An epic first move for 2022, Oliver Keane unveils his biggest moment yet with intoxicating new single 3am via Platoon, plus news of his debut EP in the pipeline!
Despite being just 18 years old, Oliver Keane has been writing songs on the daily for over six years. “We’re talking about thousands of songs. I can’t remember the last time I went without making music, or having some form of an idea just sitting in the back of a train, singing to myself like a weirdo…”
The compulsive drive towards making music never stops, even when nature calls, sharing more Oliver explained: “I wrote ‘3am’ on the toilet one night, I do that quite often – go to the toilet, start writing and then I’m there for six hours.
I wrote ‘3am’ in the space of 20 minutes and it’s still my favourite song so far. It’s the staple track – it’s my Wembley song”.
Hundreds of thousands of fans have been patiently waiting for the release of 3am after Oliver uploaded an early demo of the track to TikTok last year, just raspy effortless vocals, clever phrasing and a guitar. Quickly the track written on the toilet got over half a million views.
3am follows Oliver’s second single ‘Fall Down’, a guitar slicked anthem touching on matters of the heart. The indie-rock offering showed a heavier side to the rising artist’s sound, whereas stripped back debut single ‘In The Morning’ represented a more tender side to his music. Driven by distinctive vocal, clever songwriting and catchy melodies, Oliver’s debut EP coming soon, looks to be an impressive body of work.
Derby born and newly London based, Oliver Keane is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He first picked up a guitar aged nine, initially training classically and forming a strong technical foundation to his playing. Since hitting his teens Oliver was determined to forge his own path and has barely paused for breath.
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
It look a long time for me to figure out what music I wanted to do. I’ve always experimented a lot and still do now but alternative music I think has always suited me the most. I had loads of acoustic songs we basically turned into alternative songs, antidote being a good example with the harsh switch halfway through.
What should a song or piece of art communicate in your opinion?
I think a song that can convey the emotion you intended it to when writing it is a beautiful thing however I think songs can be a universal thing and sometimes people may interpret it in a different way.
Who were your top 3 artists last year?
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Briston Maroney
Frank Ocean
What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?
I try to consume as much music as possible. Whether it’s studio bts from an artist I love or just playlists.
What are your 2022 projects and goals?
Playing live has been at the top of my list for a while seeing as I haven’t played live properly for about 2 years. I’ve also just been excited to get this project out for a long time now.
Favourite movie or TV show?
Good Will Hunting
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about?
3am I wrote on the toilet in 20 minutes. I remember Facetiming my producer Luke and us both just dropping everything we were doing and finishing the song. I think it was such a passion driven project and we enjoyed every second of it.
What is something you would want to change in the music and entertainment industry?
I think the stigma that people should prioritise how commercial their music is over the authenticity of it. Yes being consumable is a good trait to have, but personally I don’t think any of that matters if you don’t have authentic, good music as a foundation.
Can you outline your creative process?
I record and write the majority of my music from my flat. Usually I’ll just get an idea come into my head and start writing it straight away. I always look to other artists and creatives for inspiration and usually have an idea on where I want the song to go before I’ve even written it.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
After moving to London, I got a lot more into vintage style streetwear. I think my friends and I have a similar taste in clothes which helps a lot. I also love my tattoos and may have a slight addiction to getting them which I think is a big part of me.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
I think just the recent support from people around me towards my music has been insane. Whether it’s family, friends, my team, anyone. It’s been very boosting to get so much love for music I’ve created.
What do you think an artist should sing about nowadays?
Whatever they want to sing about. I think there’s a stigma you need to write about something new, but some of the best songs in the world are simply about love.
Do you have any regrets?
Don’t regret, reflect and learn.
What is some piece of advice you would give to yourself right now?
Relax. I spend a lot of time stressing about things I can’t control. Also sleep, I need to sleep more but I write my best songs at 3am so it’s not easy.
