Inside Story with Keithian

Jeeni Blog

Helping the next generation of talent to build a global fanbase

Inside Story with Keithian

Kethian is a Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Actor and Producer based in the US and who performed his song ‘Communicate’ in the JAM Festival collaboration in April.

Kethian is relaxing in his Californian back yard as the interview with Kate takes place. “You recorded your track ‘Communicate’ live from your home studio for the JAM Festival, we have all faced the technical difficulties of working from home over the last year, but did you face any whilst recording?” she asks.

He says that there were not any technical issues as such but recording at home always presents some issues, for example the neighbour had the lawnmower on but luckily, he didn’t think we could hear.

His song ‘Communicate’ is beautiful and very emotive. When asked about his inspiration for writing it, he said that it came from his friend, who so sadly committed suicide, and so the song was an open letter to this friend, as well as anyone else that is struggling and needs to communicate as it is one of those things that “you actually have to do to feel better or to get your thoughts out, so that’s exactly what that song was about.”

Kethian was born in New Orleans into a “showbizzy family.” Kate asks about what influence their work had on him as a child growing up and how it inspired his music and career.

He grew up in Louisiana and Texas, “New Orleans is just full of music, everywhere you go”, his parents were in music as well as his grandparents so making music for him was something that “just happened, I’ve never known any different.”

Kethian was previously signed to a major record label, but has ended up going independent, Kate asks why he made this decision

“It wasn’t really the best experience. I figured if I went independent, I could give myself the better experience, and control creativity and stuff like that, and now that I’m my own everything, I’m able to understand myself more as an artist, what I need, what I want, how I want to promote, or what songs I want to choose” he shouts excitedly.

In 2018 Kethian was working on music for Rhianna, he said “it was one of those things that just happened, although she hasn’t actually released the music yet and I wish I had some insider knowledge as to when she will, but I don’t! Basically, after I left the label, I was a writer and producer...I was writing for various artists and one of them said ‘this is gonna be for Rhianna’ and I was like ‘what?!’ and that’s how it happened. I met the [person] that I work with now and produce most of my music with currently and it has just been cohesive since then.”

Kethian is currently raising investment for his next project: “It makes me feel really good as an artist when someone invests in me because it means that they believe in me as an artist, and as an art, a lot of our motivation and motivators are to make people happy and just to feel something or have an outlet, so to be supported in this way makes me feel so much more confident.”

In response to this comment, Kate explains what Jeeni is: a platform for new and upcoming artists which seeks to support them in the best way possible and asks Kethian what his advice would be for aspiring artists that are just starting out.

“Simply be the best artist that you can be and be the most you can be in life for you. It’s one of those things…being an artist is so giving, you walk around with your art, you are your art, and so when someone says something a little different or a little insane, it touches you more…just be confident, stay close to your art and stay close to you as a person and just love every bit of it.”

What can we expect from him in the future?

He expresses his excitement in regard to doing more shows with Jeeni and is hopeful for the future of live shows and touring as the world returns to normality after the Covid-19 pandemic.

He says that he ultimately wants to “put out as much music as my fans want me to and as much as I want.”

Through AmplifyX, one of our collaborators from the JAM festival, Kethian is working on his new EP called Green Clouds which is due at the end of May and you can invest now.

To find out more about Kethian, listen to his music and invest, please visit https://jeeni.com/showcase/keithian/

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06
Jan

DarkStarGraver - 'Over The Bridge & Far Away' Album Review

If you had any familiarity with this Portsmouth rapper's refreshing and inventive brand of UK hip-hop, then it should be of no surprise that his newest album is as buoyant, animated and thought-out as it is. This is the first album DSG has released since becoming an integral part of the Jeeni mission. DarkStar has been an avid Jeenius since Summer last year and has been blessing the Jeeni database with vibrant and innovative artistry ever since. All seven tracks of this incredible project are on Jeeni right now. Jeeni is always looking to represent and uplift artists with visions as clear and focused as DarkStar. DarkStarGraver's biggest crime here is leaving us wanting for more content because although he's cohesively expressed a giant variety of emotions, styles and influences, he took just 18 minutes to do it! He justified the choice of a shorter album on Instagram, "New album is 7 tracks in total, could’ve been more but I like that number", DSG cleverly released this record knowing he has so much more in his artistic tank for the next project. A clear highlight on this record is the early, consecutive killer features on ‘Running Man’ and ‘No Brainer’ from Kid Crayy and Baby Panna respectively. DSG takes the reigns on these tracks at first and allows his fellow Portsmouth MCs to embellish the final push and create a rememberable climax for these standout tracks. Kid Crayy's attacking flow is restless and constantly bops and weaves around the beat. Baby Panna, however takes his time and makes each syllable hit harder than the last. Panna also performs the ear-worm 'Ride with me' hooks just before and after his verse which just completes the track. DarkStar made it clear that “This project is dedicated to the Portsmouth Hip Hop scene” and made a specific mention to the Portsmouth artists that predate him and thanked them for “Sparking the fire that made me want to rep my hometown as an artist”. A meaningful dedication to a blossoming music scene is a suitable sentiment for such an excellently put together and varied album. DSG uses his robust and adaptable voice so well on this project that at times, it sounds like extra, unlisted features. For example, a rather high-pitch singing voice for the hooks on ‘On My Way’ is then met with a deep and resonant rapped verse to finish off the short opening track. ‘Gohan’ (review) which was a single teaser for this album, features more of DarkStar’s contagious melodic rapping which is enhanced and made all the more effective with the excellent production of Zack Nailor at WRS Studios. The hi-hats and 808 bass in the beat for ‘Juice & Gems’ works so well with the jangly acoustic guitar sample, as though they were always meant to be heard together. In fact, the entire album makes such an effective use of samples throughout; ‘Slow Jamz’ has a romantic and theatrical strings sample which turns the rapid, trap-esque beat into a dramatic, epic cut that is just too short. DarkStar also hints at a feral, almost growling voice on this track which provides yet more evidence that DSG will never settle or stop experimenting with what his voice can achieve. The album ends with class and impact. ‘Over Time’ features a melodramatic female vocal sample which wails over a seductive lounge piano, sparkling under the rumbling beat. The bonus, shorter track, ‘Justice League’ is a moody album finisher containing reams of witty wordplay which flows like water. Once again, a feat like this album is a credit to producer, Zack Nailor as well as DarkStar himself of course for containing the talent, passion and vision to pull something like this off so seamlessly. How can Jeeni support artists like DarkStarGraver? JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience. • We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make. • We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way. • We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect. • Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team. Check out DarkStarGraver’s Jeeni showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/darkstargraver/

12
Mar

A Christmas No:1 for 2020?

Rob Copsey from the website Officialcharts.com has given us the low down on the runners for the coveted UK Christmas No:1 single slot. The winner of the biggest chart of the year will be announced on Christmas Day itself, Friday December 25. The Christmas Number 1 is a British institution and has been claimed by some of the world’s most iconic music stars. Queen, The Beatles, Spice Girls, Cliff Richard and, ahem, Bob The Builder have all landed Christmas chart-toppers in the past. In 2019 YouTuber and dad-blogger LadBaby claim the festive crown for a second year in a row, with his second sausage roll-themed charity single, I Love Sausage Rolls - a spin on I Love Rock N' Roll - in aid of foodbank charity The Trussell Trust. He also topped the chart in 2018 with We Built This City, making him only the third act in chart history, after The Beatles and Spice Girls, to land consecutive chart Christmas Number 1s. "It’s the best feeling in the world - a Christmas miracle yet again!" LadBaby, real name Mark Hoyle, told us at the time. "It’s going to the Trussell Trust – to the 14 million people living in poverty in the UK. Who doesn’t love a sausage roll at Christmas?" Could this year could see a festive classic bag the top spot? We recently reported that Christmas favourites have re-entered the Official Singles Chart earlier than ever before, and Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You has reached Number 1 in the UK for the first time ever this month. However, they face competition from several big new releases for 2020. So who is in line as a challenger for this year's Official Christmas Number 1? The Official 2020 Christmas No: 1 Contenders 1. LadBaby - Don't Stop Me Eatin' https://youtu.be/s-shDEK85uA Can LadBaby make it three festive chart-toppers in a row? The dad blogger and his family are back with another sausage roll-themed song, this time to the tune of Journey's 1982 hit Don't Stop Believin'. Once again, the release is raising money for foodbank charity The Trussell Trust, who have seen a huge rise in demand after a difficult 2020. Out now 2. Justin Bieber ft. The Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir - Holy https://youtu.be/jXy0s9pexCo Five years after Bieber helped the choir claim the 2015 Christmas No: 1, the superstar has joined forces with them on a new version of his hit single, Holy. Recorded at Abbey Road studios, proceeds from the song will be split between NHS Charities Together (which represents over 230 NHS charities) and the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Charity in recognition of the extraordinary efforts of those on the medical frontline during the Coronavirus crisis. 3. Jess Glynne - This Christmas https://youtu.be/F6Py60ponQo Jess Glynne has recorded a cover of Donny Hathaway's This Christmas as part of Amazon's Originals series. It's already proving popular, set to enter this week's Official Singles Chart Top 100, and CD and vinyl singles will be available to purchase from December 18. Similarly, Justin Bieber's new Amazon Original, a cover of Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, is also shaping up to be a hit this Christmas. Last year saw Ellie Goulding's Amazon Originals track, a cover of Joni Mitchell's River, reach Number 1, so don't underestimate these. 4. Liam Gallagher - All You’re Dreaming Of https://youtu.be/TwX3_lQmYMQ A song that Bing Crosby would be proud of (according to Liam), All You’re Dreaming Of is a track that the Oasis legend says “is perfect for this time of year, considering the year that we’ve all had”. Billed as ‘Imagine meets Wonderful Life’ Liam is confident of his chances for a good chart performance; responding to a fan on Twitter who asked if it is going to Christmas Number 1, the rock legend said: “it’s gonna be rite up there you gotta be in it to win it.” All You’re Dreaming Of is available to stream and download now, with 12" and limited edition white 7" vinyl versions released on December 18. Proceeds of the song are going to UK charity Action For Children, who work to protect and support vulnerable children and young people across the country. 5. Rig Aid - It’s Christmas Time, It’s Time To Lash Archie Curzons is a social media influencer, the self-proclaimed CEO of London's Clapham, and is the host of The Rig Biz podcast - a comedy show with celebrity guests packed with lashings of #banter and #ladchat. He's roped in an impressive line-up of his so-called celebrity pals/podcast guests including Danny Care, James Haskell, Jeremy Irvine, Alex Paine and Darren Gough for a Christmas single - a light-hearted song to wave off a disastrous 2020 to raise money for Restart Rugby. Out now. 6. A Candle for Carson The Christmas Number 1 race is often about singles giving back to the community, and an example of that kindness this year comes from Blackburn music producers Chris Dewhurst and Andy Rose and vocalist Miranda Myles. The three have teamed up to record and release the track for Carlson, who sadly died in November after battling congenital heart disease, which he was born with. Carson's family are hoping to set up a charity in his name with the proceeds. Out now. 7. Shine A Light To Fight – Together In Electric Dreams Recorded by a collective of choral and orchestral musicians performing from their Somerset bedrooms during lockdown, this heart-warming rendition of of Phil Oakey and Giorgio Moroder's Together In Electric Dreams is released on December 18, in remembrance of those we have lost in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic. The song is led by Jeremy Millington of music duo The Portraits, and social media group Shine A Light To Fight, which was set up in March as an online meeting place for those affected by Covid-19. 8. ICU Liberty Singers - Every Breath You Take The ICU Liberty Singers are made up of NHS Critical Care staff from all over the country, who have come together virtually to create this rendition of The Police's Every Breath You Take. Out now. https://youtu.be/pm3z0qoDbo8 9. Cameron Barnes & Blythe Duff ft. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers - Fairytale of New York Scottish actor Blythe Duff and singer Cameron Barnes have teamed up for a re-imagining of The Pogues' Fairytale Of New York to raise funds for freelance creatives and their families. Their version tells the story of single mum called Christina Chalmers – or Chrissy - who encourages her son Guy to leave Glasgow and follow in her footsteps to find fame and fortune in New York City - but it didn’t work out. Out now. https://youtu.be/g911zLtlmUQ 10. Rock Choir - Keeping The Dream Alive The Rock Choir have joined thousands across England, Wales and Scotland to form one virtual choir to record a rendition of Keeping the Dream Alive. Led by Vikki Hewitt and creator/founder Caroline Redman Lusher, the track is to raise awareness for the Mental Health Foundation. Out now. https://youtu.be/bVrL9zdDlH0 More Official Christmas Chart Contenders: Russ Abbott - Atmosphere - Two Nottingham University student radio presenters - George Scotland and Damian Stephen - have launched a campaign to get Chester comedian Russ Abbot to Number 1 this Christmas with his 1984 single Atmosphere because, well, why not? The campaign has been endorsed by Abbot himself and Paul Chuckle. The Dancing Binmen - Boogie Round The Bins At Christmas - Three binmen from Wolverhampton - Jack Johnson, Henry Wright and Adrian Breakwell – shot to fame in the city earlier this year for dancing on their routes during the first lockdown. Now they've got their eye on the Christmas Number 1 with Boogie Round The Bins At Christmas. Money raised from the song will go to charity. Out now. Gemma Collins & Darren Day - Baby It's Cold Outside - can the GC land this year's Christmas Number 1 with a cover of a festive classic? Sam Fender - Winter Song - The musician has released a stunning cover of the '70s folk track by Newcastle legends Alan Hull/Lindisfarne. Money raised from the song goes to social enterprise People Of The Streets. Out now. Matt Lucas – Merry Christmas, Baked Potato - a seasonal continuation on from Thank You, Baked Potato, Matt’s first UK Top 40 single that he released in during the first lockdown which benefitted the NHS. Out now. Robbie Williams - Can’t Stop Christmas - a feel-good tale about how we need to enjoy ourselves over our five-day Christmas bubble this year, complete with references to social distancing and Zooms. The Celebs - Merry Christmas Everyone - a cover of Shakin' Stevens' classic featuring Sam Bailey and Good Morning Britain's Richard Arnold and Laura Tobin, released in support of the Alzheimer's Society. Out now. Collabro - Christmas Is Here - The successful musical theatre group and winners of 2014’s Britain’s Got Talent will be donating 100% of profits from the download of their original Christmas single to military charity Help for Heroes. The Kut - Waiting For Christmas grunge ballad released on December 18, raising money for the Red Cross Coronavirus Crisis Fund. Tone Def Tony - I Got Pissed With Santa Claus - Novelty track which is giving 50% of its royalties to help those in the pub trade who a struggling this year due to Covid-19. More info here. Raise The Woof! - The first ever Christmas single for dogs. Christmas in Denmark Street - British punk band Spizzenergi teams up with producer Tony Visconti to release this 'punchy, festive protest anthem'. Tune in to The Official Chart with Katie Thistleton on BBC Radio 1 on December 25 from 2-4pm to hear the Christmas Top 40 countdown and the exclusive reveal of the winner of the Official Christmas Number 1 2020. You can also catch Top Of The Pops on Christmas Day, more details of the broadcast to come. The full Top 100 Official Christmas Singles Chart and Albums Chart will be published on OfficialCharts.com from 5.45pm.

10
Jun

Mel's bedtime story

Once upon a time, I created a platform called jeeni.com which is where independent artists perform their music in front of new fans, and get rewarded for their efforts. On a Saturday night we ran a live global music festival featuring 18 acts from both sides of the Atlantic. The oldest performer was over 70, the youngest was under 10. They were brilliant, each in their own way. We broadcast over social media and websites. There were no adverts, there were no fakes, there was no hype. It didn't cost us a penny to run. Everyone had a ball. We are part of a revolutionary process that is killing a corrupt and rotting music industry which has held both audience and performer to ransom since the 1890s. So if you will indulge me, I'd like to tell you how, and why ... I'm an old hoarder, I hoard old music recordings, and when I say old I mean really old. Upstairs, in what was once a studio but has turned into an Irish Setter leisure lounge, there are several hundred wax cylinders from the 1890s. Each cylinder is a unique recording from an age before duplication was possible. If Miss Florrie Forde wanted to sell a hundred copies of Hold Your Hand Out You Naughty Boy to her adoring public, then she had to keep lubricated and trill the bloody thing into a brass horn a hundred times and record it onto wax in real time. But to me the beauty of these cylinders is not that each one is a unique recording, but that each one is mercifully short, rotating at 120 revolutions a minute and lasting a meagre two minutes, because that's all a wax cylinder can hold. And so the two minute pop single was born. At the start of the twentieth century discs replaced cylinders, but not a lot changed. I have another room full of shellac discs that spin at 78 revolutions a minute. When it came to pop singles from artists bringing joy to the world throughout the first half of the twentieth century, they had just under three minutes to do it in. And if they were any good, just under three minutes was plenty. I feel personally to blame for what happened next, because in the hour of my birth in 1948, the microgroove vinyl disc hit the market, spinning at what my Irish chums call dirty tree and a turd revolutions per minute. I have an entire wall of vinyl albums, with their glorious covers and sleeve notes. And yes, they are arranged in alphabetical order by artist and date-order of release. Their storage capacity is approximately twenty-five minutes a side, which is usually twenty-two minutes too long. And on the opposite wall is where all my CDs sulk, each one capable of storing seventy-four minutes of audio, and not one of them played since the turn of this century. Why? Because a hacker called SoloH went and ripped the source code of something called the Fraunhofer MP3 encoder and spread it all over the internet for free. Thanks to SoloH, I can not only digitise my entire collection of recorded music without any restrictions on playing time, I can access the entire library of everything that has ever been recorded, for ever. My phone weighs exactly the same as my 78rpm copy of Little Richard's single Tutti Frutti, which runs for two minutes 28 seconds of total perfection. My phone holds 21,417 tracks in MP3 format, some of them complete symphonies, which are pretty good, some of them prog-rock drum solos, as used by Viet Cong torturers to break the spirit of the enemy. My desktop hard drive and cloud-accounts contain too many tracks to keep track of. I declare that my motivation for amassing this ludicrous collection of music was that one day it would bring me comfort in my old age, when my body and brain become enfeebled and I feel the need to keep hold of past pleasures while dying. As it turns out, I started playing my collection early, during lockdown, and wished I was dead by the end of day three. The singles were great, but the albums were mostly insufferable. Which is when I realised that the music album is stone dead, and the nightmare of a lifetime of audio padding is finally over. Then the real truth hit me. The recorded music industry is dead too. Thanks to COVID19 there has been an explosion of new creativity. Everyone is now a record producer, anyone can run a broadcast music channel, and that's exactly what everyone and anyone seems to be doing, including me. The spongers and leeches and shysters have been exposed as completely unnecessary, as have most of the agents, publicists and managers. They are no longer able to milk performers in our new world of social distancing, because they have lost their power. It's the remote audience that now has the power, and this audience wants instant gratification, not a load of overhyped, overwrought, overlong, flimflam. Jeeni.com is my final project in a very long career. I'm giving my artists three minutes per track to nail it, because that's what my old hoard tells me is right. And I hope you agree that in order to shine, three minutes is all that anyone should ever need.

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