about?
I’m always writing and creating new music, and I feel that The Simple Life is just the beginning.
Did you have a “break out” song that started things for you with your followers?
I’d say the song “The Simple Life” is the song that brought us together.
Are you planning to tour or do any shows to promote your new album?
I have a few ideas for performing live, nothing set in stone just yet.
Whats your favorite song to perform live?
My song “You Will Not Be Forgotten” is very true to me. I believe that everyone can or will be able to relate to this song at one time or another, making it my favorite song to perform.
Whats the feeling you get when on stage and your fans are singing your songs back to you?
It’s one of the most incredible and overwhelming feelings I have ever experienced. I can’t wait to be there again soon.
Since you have been on tour when you were apart of Emblem3, did you ever have a show that stood out to you the most or was your favorite?
All shows were an amazing experience, and I think it’s impossible to have a favorite.
Does your fanbase have a name?
No, not yet. I’ll leave that up to them if they want to create one.
How do you want your relationship to be with your fans?
I’d like to have a meaningful and personal relationship with every single one of my fans. I truly hope that they feel that way while listening to my music, because I feel that way expressing my music to them.
What was the craziest fan encounter you have had?
There is a girl from my hometown who named her baby after me, which is really crazy to me!
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your fans?
I mostly use Twitter, but I try to stay connected via iTunes, Spotify, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat just as much.
What’s an average day for you look like?
Wake up, walk my beautiful little puppies, drink coffee, go into my home studio, work, play video games, go to sleep.
If your life was a movie, what would be the title?
The Simple Life
Who would you want to play you?
Maybe someone like Logan Lerman.
What has been your biggest accomplishment in your music career so far?
Self writing, producing, mixing, mastering The Simple Life. This album means the world to me.
Whats the best thing thats come out of this career so far?
Having the most beautiful and dedicated fans that I know will always be there for me.
What’s your biggest struggle in this career so far?
The biggest struggle is keeping a level head, and surrounding myself with level-headed people. It’s very easy to let the fame get the best of you.
Do you have any advice for aspiring music artists?
Never Stop. As long as you love the music, keep trying, keep working, and have the drive and passion, you will succeed.
What goals have you set out for yourself in your music career?
My biggest goal is to help the hearts of those who need it, through my music. I have already succeeded, even if only one heart has been healed with what I’ve created.
What do you hope to gain in 5 years time in this career?
I’d like to build my fanbase into a worldwide community of people who want to make the world a better place, and share love with all that is around them.
Do you have any last things you want to tell your fans?
Thank you so much for staying with me through all we have gone through. I’ll never stop making music for you, and I’ll always be here for you. You are loved. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with me.
Thank you and Have a rad day!
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