Following on from a flurry of impactful offerings this past year, British artist KEKA is back to her best once again to deliver her breezy new single ‘Little Party’.
Adopting more of that rich and shimmering aesthetic she has been building lately, ‘Little Party’ adds another vibrant layer to her riveting sound so far. So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to discuss her origins and influences over the years.
–
Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
Music has always been a key part of my life. I started singing at a very young age, and by the time I was 11, my parents moved back to my hometown Prishtina in Kosovo for work for a few years, and this is where I joined a children’s band. This was the first time I worked in a studio setting, and we recorded a song and performed in various music festivals for young audiences.
This early experience sparked my passion for music, and soon after, I returned to London to immerse myself fully in the musical world.
I enrolled in Sylvia Young Theatre School, where I took vocal lessons and sang in a choir. Around the same time, I began piano lessons and consistently performed covers, singing as much as I could to hone my craft.
Though I later earned a degree in Business Economics, my passion for music never faded. After graduating, I finally made the decision to pursue a career as a professional singer and songwriter. I began writing my own songs and spent time in the studio recording my first tracks. I also started performing at open mic nights, which really helped develop my stage confidence.
To further refine my songwriting skills and industry knowledge, I studied A&R and Songwriting at Notting Hill Music Academy for a year. During this time, I worked with two vocal coaches to expand my range and met my current manager in 2018, marking a turning point in my career. Together, we focused on recording, building a solid track record, and working towards defining my artistic identity.
So far, I’ve released 10 songs under my artist name, KEKA, and have been performing as much as possible. Recently, I’ve also started working with a dance coach named Hayley and worked with a vocal coach (Troy Antunes) who has trained some incredible artists like Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé. I’m now fully immersed in my music journey, constantly learning and evolving, and I’m excited for what’s next as I continue to take on the music world.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
I’ve always had a diverse taste in music, enjoying a wide range of genres from Pop and R&B to Hip-hop, Jazz, Alternative, and Indie Rock. Over the years, several artists have deeply influenced my musical journey. Icons like Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Sade, and Nina Simone have had a huge impact on me, each for different reasons. Michael Jackson’s unmatched performance style, Rihanna’s versatility, Amy Winehouse’s raw emotion and authenticity, Sade’s smooth, soulful sound, and Nina Simone’s powerful storytelling have all shaped the way I approach music, both as a listener and an artist.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
I’ve developed my sound organically through a lot of songwriting and experimentation with different styles and techniques. Exploring my own tonality and finding what feels most natural to me has been a key part of that process. While I’ve carved out my own unique voice, I still draw inspiration from artists like Michael Jackson, Rihanna, and Amy Winehouse. Michael Jackson’s mastery of melody has always fascinated me, while Rihanna’s ability to use her tonality to convey deep emotion has influenced my vocal approach. Amy Winehouse, with the rawness and authenticity of her voice, has had a significant impact on how I channel emotion into my music.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
One of the defining moments in my musical journey came in 2019 when I performed at a runway fashion show in a Soho club in London (Used to be called Dstrkt). That experience made me realize that music is something I’m passionate about and want to pursue for the rest of my life. More recently, in September, I completed my first-ever mini tour with my team, M Global, performing in London, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. It was truly one of the highlights of my career so far. For the first time, I felt a deep connection with the audience, and I experienced a sense of freedom and openness on stage that I hadn’t felt before. I was able to apply everything I’ve learned about live performances and found myself engaging with the crowd in a way that felt natural and exciting. It was an unforgettable experience that has further fuelled my passion for performing.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
With my soulful tone, I aim to express my personal experiences and emotions authentically through my music. When writing and singing, I always speak from the heart, reflecting the stage of life I’m in at that moment. I often explore themes like love, capturing the emotions of being in the moment, and the joy of dancing through life’s highs and lows. Alongside these, I write about the challenges of pursuing big dreams, perseverance, and healing—emphasizing the importance of self-growth and never giving up. Especially during transitional phases, I find myself writing about the lessons I’ve learned from new experiences and turning those challenges into something beautiful. Whether it’s about love, personal growth, or simply feeling the music, I want my songs to resonate with universal emotions that everyone can connect with.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
During my journey, I have learned to assert my opinions more strongly, and project confidence. Overtime, I realised the importance of seeking out and connecting with other women in the industry, surrounding myself with female energy and support. This shift has been empowering, allowing me to navigate the music world with confidence while staying true to who I am.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
The primary themes I aim to convey through my music are love, unity, healing, perseverance, and the joy of dance. I strive to create a versatile musical landscape while maintaining a consistent sound that reflects my unique identity as KEKA. It’s important to me that my music not only gets people moving but also connects them emotionally to my lyrics. By blending these elements, I hope to foster a sense of community and shared experience among my listeners, encouraging them to embrace both the rhythm and the messages within my songs.
For each single I release, I create an iconic art cover that represents the song, each with its own unique journey. Early next year, I plan to launch a line of jewellery and merchandise inspired by the symbols and icons from these covers. Instead of featuring images of myself, I focus on these meaningful symbols to convey my passion for music. My main intention is to express that my love for music is at the heart of everything I do.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
My creative process typically begins at home, where I have a small setup with a DAW and a MIDI keyboard to sketch out my initial ideas. I often start writing in my kitchen, capturing the raw emotion and flow of inspiration before laying it down as a demo. Once I have the foundation, I bring it to my producers, and together we bring the track to life, adding their creative input to enhance the vision. I love the collaborative process and value the fresh perspectives my colleagues bring in the studio.
While I’m open to experimenting and sometimes write as I go during recording sessions, I generally prefer to come prepared. Having a clear direction beforehand allows me to guide my music in a way that feels true to my heart. That balance between planning and spontaneity is where I find the most creativity, and it’s been key to shaping my sound.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
I hope my music spreads love and positivity, and that it shows that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, no matter where you start. I want my songs to connect with listeners in an authentic way, sharing my journey through the music. For aspiring female musicians, I hope my story inspires them to believe in their own paths and keep pushing through challenges.
From my experience, I’ve learned that while the music always comes first, connecting with the crowd is everything. When I’m on stage, bringing raw energy and positivity truly resonates with people. Dancing and being energetic helps create a powerful connection with the audience, and I believe it’s crucial to own that moment while holding the mic. I also recognize the importance of supporting other female artists during their performances, whether by singing along or dancing to encourage them. It’s vital that we uplift each other every step of the way.
–
Listen to KEKA’s new single ‘Little Party’ below.