Kenyan born, UK based artist KESHO (pronounced ‘kay-sho’) returns with R&B infused pop single ‘Whiskey Sour’, and it’s a tasteful experience best served on a good set of speakers. Fusing elements of dance, electronica, and R&B to create his vibrant sound, Connor Daniel, aka the mind behind KESHO, clearly states that his music refuses to be limited to one musical avenue. Receiving support from LA On Lock, Talk About Pop Music, Topsify UK and many more outlets, KESHO is a smooth artist with layers of personality.
To anyone new to your music, name 3 words that best describe your sound.
Energetic, genre-blending
Introduce yourself (yourselves) and your hidden talent!
My name is Connor… I used to be a professional street dancer. It’s not so much hidden talent – I just discovered a love for making music instead and never really looked back!
What made you decide that music is the right path for you?
Its more of a ‘nothing else compares’ kind of vibe. Nothing in particular made me decide… I just always knew.
What’s your writing process like? Do you write the music or lyrics first?
I usually always work on the music first. I get the bare bones down first, almost like a blueprint of the song. Chorus is king so I try to work on that first, normally a lyric idea or melody will hit me halfway through production and I’ll go from there. I have loads of song concepts in my notes folder in my phone ready to go so I scroll through and see if any stick out to me.
Do you prefer performing live or recording, and why?
Due to the pandemic I can barely remember what performing live feels like! There’s nothing quite like being on stage.
Who are your main musical influences and why?
I was raised on Stevie Wonder, Nile Rodgers and Michael Jackson and I think their influence on music as a whole speaks for itself. Nowadays I listen to a lot of hip hop, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar are my favourites as they’re incredibly versatile. They almost re-invent themselves with every album.
If you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
Everyone trying to mimic the latest trends. I find there’s a lot of recycling within the industry and as soon as something pops off, everyone tries to replicate it. I kind of wish it was like the 80s where there were artists overtly trying to create new genres and experimenting was a positive!
What would be your dream support gig? Bonus points for place/venue.
Opening for Disclosure at Ally Pally. Although our music differs as they’re more based in the House genres, there’s still some crossovers and their live setup completely inspired me to perform electronic music and not just DJ it.
If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
Kanye West 100%. He’s my G.O.A.T and no one can tell me different. I don’t get involved with the political stuff… but if we’re taking music then for me he’s the most influential artist since the 2000’s.
What’s the best advice you’d give to your younger self?
Don’t be precious about anything! Collaboration will grow your creative mind. Having a thick skin will always help too.
Give our listeners some music recommendations that we should check out!
Sam Gellaitry is a Scottish electronic producer I’ve followed for years. He surprised us all this year when he came out and started singing on his music too!! He’s releasing some ‘anti-pop’ kind of tunes and I can’t get I’m enough of it.
What’s in store for you for the rest of the year?
Well Whiskey Sour is coming out in November so incase I miraculously write a Christmas smash hit, I plan on developing the music set to follow this release in the new year!
What’s the music scene like where you are from?
It’s a bit of a sticky one for me… there is definitely a strong scene in Southampton, but whether I fit into it is a different subject. I guess there aren’t that many live electronic performers in the south coast.
Tell MoggBlog viewers about your latest release! What’s the inspiration behind that?
I wrote it whilst freezing my nuts off in the cold back when bars could only open outdoors. I was having a Whiskey Sour just because it’s one of my favourite cocktails and thought it’d be a great song concept.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It completely revolutionised the business! I would’ve loved to have been in the room when music execs were being told that CD’s won’t be a thing in the near future, instead it’ll all be based on online steaming apps. I imagine the geniuses who predicted that were being laughed out the room back then.
You can find KESHO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Make sure to follow MoggBlog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Spotify!
moggblog.com 