Keesha
By Alex Teitz
RCA recording artist Keesha is a seventeen year old soul singer. Releasing a debut CD called Keep It Real, Keesha aims to be the next Whiteny Houston. Her songs are strong and honest and her voice transforms this honesty in powerful ways. FEMMUSIC had a few minutes to speak with this new emerging star.
For more information visit http://www.peeps.com
FEMMUSIC: How has your family influenced your musical career?
K: They knew I could sing since I was two. They started entering me in contests and talent shows, a lot of community things when I was six years old. When I was six years old I signed myself up for a talent show and I didn’t know what it was. My camp teacher told me that it was for a talent show so I had to sing. So the first song that I sang was Whitney Houston, “The Greatest Love of All” and I came in first place. Ever since then I started doing talent shows and little community things in my home town.
FEMMUSIC: Who have been your biggest music influences?
K: Well since I was younger, one of my biggest inspirations were Whitney Houston, Stephanie Mills, Aretha Franklin, and Patty LaBelle.
FEMMUSIC: I understand you co-wrote on Keep It Real. What is your songwriting process?
K: I co-wrote “Ain’t No Way”, “Keep It Real” and “I’m Going Crazy.” It’s fun. It’s hard sometimes. I get writer’s block sometimes, but most of the time it’s fun.
I hear the music first and then start to write.
FEMMUSIC: How is it balancing your music life versus the rest of your life?
K: Well basically the same, I just keep focused and don’t let anyone get in my way. That’s basically it.
FEMMUSIC: What’s your favorite track on Keep It Real?
K: “Find Your Own Way” is my favorite track because it’s an inspirational song and everyone can relate it to it whether your a grandmother or a mother. If you’ve been there for your child. It’s a good song.
FEMMUSIC: What was your biggest challenge making Keep It Real?
K: Going into the studio all the time. ‘Cause sometimes I would want to go outside. I would want to go to the movies on a Saturday with my friends and then I’d have to be in the studio. Then I’ll go into the studio and call my friends and say, “Yeah I’ll be home like around nine.”, and then I won’t get home ’til twelve and such and missed out on the movies and everything but it all paid off so I’m not mad.
FEMMUSIC: What advice do you have for someone else just starting out?
K: Never give up, and to keep up your dreams no matter what anyone’s telling you. If they say, “You can’t do it.” You can do it. And just to keep focused and don’t let friends bring you down. Don’t let family bring you down. It’s all about you when it’s a dream that you want to follow. And just pray to God.