Interviews: Keyton

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Pop Punk/Rock artist, Keyton from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name?

When I was 19, I started playing solo all-ages shows. I didn't have a band name at the time, and remember just going with the flow when the flyers were released as "Keyton". Honestly I never intended to be a "one name artist" like Prince or Madonna, but at this point all I wanted was to play live show! -My perspective was "Call me whatever you want, just let me play".

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Things took a turn in my teens. I started listening to punk rock at 14, learning guitar at 15, and was in a pop punk band by 16. During those times emo rock and pop punk music (Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, Fall Out Boy, etc) was SUPER prevalent and that writing style stuck with me as a writing influence, even to this day.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Though I mainly write and perform solo these days, I've definitely had band versions of "Keyton" in the past. These band members were predominately long-time friends or scene acquaintances, so it just wound up being one big family that loved to play music.

4. What's your favourite band?

MAN, that's always a tough question! Not sure if I have a favorite, but bands I can always listen to would likely be Mogwai (instrumental rock is perfect for thinking/driving), The Beatles (just b/c they have such a HUGE variety of material) and Patrick Stump's solo work (pure energetic nostalgia). 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

This is going to sound really depressing, but I write better music when I'm emotional (life, love, loss, etc). While I have a few songs here and there that are written in a happy state, people always seem to love the sad ones.

6. Where was your last gig?

My last gig was a year ago in Anniston, Alabama with Caldonia. It was an energetic show that kicked off 2020. COVID-19 put a screeching halt to live music, so I'm hoping to get back out there in 2021.

7. Where would you like to perform, the most?

I know it's a long shot, but it would be a dream to perform at the historic Ryman, in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s close enough from Alabama that it could be feasible, but also somewhat of a pipe dream, to be honest.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I'd be over the moon to have a feature with Chris Carrabba, from Dashboard Confessional. His writing style is iconically emo, and influenced me a lot when I first started out. There, I said it. haha

9. Whom not?

Fat Mike, from NOFX. Don't get me wrong, they're still an amazing band, but the older I get, the more I realize he treats his fans like shit. -That's just something I can't move past.

10. Have you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Though I've been performing in front of audiences since I was 6, I still get a little nervous right before taking the stage. I wouldn't exactly call it "stage fright" but definitely a feeling of anxiousness. The thing that helps me beat this feeling is knowing that I'm familiar with the material being performed. -It's kind of like a test in the sense of the more you know the material, the less likely you are to screw up......that helps a ton.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

As far as "Keyton" is concerned, I'd say the bands mentioned above, in addition to Bright Eyes. Conor Oberst is a beast when it comes to prolific, genre-spanning songwriting.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked your band for?

Once after a show (we were completely drenched with sweat), a girl straight up asked my drummer if she could lick his back. –Of course he let her.

13. What do you think of your fans?

My fans are the best. They are absolutely the most supportive, genuine individuals out there. I've become friends with a lot of them, and I wouldn't trade that for the world.

14. What do you think of our site?

Breathing The Core has a great thing going on. It really reminds me of a digital version of an old school punk rock zine, from back in the day. Not only do you promote up and coming bands, but you allow a space for people to check out music, reviews, and interviews from around the underground music scene.

15. Something add?

If anyone wants to check out Keyton’s music, just go to www.KeytonMusic.com or find it on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5TNWYFrFkuRG9s7GJDo6l5