Arriving today with his debut EP ‘the unwelcome series’, East London bedroom pop newcomer keaton dekker puts his own, personal spin on a coming-of-age narrative for Gez-Z – tackling modern topics like relationships in a time of social media with a flourish. Give it a listen below, and get to know keaton a little better, too.
Hi Keaton, how’s it going? Are you having a good day?
Hey! Yes, hung out and walked to the store to see myself in a print magazine for the first time, which was wild!!
What does a typical day look like for you at the moment, has the pandemic mucked up many of your plans?
I feel like my plans pre-pandemic were still technically social isolation in the lead up to getting this EP out, which is cute! I’m writing a lot right now, editing music videos and prepping. Keeping real busy still somehow!
When did you first realise you wanted to pursue being a musician full-time?
I think it had a lot to do with my fascination with CDs. I’d also write lyrics over songs I’d listen to when I was around 7 or 8. The Lizzie McGuire Movie plot was also a (super big) thing for me too. But music felt really otherworldly? I think I just wanted to understand it growing up, which must of led me here.
Does writing songs come easily to you?
It depends. I love details so I can take quite a while to finalise things sometimes, but making sure you’re replicating what was in your mind to start with is important, it can be super quick and could take half an hour, or be a bit trickier and longer sometimes.
Are you drawn to a particular vibe, or particular topics with your music?
An otherworldly, escapist one. With this project, I wanted the sounds to take me to new places. That sort of escapism is fun to me as a producer but also as a listener.
What can you tell us about your new EP? What’s it about, how did it come together?
It came together in my bedroom in 2018. It’s built around the trappings of relationships and the process of letting someone go. Although the singles have gradually detailed things, the EP lines it all up! The songs will be heard in an order where you’ll be able to dive into the story more and get even more lost in it.
Are you creative in non-musical ways too?
I create my own graphics, edit, write and direct my videos, so I hope so!!
Did you grow up in East London, or move there later? It must be really handy when trying to break into the music industry.
Yess, grew up here in East!
Where do you most like hanging out?
The forest near my house is a really special spot for me, and my room, which helps as it’s also where I make all of my music!
Who do you think is the most exciting band or musician around right now?
FKA twigs.
Tell us a secret about yourself?
I was an ice skater in my teens, but then I quit to do music!
keaton dekker’s ‘the unwelcome series’ is out now.
