Words: Sheziya Pereira
In a world where creativity knows no bounds, Keiynan Lonsdale stands as a beacon of unbridled artistic expression. From his early days dancing at the age of four to his emergence as a boundary-pushing musician and actor, Keiynan has defied categorisation, effortlessly weaving between different art forms with grace and finesse. But beyond his artistic endeavours lies a story of passion and unyielding creativity. In this article, I delve deep into the enigmatic world of Keiynan Lonsdale, exploring the intricacies of his journey, the inspirations that fuel his artistry, and the dreams that continue to drive him forward.
My interview with Keiynan takes place over Zoom, my background a wind-whipped night in London contrasting his, a radiant beaming morning in Australia.
It’s been around three months since Keiynan’s most recent project, The Heart Defence Mixtape, which received a great response from his fans. It was a project that served as a beautiful outpour. “It was nice to plant in the ground another sound, point audiences into a new perspective”. Keiynan’s journey has been one of continuous growth and exploration, a career spanning over a decade. “This journey never ends, and I still love it”. When asked about his overall creative process, he finds himself most creative during moments of emotional turbulence and instability, when his thoughts and feelings seem to be in disarray. “When I just can’t figure things out in my head and my heart feels a mess, some kind of art is born”. It is during these classic periods of inner turmoil that he often gives birth to his most profound artistic expressions. However, he also experiences bursts of creativity when he feels grounded, wholesome, and balanced, viewing the creative process as a spiritual journey. Embracing both the chaos and clarity that accompany his artistic endeavours, finding purpose in the midst of the unpredictable, revelling in the moments when a song or piece emerges as a beacon of understanding amid the chaos of life. “I love that feeling when a piece or song comes out and it feels like clarity and feels like there’s a purpose to the crazy”. These fuel his song writing which he describes as an intimate journey.
Keiynan’s upbringing shaped not only his character but also his artistry, growing up in the suburbs of St Mary’s Australia. He describes growing up there as “hard but beautiful”, being very different from the sandy beaches the media projects. “It’s not the beach, it’s not Bondi; there’s an Australia that you see but one the world has yet to learn about,” but nonetheless describes it as a land of effortless charm, passionate people, and a unique spirit. “There’s a particular kind of peace that I love; it’s my home soil,” one that has left an indelible mark on him. Delving into the topic of his upbringing and surroundings, Keiynan credits the “work ethic, perception, and context” of his upbringing in Australia as being embedded into his music, along with crediting his siblings and their musical influences, forming the foundation of his own musical identity. He grew up being the youngest in his household with “all different styles of music coming out of each room from metal to R’n’B and rap”. His older sisters’ love for artists like TLC and India Arie have definitely contributed to his own style of music. Regarding his own personal taste when asked about one album he would take if being sent to space for 40 years, his choice first suggests an album of his then turns to reflect a blend of nostalgia and comfort. “Off the Wall” by Michael Jackson, he reveals, holds a special place in his heart. “It feels the most nostalgic,” he reflects, “and if I’m going crazy, I could turn that music on and feel good, at least.”
“I prefer to write when it’s something that I’m feeling compelled to do; that’s usually when the best music comes”. His inspiration for his song writing is fuelled by not only real personal experiences and emotions but also experiences and perspectives of others. “I’m in these periods for months at a time where I just write, write, write and share stories and things I’m going through”. There’s also a form of manifestation in his music with songs he had written when he was younger about things that at the time hadn’t experienced but “when listening back years later I’ll be like wow that really speaks to me”, showing his discography as a timeless one. Beyond his artistic pursuits, Keiynan harbours a unique dream – to open a chocolate shop, for his response reflects his adventurous spirit. “I don’t have a favourite. I feel like there are still so many to explore.” His long-time love for chocolate did not seem surprising as a few years back he discovered his grandfather used to be a cacao farmer in Nigeria.
Speaking about the unbeknownst of the future, Keiynan reveals several exciting projects on the horizon, starring in the new Australian TV show “Swift Street,” offering a fresh perspective on Australia, showcasing facets of the country that often go unseen. A new album is on the way. He is also in preparation for his first solo headline tour in Australia and the UK, marking a significant milestone in his career with the promise of “a lot of new music” being debuted that he feels nervous but also excited about with an eagerness “to show what reflects me now and where I’m going”. Despite having visited London before, he feels a newfound connection to the city and recently mastered his next album here. “I started to feel connected to the place and curious to explore it”. However, he humorously notes his dislike for London’s unpredictable weather, especially the stark temperature difference between the chilly outdoors and the overheated tube. As an avid tube taker, I gave him a valuable tip of never dressing for the weather but always dressing for the tube.
With a new album along his upcoming tour beginning in May, I asked about the process he takes before each performance. Keiynan considers “what would make the kid in me joyful”, as he prepares for the tour, he is excited to debut this new music, taking risks to showcase his evolving identity and musical direction with. He finds inspiration for his shows while travelling, with ideas springing to life “the shows have been coming to life in my head”.
As our conversation draws to a close, it’s evident that Keiynan Lonsdale’s journey is far from over. With each project, performance, and new endeavour, he continues to push boundaries and defy expectations, all while staying true to himself and his artistic vision. As fans eagerly await his upcoming tour and projects, one thing is certain – Keiynan’s infectious energy and unwavering passion will continue to inspire and captivate audiences. As he embarks on this next chapter of his career, we can only imagine the heights he’ll reach and the boundaries he’ll break. He is definitely a talented individual to watch in the next upcoming months.
