The folk singer/songwriter we have been waiting for! From San Diego, CA, Leah Keane shocks us with the authenticity her voice brings. Her sound delivery is flawless, smooth and incredibly rich. Being musically diverse, Keane plays a variety of her own instruments within her songs, and accompanied by her unique sound is a melody you never knew was missing in your life—until now, of course. “Selfie Sweetie” was Keane’s EP released late January, with five beautifully curated songs gifted to us.
“The Way” starts off with soulful vocals by Keane that immediately gave us goosebumps (we weren’t lying with the title). This artist undoubtedly captivates us with her blissful melodies in “The Way”—a song expressing an aspect of melancholic longing to find ones self, which is definitely a concept we all resonate with at some point in our lives. Keane’s flowing dynamics are evidently effortless, as they flow from one verse to the other with the utmost grace. Keane’s overall sound in this ballad stays with you for a while—it’s one of those songs that truly confounded with us. Keane’s passion is definitely what sets “The Way” apart from other ballads that lack the distinct genuity this song clearly embodies.
Add Leah's “The Way” to your Spotify playlist, and don't forget to scroll down for the artist's exclusive interview!
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello everyone! My name is Leah Keane and I am a singer/songwriter from San
Diego, California. I enjoy hanging out with friends, carne asada fries, and singing for
strangers! At an early age I showed a love for music. My parents started me with
piano lessons at age three thus guaranteeing music would forever be a part of my
life. I was the kind of kid who new all the words to every nursery rhyme, Disney
song, radio commercial etc. I participated in a couple school plays growing up that
made me realize I could conquer my stage fright and reap the rewards. I attended
the University of California San Diego, majoring in Economics and minoring in
Music. It wasn’t until after college that I began this musical journey, and I am so
grateful I took those first steps.
Can you give us a brief history of your musical career?
In the summer of 2016 I quit my day job as an Estimator for a Contracting
Management Firm in order to pursue music. I began my journey by taking guitar
lessons, some vocal coaching, and spending many sleepless nights wondering what
the heck I was doing. Flash forward to present day and I have: original music on
Spotify, I play the guitar, ukulele and piano, and I perform all around San Diego
County. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Ireland in 2017 and 2018 where I
performed in pubs and drank a bit too much! I am excited for everything 2019 will
have to offer; already this year I released my very first EP Selfie Sweetie available on
iTunes, Spotify, Google play and other streaming services!
Do you write your own music? Can you tell us a bit about your writing style?
I do write my own music! All five songs on my EP I wrote and performed. Most of my
songs begin with an instrumental lick or pattern that I repeat and perfect.
Sometimes the words come easy, and other times I find myself humming a melody
with no clue where it’s going. In these moments, I refer back to my notes where I
have written down poems, phrases, or concepts for inspiration. I simply play with
these lines until something sticks. I have learned to never force a song. If I come up
with something great lyrically but haven’t found the right melody then I take a step
back and revisit it a few weeks later. The best songs I find are the most organic- the
ones that come pouring out of you as if you’d known the words your whole life!
We love your new song "The Way"! Can you tell us a bit about it?
The Way is a perfect example of a truly organic experience. I wrote “The Way” on a
blustery Monday and went into the studio that Wednesday to record it. It only took
three takes for me to get the version you hear on my EP. I think that’s why people
enjoy it so much- it’s raw and real. Some of the songs we decided to take the
instrumental track first and then later add the vocals. The Way is a performance; I
just sat down and poured my heart out.
Where did the inspiration behind the song come from?
I grew up in a small country town in east San Diego County called Julian- population
1500. It attracts tourists every year for its country beauty, small town experience
and apple pie. The day I wrote “The Way” I was back at my parent’s house watching
the oak trees sway violently in the Santa Ana winds… and it resonated with me. I
was going through a period of unexpected change. A lifestyle and relationship I had
worked on for nearly five years reached a dead end and I felt vulnerable and
frustrated. I found myself thinking “if only I could press a pause button on life
maybe I would be able to take a deep breath and figure out what the heck I am
supposed to do now”. So The Way poured out of me- I wrote it in an hour. I think it
resonates with people because haven’t we all gone through a time period where we
simply don’t know what our next step should be? I believe half the battle is
admitting you’re lost and asking “Dear Miss Mother Mountain” which way do I go
now?
What are three things you’d love your fans to know about you?
1) I have consumed gallons of cookie dough in my lifetime and have never once been
sick from it. So don’t let your mamas stop you from being happy- eat the dough!
2) I’m a total nerd. I’m a math tutor, I’ve read the Harry Potter series at least five
times, I grew up watching Star Trek with my mom…anyone want to play Settlers of
Catan?
3) I’d love my fans to know how much I appreciate their support. I am so grateful for
every stranger who’s come up to me to say a kind word at a farmer’s markets. And
to all of my followers who have shared my EP with their friends, thank you!
Any upcoming shows? For someone who hasn’t seen you live yet, how would you describe your performance?
If you’re interested in seeing me perform live you can visit my website
leahkeane.com and go to “events” to see where I am playing next! I perform for
many local wineries- in March I’ll be at Vineyrad Grant James, Solterra Winery and
Kitchen and more! My gigs are the perfect escape; bring a friend, sip some wine and
let me serenade you!
What’s next for you through 2019?
I am super excited to begin working with a band this year. We’ve got our sights on
bigger shows and plan on releasing a full- length album by the end of the year. Stay
tuned!
Keep up to date with the latest on Leah Keane through her website and socials: