Q&A: meet Keith, R&B singer kicking it back to the early 2000’s

Christchurch local Keith Aaron has just dropped his latest single More to Share and it’s the R&B throwback we didn’t even know we needed. It holds close to the early 2000’s rhythms and blues sound but has a refreshing twist that brings it into the modern world. The track shows off Keith’s powerful versatility in vocal ability and we are digging the low key rap verse. 

Keith moved to New Zealand when he was younger, travelling half way across the globe from Singapore. Falling in love with classic R&B he then knew all he wanted to do was perform and write music. His competitive nature forces him to constantly tweak and perfect his work because he sees his biggest competitor to be himself. Speaking from someone who is MAJORLY competitive, it is both a blessing and a curse. I feel you Keith.

There’s no surprise that his competitive nature has lead to his love for performance. Performing is a huge part of Keith’s music experience and he can’t wait to get back out there and show off his new beats to his friends, family and fans. Put us down for a few tickets when you visit Melbourne!

We had a chat with Keith about his new release, his competitive nature and what he’d say to the world if he had a one minute address. 

Heres a quick look into our chat:

Tell us a little bit about moving to New Zealand and finding your love for music.

I moved to New Zealand when I was about 10 years old and it was a crazy culture shock moving there from Singapore but I adapted to the country pretty quickly because of my age. I found my love for music when I was about 6, that's when I remember hearing music from the likes of Maroon 5 and 50 Cent. I then started writing songs at the start of high school when I was around 13 or 14.

What’s ‘More to Share’ about?

More to Share is about that feeling you get when you see a girl and you have the urge to just go up to her and spark up a conversation. When I was writing this song, I pictured the Chris Brown ‘Yo’ Music video playing but with a different song behind it haha. I've wanted to write a song like this for years now and it took so many tries but I feel like it's my best work to date. It's really a song about chasing a girl and not taking no for an answer. 

Who do you draw inspiration from?

My inspirations in music draw from Bruno Mars, Frank Ocean, John Mayer, Daniel Caesar, Jon Bellion and RINI. I really love all their different styles and flavours that they bring. I try to find inspiration from everyone I meet though. My friends and family are also a huge source of creative energy to me, I like hearing about what they're going through and putting myself in their shoes.

Is performing an important part of your music experience?

Yes! I love performing for people! Ever since I was a kid I've always loved being someone to entertain a crowd and it's only grown more since. I think that performances are one of the things in music that will never go away or die out. You will never be able to recreate the feeling of singing and dancing in front of a crowd. I can't wait to get back out there and start performing these new songs!

What’s something you’re really bad at doing?

I think I'm really bad at trying to not be competitive. I'm naturally a very competitive person and I feel like sometimes I'm competitive to an extreme level. It's pretty funny because my closest friends back home are super competitive, so whenever we get into a little game or something, it gets serious pretty quick haha.

Does the week begin on Sunday or Monday?

For me the week definitely begins on a Monday hahahah. I need Sunday to relax, rest, listen to some good music and do some chores around the house. But when Monday rolls around, it's time to grind!!!

If you had the world’s attention for 1 minute, what would you say?

Honestly, I would probably say something like be kind to everyone and go have some fries. It's such a crazy time right now, that I feel like we just all need to try and be kind and you know, go enjoy some crispy salted french fries because who doesn't love fries?! Haha.

Where’s your favourite place to listen to music and why?

These days, I've been mostly listening to music in the car. I think I love listening to music in the car so much because when you press shuffle, you have no choice but to listen to whatever song is playing and absorb it. When I'm not driving though, I just love to put some headphones on and zone out in my room.

Keith may not know when the beginning of the week truly is, but each to their own! Monday or Sunday is doesn’t really matter as long as your vibing. We can’t wait to see what R&B bangers he comes out with next!

Check out his new track below or head to our Sunday's R 4 the Soul 🎷 playlist to hear more fab songs like this one.

By Samuel Seedsman.