15 Questions with Oliver Keane

Oliver Keane

1.Who is ‘Oliver Keane’

Just a boy from Derby trying to make something of myself

2. For someone that is yet to discover you, how would you describe your music?

That period after a breakup where you can’t decide whether you hate or miss your ex, that’s my music.

3. What inspired you as an artist?

Growing up my mum was always listening to Pink Floyd, Nirvana and other similar bands but my Dad loved disco, BeeGee’s, Earth Wind and Fire and a lot of early rap. I love the energy of disco and rap but love the grunge of rock, that’s where tracks like Miss You and 3.5 have stemmed from, my love for both.

4. What is your process for preparing to perform live? Do you have any Diva demands? 

Before we play a show I have to listen to the entirety of The Balcony by Catfish and the Bottlemen to get myself gassed. It’s all about bringing the energy, and nothing gets me more energetic than Catfish. 

5. Where do you feel you fit into the music landscape?

I don’t feel like I do, which has been a massive struggle for me. I love indie and spent time in bands. I always thought that’s where my music would finish, but growing up I got into Dominic Fike, Frank Ocean and more alternative music that’s started to creep its way in.

6: What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike? 

I spend a lot of my time listening to a lot of rap like Wu Tang and Kendrick. As a producer I love how inspiring some of the sounds on albums like Blonde and To Pimp A Butterfly is. 

7. Is there a story behind ‘ Give Me A Reason’ ? 

Give Me a Reason was massively inspired by the floaty, indie space that houses artists like Del Water Gap, Holly Humberstone and Medium Build. I love an upbeat ballad, not sure whether to dance or cry.

8. What would you say is your greatest strength as an artist?

I’m a creative. I just like getting what’s in my head out into the world and I’ll do and learn whatever it takes to achieve that. As a kid I was obsessed with learning instruments and the different feelings that each instrument gave which I think has set me up so nicely now I’m a producer and writer as well.

9. What would you say is your greatest weakness as an artist?

I’m such a perfectionist. I’ve really struggled with finishing some songs because I can’t decide what production or which lyric does the song the most justice.

 10.  What can fans expect from your new EP ‘MOTION SICKNESS’

MOTION SICKNESS is the older brother to my first EP (16mm Dream Sequence). I wanted to pay homage to my indie roots and put my heart and soul into it and I’m so proud of how it came out. 

11. What music artist would you say has influenced your work? 

Catfish and the Bottlemen were one of my biggest influences growing up. Later in life I love the lyricism of Dominic Fike and Frank Ocean, the quirky lines that you don’t expect.

12. Who would you most like to collaborate with artistically?

As an artist, I love my own space and I think it will take me a while before I’m comfortable enough to allow people into my little world. However I would love to produce some music that’s super out of my comfort zone and really push the boundaries of my abilities.

13: What was the most difficult obstacle you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?

I think life in general has ups and downs, I spend a lot of time reflecting and thinking which is a blessing and a curse.

14: What is your creative process when making music. Do you work with others or is it just you? 

I spent a lot of time working with Luke Grieve and Noah Terefe, two very good friends and insanely talented musicians. They showed me the ropes of production and taking a song from start to finish. I feel now I’ve flourished into a producer more, working with them is more just fun rather than a need. 

15: Where do you see your musical career in 10 years? 

Wherever it takes me, the beauty of music is you can go down so many avenues. I love playing live so I would love to get to a point where I can go on long tours and see the world through the eyes of my music.

16: The UK seems to have gone into meltdown regarding the Oasis Reunion, are you bothered by It? 

As soon as I saw the price of tickets, enough was said. The price of touring has become extortionate and therefore ticket prices have also gone up. Something needs to change otherwise live music is going to be ruined.

Motion Sickness EP cover

CLICK MORE NOW