Awarded the Archie Roach Foundation Award at the 2020 National Indigenous Music Awards, Kee’ahn is a soulful First Nations artist ready to create empathic connection through their music, and lived experiences, and help audiences transcend barriers with hope, fearlessness, and style as they channel Aretha Franklin with Woodstock energy.
If you’re new to the soulful stylings of Kee’ahn, you’re forgiven. As a proud Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal, Zenadth Kes musician, they have recently ventured from their hometown in North Queensland to pursue music, dance, and storytelling in Melbourne (Kulin Nation). Championing mental health, acceptance, and self-love in every harmony, Kee’ahn is getting ready to perform at WOMADelaide in March.
“It feels like a childhood dream to perform at WOMADelaide, being able to perform alongside so many friends that I’ve made in the industry,” Kee'ahn says. “I want it to be joyous, and healing. The set I’m performing really takes people on a journey of my current experiences of living down here the past four years, plus an Islander song that I grew up with and was able to learn. So yeah, just a connected and special time!”
Kee’ahn was one of many First Nations artists (featuring DOBBY, Emma Donovan, Emily Wurramara, DRMNGNOW, Fred Leone, Bumpy and more) who collaborated on the Cassius Turvey tribute song 'Forever 15'.
“The experience was very heart-breaking and vulnerable, talking to Cassius’ mum. Hearing her experiences of a beautiful son, and the things that he loved so we could put it in to the song, was very emotional. But hearing how much she loved it, and how it was for his friends that it would carry his memory forward, was an element of healing, and strength in community – sending big love to everyone in Perth.”
Despite boasting a broad calibre of musical talent, their music infuses Motown soul with vibes of Woodstock. “I love soul music so much, I think that’s really what got me into playing guitar and singing – me and my dad would sing soul music together throughout my childhood, so I think I’m always going to have a strong connection to that genre.”
“People might be surprised by my set, because it takes them through my listening journey, and my love of music – some songs I wrote when I was 17 and listening to Paramore. There’s a lot of fingerpicking throughout my music too.”
“Aretha Franklin was a big icon for me growing up, and Beyonce/Destiny’s Child really influenced me growing up! They started my love for harmonies. With guitar, I loved playing Jeff Buckley songs. Recently, Moses Sumney and Tom Misch have crept in, a lot of soul/R&B, and alternative fusion. Any musician who plays around with genre!”
Kee’ahn speaks on how writing became a catharsis for them, “I feel very honoured about putting out music and to find people who share those experiences, or resonate with the messages.”
Their song, 'Better Things', was a letter to themselves on getting through hard times, finding the light, and having faith in yourself. “That’s the key message I want in my sets, and what I’ve been practising with my beautiful band [who feature in their Instagram stories, projecting harmonies and riffs – bringing a bit of soul and ASMR to your day]. Towards the end, my songs are more fun, I really want people to dance and really be in the moment – I want to connect with people on stage, and garner country as well. One of the songs I’m performing I will be putting out at the end of the year, and is about my home country (North Queensland) – I’m hoping to bring these elements together at WOMADelaide.”
With such connection and inner strength, Kee’ahn shares advice for emerging artists: “Really cultivate your confidence, and connection to your music – it's yours, no one else’s. Write, and create in as many scenarios and places as possible. Don’t shame yourself that you’re not good enough – just do it!”
Kee'ahn plays WOMADelaide 12-13 March.
