From East London, Keaton Dekker is creating a whole world visually and audibly, inspired by 80's music and a dashing of R'n'B. His project is called 'unwelcome series' and is collection of episodes that contain a song and a visual story, which has had a whole host of his friends involved in the making. The artist is creating a world for this music that is so beautiful and wholesome; it feels so pure and it's being inspired by the world around him, facing real time issues that we all go through. Having the chance to know more from Keaton Dekker earlier on this week was so enjoyable and lovely. Hearing how he simply wants his work to feel real for his audience and wanting to impact his world such a positive way. Keaton's newest single, 'ITYK' and the second episode ,is out now and make sure to check out the visual that goes along with the song!
The project ‘unwelcome series’ sounds so interesting and cool! Where did the idea for the visual and song ‘episode’ series come from?
The music was mostly inspired by locations I’d imagine when making it. Having this visual story alongside the songs made total sense to me with how cinematic everything felt. I wanted to create a whole world for my eyes, so it felt right. Calling the songs ‘episodes’ and the EP a ‘series’ felt like it explained everything in just a few words.
Do you find making music is a great way to help you understand yourself or things that you have gone through? The personal touch I hear in your music is really awesome to hear!
100%..Getting it out in black and white allows me to really see where my head is at. It’s always helped like nothing! else!
The first track from ‘unwelcome’ was ‘makeup’, which sounds so dreamy but with a dark/sinister sound! How did the song come about and I presume the song is about making amends with people in the right way, even if it is leaving it? ‘makeup’ is an exact example of the last question too really. I used to think making up was so crucial in friendships but writing it led me to realise it’s also fine to not do that too sometimes. I was frustrated which I think can be heard in the track, yet there’s that sense of freedom and letting go which only became an option I considered (in real life) once I wrote it down.
It was so great to read that you brought in your friends to help with this project, from that and ‘myself’, friendship is a big part of your life then?
Yess it wouldn’t even be at this point without them, generally life is so weird but friends make it better.
Also having that team working with you being either queer or POC is so fantastic! From your experiences, how have you felt representation is dealt with in the UK Music Industry?
It’s so important! even in small things like having a stylist who knows how to work with all hair textures on sets. For now I’m lucky and grateful for friends around me who support my ideas and make me feel comfortable. In other spaces it’s not always like that.
With what’s happened in recent months, how has that fuelled you to carry on being a great beam of light of of inclusivity, standing up against hate and celebrating black and queer culture?
It’s definitely been a wild time, I've been being more real and honest with myself, my feelings and sharing more of that with my audience. I often think how wild it is to release right now but it’s so needed too, just because of how transformative music is (especially lately).
The newest single from the ‘unwelcome series’ is out now, which is called ‘Ityk’! Again about friendship?
yesss, the songs on this project explore the same situation I experienced a few years ago. ‘ITYK’ addresses miscommunication and how it can create a huge misjudgement of character, it also details twists and turns from being in a friendship that isn’t 100% open and honest.
It is so beautiful sounding with some nods to a lot of 80’s music. How did the song come about? I have a very DIY, humble picture in my head of how this song came about haha!
Thank you! I think you’re right haha - I made it in my bedroom. I wanted to create pure warmth with sound, like when sun rays hit the surface of your face. I started with the drums, the keys followed, then things slowly became more and more emotionally-driven once I started with the lyrics.
What are your favourite artists from the 80’s??
aaa, I have to limit myself to six. right now it’s - brian eno, stevie, tears for fears, cocteau twins, the egyptian lover, chaka khan!
So we have heard and seen two episodes now, very exciting! When will we hear episode 3?!
yes! a few weeks!
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