Discover... Kea
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London has long been the centre of the UK music industry. But in recent years, cities outside the capital, like Manchester and Birmingham have seen their artists have widespread success.
Birmingham-based artist, Kea, is no doubt helping to push the narrative of thriving in your own space and not compromising for the industry.
Read more as WFA chats to him about his latest single “Bass String" — lightly edited for clarity.
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When did you realise music is something you wanted to seriously pursue?
As soon as I started; I really hate wasting time. Regardless of if it’s me going to the shop or if it’s me playing a game of some sort with my friends, I always want to be active; putting my best foot forward and really making the most of something I invest time into. When you can go to the studio as a job and just create, you really work on your own time.
Your style has been described as “Genre-Blending” — what makes you want to switch between genres as opposed to sticking to one?
I really like all music. If I shuffled all of my songs and played them you’d think I’m having an identity crisis, but I’m optimistic, my core is R&B and Soul, I love singing. I can appreciate elements of so many things though and when I put them together and think, I create my sound, which will constantly evolve and grow!
Being an artist from Birmingham, how has the city influenced your sound (if at all)?
Well, Grime was everything when I was younger so that has always given me the urge to rap and really have fun. That’s why when I do rap it’s most likely fast and skippy because of the grime tempo and thrill, but Birmingham will forever be my home, so my experiences here have just helped me become the man I am today.
Talk us through the inspiration behind your latest single “Bass String”.
I really wanted to make a song without anything but live instruments so I called together the A Team: Slater Bailey came through with the Bass Guitar, Daniel Lawrence with the drums and Off Key with the synthesised keys. Those guys played away and I helped construct the song in terms of production, [then] I took the project away that same night and went back to studio the next day to lay the lyrics I wrote down. All credit is to those guys though, the song is sonically beautiful.
What are your plans music-wise for 2021?
To create and really connect with the core individuals who love and support what I do, also to do some crazy shit because Lockdown really had me caged in. Because I hate boundaries, it stopped [my] studio [time] and a lot of things I loved to do but hopefully we will be fully free soon.
And finally, what does success mean to you?
Success to me means happiness, I say that because money comes and goes but memories will always stay in your mind and for free. I have Bros and my family who I adore [and] I just want to help them elevate; alongside me reaching my goals (I want to do everything) and that’s enough for me.
Listen to “Bass String” out on Spotify now.
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