Keekai’s expressions of joy and heartbreak through music

Keekai

In this profile series, Revry is highlighting authentic contributors to the LGBTQ media and entertainment community. We ask questions to find out who they are and where they are going in the future. The questions remain the same but the answers tell their unique story. It’s time to explore and celebrate true representation beyond the limits of Hollywood. 

Keekai is a New York based Filipinx artist with songs like SHOW ME, and their most recent release, GOAL. Their name originated from the Tagalog word kikay, roughly translated to girly. Keekai explains their connection to the word by saying, “After reclaiming the word kikay and reclaiming my queerness, I found that it really expanded my power against what everyone else was saying because I defined it by myself.” Keekai is an influence to queer Asian American youth through their music and advocacy. 

What are you best known for?

 I am known as a vocalist and dancer that focuses on mending my voice with wistful lyricism and emotion that often contrasts my swooping and energetic physicality through my performance. People are often taken aback by the more somber content of my music compared to the lens that I present it through movement and imagery. Outside of this, you'll probably know me as the person who loves to sing the background harmonies to Mariah Carey’s songs or other vocalist legends. Since officially releasing music last year during quarantine, I've been focusing on pushing Keekai as an established voice through more live performances and new releases.

What is the first thing you produced?

The first song I produced fully was my first single, "Show Me". The original demo was all by me, and it was a product of weeks of multiple failed projects over the course of quarantine. Initially, I was discouraged by my past attempts, but all those experiences and frustrations translated into further commitment to finishing this single. Bolstered by fresh emotions from a summer fling, I sat down and hashed out a full demo over the course of 4 days. The song came out as an indie bedroom pop ballad with twinkling guitar chords and floating kicks. I collaborated with my friend PURJME to give the song a brighter synth sound and we ended up creating a shimmering synthpop ballad that was a perfect introduction to Keekai. 

What are you working on that no one knows about yet?

I am exploring more vocal and instrument production so that I have more freedom with translating the sounds and feelings that bounce around my head. I want to take my time to care and flesh out an EP that really speaks to me and who I am as Keekai. It may be a bit quiet for now, but trust that this voice is plotting, with all the feelings of joy and heartbreak still attached :)