Q&A: The Heart of an Artist: Oliver Keane Discusses Growth, Live Performance, and New Music
OLIVER KEANE IS CARVING A DISTINCT PATH in the alt-pop and indie music scene. Hailing from Derby, his rapid ascent as both a singer-songwriter and producer has captivated audiences with a striking mix of raw vocal talent and a flair for magnetic, honest songwriting. Though still early in his career, Keane is no stranger to the rigors of touring, having already shared stages with prominent bands like Giant Rooks and Sea Girls, experiences that have helped him refine his craft and expand his fanbase.
His latest single, “Give Me A Reason,” is a testament to his evolving artistry. The track, warm and weightless, showcases Keane’s ability to blend emotional depth with dynamic, anthemic choruses. Reflecting on the song’s development, Keane explains, "The song started as a ballad and lived in that space for a lot of versions, but it felt like something was missing. I’d been listening to a lot of softer indies, like Spacey Jane, Del Water Gap, and Sam Fender, which inspired the huge chorus. It was fun to re-work the song and be able to put time into the instrumentation."
This ability to rework and reshape his music, finding the right emotional and sonic balance, is at the heart of what makes Oliver Keane such a promising talent. His music feels deeply personal yet widely relatable, and his live performances have become a central part of his artistry, showcasing not only his vocal prowess but also his deep connection to the material. As a young artist who's already played for growing audiences across Europe and the UK, Keane is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting new names on the UK’s indie scene.
Keane’s journey into music was shaped by the sounds that filled his childhood home. Growing up surrounded by the classic rock of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Nirvana, he was steeped in guitar-driven music from an early age. Picking up the guitar himself at just nine years old, it was clear that Keane had a special talent. His early influences undoubtedly laid the foundation for his sound, but as he grew older, his tastes began to shift towards indie bands like Catfish and the Bottlemen, adding a more modern and accessible edge to his music.
But it’s not just his performing career that has been blossoming. As a skilled producer and writer, Keane has been branching out, working behind the scenes with rising artists like Nieve Ella and Abby Roberts. This versatility speaks to his multi-faceted approach to music, with the same thoughtfulness he applies to his own songs being evident in his production work.
What makes Oliver Keane particularly compelling as an artist is the ease with which he transitions between genres, weaving together elements of indie, alt-pop, and classic guitar music to create something that feels both fresh and timeless. This genre-blurring quality allows him to stand out in an increasingly saturated music scene. Each of his songs feels like a new direction, pushing the boundaries of his sound while staying true to the vulnerability and emotional core that makes his music so captivating.
His live performances, honed through countless gigs supporting acts like The Snuts, GAYLE, Only the Poets, and The Academic, are where Keane truly shines. Each show sees his audience growing in real-time, drawn to his magnetic stage presence and the authenticity that underpins his performances. With every gig, Keane is proving that he’s more than just another promising young artist—he’s a force to be reckoned with, ready to take on bigger stages and even bigger audiences.
As Oliver Keane continues to make waves with his music, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning. With a sound that’s both genre-bending and grounded in authenticity, and a work ethic that’s as impressive as his musical output, Keane’s future is incredibly bright. It won’t be long before his name becomes synonymous with the best of the UK indie and alt-pop scene. Whether he’s producing for other artists or headlining his own shows, Oliver Keane is a talent you won’t want to sleep on.
Luna had the opportunity of sitting down with Oliver Keane to discuss his latest single “Give Me A Reason” describing it as an uplifting departure from his usual more melancholic songwriting. As a self-produced artist, he enjoys overseeing the entire creative process. Looking ahead, Keane expresses excitement for his upcoming EP, Motion Sickness, which he feels showcases his growth and emotional intensity, and he hopes to finally embark on headline shows after years of supporting other acts. Read the full interview below to hear more about his creative process, inspirations, and what’s next for this rising star.
LUNA: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single "Give Me A Reason”? What message or feeling do you hope to convey through it?
KEANE: “Give Me A Reason” is meant to be uplifting and fun. A break from all the depressing songs I usually write.
LUNA: As an artist in your early 20s, you've achieved a lot in your music career. How do you think your age influences your songwriting and musical style?
KEANE: As I’ve got older and started to understand the things that have happened to me and why they happened, it’s given me more to write about and an ability to be more honest and raw in my songs.
LUNA: You've spent a significant amount of time touring this year with Giant Rooks and Sea Girls. How have these experiences shaped your music and performance style?
KEANE: I love the energy of a live show. I think shows can be so exposing of true musicianship and who really knows the craft, and it made me dive deeper into the ins and outs of my songwriting and how to portray emotions better.
LUNA: What was it like to collaborate with other artists during your tours? Did you pick up any new ideas or techniques from them?
KEANE: Just getting to know people who have had a completely different experience from you can be so eye opening. Allowing you to think in a completely different way than you did before.
LUNA: Your vocal talent has been described as distinctive. How do you approach developing your voice and ensuring it stands out in a crowded music scene?
KEANE: I was never a vocalist, it took me a long time to get to a comfortable point with my voice and I still struggle from time to time. I just try my best to stay loyal to what’s served me well; I don’t want to be a perfect vocalist, I want to be me.
LUNA: In your songwriting process, do you tend to draw from personal experiences, or do you find inspiration in other people's stories?
KEANE: When I was younger, as mentioned, I didn’t understand a lot of my own life so I found it easier to look at movies and what the world portrayed love as, and would write about that. s I’ve got older, I’ve figured out what love, anger, and so many emotions mean to me and found a way to express that through my music.
LUNA: With each performance, you’ve seen your fanbase grow. How do you connect with your audience during live shows? What do you think resonates most with them?
KEANE: I always try to be human. I’m not a god, I’m not untouchable, “fans” are no lesser than the artist, if anything they’re more vital to success than the art itself.
LUNA: As a producer, how do you balance the roles of singer-songwriter and producer? Do you prefer to have a hand in the production of your tracks, and why?
KEANE: I’ve leaned much more into being a self-produced artist as of late. I love seeing the process through from start to finish and being proud of the final product.
LUNA: What can fans expect from your upcoming music? Are there any themes or sounds you’re excited to explore in future releases?
KEANE: My new EP, Motion Sickness, is my favorite work yet. It really pushes the boundaries of what I’ve done before and expresses emotions much more intensely.
LUNA: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next year? Any particular venues or festivals you hope to play, or collaborations you're aiming for?
KEANE: I hope to finally do a headline show or two, after years of being a support artist it would be nice to have my own shows.
“Give Me A Reason” is out now!
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