UK artist KeeQ talks his new release

KeeQ is a DJ and producer who has released music on prestigious labels such as Circus Recordings, Saved Records, Abracadabra, and Hurry Up Slowly. He has received support from heavyweights such as Pete Tong, Danny Howard, Gorgon City, Sarah Story, and Joseph Capriati. His music has been played by Carl Cox and Solomun, two of the greatest in the industry. Beyond his performances and appearances, KeeQ is an artist who is passionate about the radio format. In 2023, KeeQ became the resident DJ at Ibiza Live Radio. He has also made guest appearances on Tomorrowland Radio and had his mixes featured on Kiss FM, Stereo Productions Podcast, and Circo Podcast. KeeQ's music is an organic blend of House and Techno, with touches of tribal and emotive elements. From Brighton's underground scene to the world, KeeQ has made his mark admirably, staying true to his original creations and building a solid and consistent career.

We asked the artist to share some information about his background, achievements, and latest release on Adesso Music, 'Magic Touch', which he collaborated on with Talón.

‍ First of all, congratulations on your release, Magic Touch! We'd like to start by telling you a bit about your career in general: how did everything happen from 2021 until now? What motivated you to start in music?‍

Thank you, it’s great to be back releasing, now in 2024, and also back on Adesso Music.

The past two or so years have been a whirlwind, fun yet hard. I’ve been involved in music on and off for twenty years, pre late 2021 post Covid felt like the right time to return. As I was randomly asked to play some parties. After that, I was hooked again.

Could you share something remarkable from the last two years of your career? What was the moment when you thought: "Wow, this is really happening! I'm good at this!"?

Without doubt playing the first ‘One The Beach’ party in Brighton during July 2021. It was the first day anyone in the UK was allowed to party following Covid, in my hometown - Brighton, United Kingdom - on the beach. The line up was myself and a hero of mine - Carl Cox. The sun was shining, and as it was my hometown many of my friends and family were there. It all felt like a celebration of freedom. Perfect.

In 2022, you've had an admirable number of releases and you're always active. Talking about the creative process: what's it like for you to create a track? Is there a ritual or is it easy to access this inspiration?

I like to try to keep a busy schedule. Nowadays I feel it’s more important than ever to release regularly to stay relevant but also evolve in a sound. For me when starting a new track it can be for a varied number of reasons. On occasions I have been approached by a label, when this happens I create a sound real that marries with mine, then get started. On other occasions I hear a sample that may be referenced, or I could be inspired by watching a DJ or finding new artists.

During 2023, you became a resident DJ on Ibiza Live Radio and also appeared as a guest on Tomorrowland Radio, as well as having your mixes featured on Kiss FM, Stereo Productions Podcast and Circo Podcast. What's it like bringing your music to this format? Could you share more about the behind-the-scenes work?

I love mixing and appearing in such great outlets. I am very active with uploading mixes. My ‘That KeeQ Show’ on Ibiza Live Radio gives me the chance to play certain tracks I would not in a club, whilst also pushing sounds and artists I love to champion.

Away from Ibiza Live Radio, it’s been a privilege to be approached and perform on such great outlets. I stick to a more club style format away from Ibiza Live Radio to those that have not heard me before.

Is your music guided by feelings or is it more rational? Do you create music for yourself or for others?

There is certainly a balance between what I enjoy making and what I think people will like. I do not find that restrictive in any way. I find the best way to test this is in the clubs, with demo versions of tracks.‍

Your recent Adesso Music release is a collaboration with Talón. We want to know all about it! What was the idea behind "Magic Touch"? How did the choice of record label come about?

Talón and I connected last year, and have since become friends. Since knowing each other we released we enjoyed similar sounds, artists and labels. We then started sending unfinished tracks and ideas over to each other, then developed them which eventually resulted in ‘Magic Touch’.

Adesso Music were great with me for my previous release on their label - Such A Loneliness. It felt like the right fit. Talón and I are really happy to be releasing through Adesso Music.

The result of "Magic Touch" is a very alluring house record. Was this the desired destination or did things just flow naturally into this style?

That is exactly what we were going for! Talón and I had a number of references and sounds we wanted to use, with an overall big room spacey outlet. Hopefully it worked.

This isn't your first time in the Adesso Music catalog. Last year, you released "Such A Loneliness" on the label, a melodic 124 BPM Tech House that stood out among the best releases of the year. Do you feel anything has changed between the two releases? Apart, of course, from the collaboration.

Thank you for the kind words. I do not feel much has changed, only evolved. Of course this track is a collaboration, which I enjoyed. Late last year I started to open up to collaborations, and have been able to work with some great artists, on tracks being released this year with Blond:ish, Franky Wah, Calussa, Danny Serrano, and a group called Kuuda.

What emotions do you hope listeners will get from "Magic Touch" and what can we expect in 2024?

I’d hope that anyone listening to the track enjoys the ride, whether it is at 4am in a busy club or alone at home through Spotify, with uplifting emotion.

This year I will aim to have a release per month, and start my own label too. I’ll keep up my monthly Ibiza Live Radio show, and aim to gig as much as possible. I have a good few things lined up, so watch this space.

Listen to the release on Spotify here