Tag: Kee’ahn

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kee’ahn Drops Breathtaking New Single, “Heavy”

Naarm/Melbourne chanteuse Kee’ahn casts a spell with their latest neo-soul single “Heavy.” While you’re settling into the groove, don’t miss the lyrics which speak of the importance of connection in the healing process.

“It’s a reminder that our heaviest moments are meant to be shared,” Kee’ahn said. “That we need each other. It’s about the power of community, holding on and letting ourselves be held. A message we all need right now.”

Kee’ahn looked to their community to bring this one to life. It features guitar and bass from OjiAji, keys from Yusuf Harare Jnr, flute from Kasinda Faase, and drums from Kawel Che. This soundscape is all tied together neatly with production from Pataphysics. “Heavy” also comes with a film clip shot and edited by Sapphic Flicks in Kee’ahn’s hometown of Gurambilbarra and Thul Garrie Waja/Townsville after a period of intense flooding.

“All three of us stayed in the house I grew up in and filmed in the backyard with my mum, aunties, cousins, nan, and niece assisting and featuring in the piece,” Kee’ahn explained. “I wanted the visuals to honour women, family, and country. That we must hold each other just as country and water hold us.”

I can hear Kee’ahn’s influences like Lauryn Hill and Janelle Monae coming through, but they reinterpret the neo-soul genre in such an exciting, Australian way. I love this song and can’t wait to hear more from Kee’ahn.

Image used with permission from Northside Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Samuel Gaskin and Kee’ahn Collaborate on “Find My Way Back”

Naarm/Melbourne-based talents Samuel Gaskin and Kee’ahn have joined forces for “Find My Way Back,” a dance-pop number that pays tribute to the people who’ve paved the way for these two artists. Samuel channels their Māori and Nigerian roots while Kee’ahn celebrates their Yalanji, Jirrbal, Badu islander heritage.

“For me ‘Find My Way Back’ is a love letter to the Ancestors and the parts of ourselves we may have shut down or been disconnected from,” Samuel explained. Kee’ahn added that the song is “an invitation to accept ourselves where we are at so that we can have the courage and self belief, to chase after what feels like home.”

I love a good collaboration, and this is one of the best I’ve heard in a while. Make sure you turn it up!

Photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kee’ahn & Emma Donovan Team Up For First Archie Roach Foundation Single

Australia lost one of its brightest stars when it lost Archie Roach last year. But his legacy lives on through the Archie Roach Foundation Singing Our Futures program, which pairs emerging First Nations artists with Indigenous mentors. The first release from the program is “Take No More,” a powerful collaboration by up-and-coming North Queensland talent Kee’ahn and acclaimed Indigenous singer Emma Donovan. It’s a true First Nations anthem celebrating how elders across time have stood strong in the face of ongoing challenges so that hopefully the path will be easier for future generations.

“We started writing ‘Take No More’ around Invasion Day Jan 26th. Both of us were feeling a lot of emotions that come with the date and feeling inspired by grassroots mob who organise to educate and liberate our peoples,” Kee’ahn recalled. “We spoke about how our leaders across generations stand strong and staunch against ongoing challenges, the act of carrying the torch forward passed down from your elders so our future generations can do the same or ideally won’t have to at all. We spoke about solidarity and how liberation is a joint fight with many hands needed. It also feels like this song has grown over the year, during which time beautiful Black leaders and changemakers have passed on into dreaming – this song feels dedicated to them. To Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter and to Uncle Jack Charles. They inspire me/us to sing our truth for our past, present and futures.”

“Take No More” is the first track lifted from the Singing Our Futures EP, which will drop later this year.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jacinta Keefe