Meet Kekoa Usi: A Young Artist Redefining the Landscape of Music and Authenticity
By. Alicia Zamora
A Conversation with Kekoa Usi
As the music industry continues to evolve, fresh voices bring new perspectives and stories that resonate with audiences everywhere. One such voice is Kekoa Usi, a talented young artist currently navigating his final year of high school while passionately pursuing his musical ambitions. In an exclusive interview with Alicia’s Studio, Kekoa opens up about his journey as an emerging artist, shedding light on the blend of education and creativity that shapes his experience. His determination to express himself through music serves as a source of inspiration for his peers and aspiring musicians alike.
Kekoa's upcoming single represents a significant turning point in his artistic journey. Unlike his previous tracks, this new release reveals a more vulnerable side of him, as he embraces the complexities of emotions we all encounter in life. Aiming to connect with listeners on a deeper level, he expresses the importance of acknowledging feelings of unhappiness and uncertainty. Through his music, Kekoa hopes to provide solace and comfort, reminding others that they are not alone in their struggles.
Throughout the interview, Kekoa's passion for music shines brightly, showcasing the drive and dedication that fuel his creative pursuits. Despite the challenges that come with being a young artist in a competitive industry, he remains unfazed, committed to honing his craft and sharing his voice with the world. As he stands on the brink of a promising musical career, Kekoa Usi embodies the spirit of resilience and authenticity, encouraging others to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles they may face.
Diving In
Alicia: Welcome back to Alicia’s Studio we have our nineteenth special guest!!
Kekoa: Hi! My name is Kekoa Usi. I’m a senior at Cerritos High School, and I'm sort of a musician.
Alicia: Diving into the first question, can you tell us a little bit about how you first got into music? Was there a specific moment or influence that sparked your interest?
Kekoa: I would say it really started around COVID time. I had a lot of free time on my hands. It was definitely my brother. He had a guitar, and I saw him playing it all the time. He started singing, and as a little brother, I'm like, ‘I'm going to do the exact same thing.’ So I'd say I really started during COVID. I think I really started to pursue it more going into this year, senior year. I think I was just really bored. I wanted to do something different.
Alicia: Yeah, I get you. You’re a senior in highschool?
Kekoa: Yeah
Alicia: Okay, so you’re like 18 right?
Kekoa: Yeah, I just turned 18 in October.
Alicia: Ah you’re an October baby. Wait, when's your birthday?
Kekoa: October 12th! Are you October too?
Alicia: Yeah, I'm October 29th
Kekoa: October's better
Alicia: I think it's the best month, to be honest.
Kekoa: It literally is
Alicia: Okay and what was the first instrument you learned to play? How did that shape your musical journey?
Kekoa: I wouldn’t really say I learned how to play [the guitar] the typical way people normally learn how to play it. I was, like, a YouTube learner. That’s how me and my brother both started off. We just watched a whole bunch of YouTube tutorials. It was really just guitar. We had a guitar, then we had a really out-of-tune piano. We had it our whole childhood, and we couldn’t really play it because it hurt my brain whenever I’d hear the out-of-tune sound. I started learning guitar fromYouTube tutorials and honestly, I didn't know how to play guitar for a really long time. I watched the tutorials, tried to play with it, and it didn't end up well. I wanted to think that after a year of doing that, it would start to click more. I then started to memorize the chords, and it started going quicker. So, yeah. I really wish I learned how to do it with, like, lessons, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Alicia: Who are some of your musical inspirations, and how have they influenced your style?
Kekoa: It's going to sound cliché, but my brother. But obviously not his style. We have very different styles on how we approach music although he still is the biggest inspiration for sure. I see him working every day and I'm like, ‘Yeah. That is pretty cool.’ He’s doing what he loves, and I want to do the exact same thing. Other than my brother, I'd say Grent Perez. Like other Filipino artists. I love Grent Perez and Rex Orange County. Very upbeat, uplifting music types. You know what I mean?
Alicia: Yeah definitely.
Alicia: What did your family or friends think when you first told them you wanted to pursue music?
Kekoa: My brother was stoked. I mean, obviously. I think we kind of started together. He's definitely in it's a lot more like full on. But we started together. I'm pretty sure he told you about the open mic.
Alicia: He did. He said that he started music because of you.
Kekoa: I think we started it because of each other. Yeah. It was one of the winter breaks from school. And it was something we haven't done. I think that's something that my family has always been good at. Like, just kind of testing our limits – we really wanted to try something new so we tried singing.
Kekoa: But I think my close friends know I like to sing. But publicly, like the rest of my school, I kind of just popped out of nowhere. For my family, I mean, we're Filipino. Like, everyone sings. I think they're pretty excited that we're actually doing something with our talents. So they're pretty happy. I wouldn't say I had to explain what I wanted to do in the future. Like, ‘Oh, I want to be a musician.’ I kind of just said it, and they're like, ‘Dope.’ I'm so thankful for that. I think it's something that I really needed, which is support, and I have that.
Alicia: No yeah, having support is such a great thing.
Alicia: You’re balancing high school with your music career. How do you manage your time between schoolwork and creating music?
Kekoa: Honestly, I don't. It was really bad. I started last year, and I really wanted to do it. But during junior year of high school, I just got so caught up in all of my schoolwork and everything else that it just completely died out until this summer. Even this first semester of senior year, I had very little free time. I think I started the semester really strong when everything was still building up. But then once it got to the end of the semester, I was like, 'I didn't do anything for music.' Like, I have to do school. It's pretty hard, especially with how much time I have. I don't know. It's really hard to balance. I think that's something that's overlooked about what I do in high school.
Alicia: Yeah, it's insane because I know senior year, I feel like that's the heaviest because you're doing college apps and then graduation and then everything. I think you're really killing it though.
Kekoa: I think it's hard to balance social life too. Because you want to be able to make music, but that takes time. It takes time away from your friends. I'm just trying to live a good senior year with a good experience. But while still trying to pursue my dreams. But it's all worth it. I do what I can do. And I think it's all worth it how I do it.
Alicia: Do you ever feel torn between wanting to pursue music full-time and focusing on your education? How do you find balance?
Kekoa: No, definitely. That's especially a debate with my parents. Obviously, I want to go to school. I want to go to college. I want to have the experience. But I also want to do music. And it's so hard to balance. But I found the silver lining. There is a major called Music Business. It's pretty much what it's called. Like, music business. The business side of music. And I think that's my only possibility to do both things that I want to do in the future. I want to go to school and do music at the same time.
Alicia: But do you want to go to school for business? Because you said Music Business, right? Or is that what it's called and it's just all about music?
Kekoa: Yeah. Here's my future plan. So, Music Business teaches you the business side. Like, record labels. It kind of goes over everything. For example, producing and how to distribute and all that stuff. So I'm thinking if I don't end up making it as an artist, I could still have a life in music. I think that's what's more important to me. I don't want to lose touch with my creative side.
Kekoa: A lot of Filipinos go into nursing or medical school. I actually can’t see myself doing that. And I'm just, like, I don’t have the brain capacity to keep going with that intensity of school. I want to be able to do something creative. You know what I mean?
Alicia: No yeah that makes sense.
Kekoa: I’m sure you kind of agree, I mean, with what you do. You want to be creative.
Alicia: I don’t know. Because I’m in school for Sociology. And I’m minoring in Writing Studies. So I guess you can say I’m in school for this. I wanted to be a lawyer. But now I don’t know what I want to be. But writing and doing this is something I really love.
Kekoa: I mean, it's all about what you really want. I'm sure you have a lot more fun doing this though.
Alicia: I do! I'm still kind of getting used to it. It's really stressful. Like you said, juggling it. Because I'm in school, too. I graduate this semester.
Kekoa: Oh congrats!
Alicia: Thank you! But yeah it's a lot to juggle, like you were saying. It's just a lot of work. And since I don't live in L.A., I have to come back here every time I do something.
Kekoa: Wait. So, how do you juggle? Because I know it's harder in college, right?
Alicia: Honestly I just crash out. I just freak out. And I'm, like, ‘Eh, it’ll pass’ and that's just how I get through it.
Kekoa: That's so valid.
Alicia: What’s the best part about performing live at school or local events?
Kekoa: It’s pretty funny, especially at school. It’s a place where everyone kind of knows you. I'm lucky that I don't have enemies. Thank goodness I don't have enemies. That would suck, especially with what I do. But it's really nice. So, the first lunch concert I had, it was kind of for trolls. Again, I was just really bored. I think a lot of my creative sparks happened just because I'm just sitting down at home. I'm on the couch. I'm like, ‘Let’s mix something up in life.’
Kekoa: Then I held the lunch concert. I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. But we filled up the whole entire classroom for them to watch. Some of my friends and I played some songs for them. I was in awe. Like, this is like, ‘Wow!’ At school, it's crazy. But it definitely feels a little bit scarier knowing that I have to see these people every day. It really is awkward. There's a whole bunch of eyes on me. I mean, it's just how it is. I'm grateful for it though, but it's just weird.
Alicia: Yeah, because I saw it and I was like, ‘Holy shit!’ Like, that's insane. I feel like for me, at least, in high school, that's such a scary time because people are so judgmental.
Kekoa: No, they really are. I mean I'm even scared. I act like I don't care, but I’m really scared to be judged.
Alicia: But you're doing it, so it's okay!
Kekoa: That’s like my biggest thing at school. Oh, my goodness. I think it's easier to perform in front of people you don't know because you know you don't know them. But I see these people every day and I think to myself that if I mess up in front of them, like, dang they're going to remember that. I'm going to be stuck having to see them every day.
Alicia: When you first started performing at school and how did that feel? Did you have any fears of people possibly making fun of you or was that something that didn't phase you?
Kekoa: I'd like to say it didn't faze me, but I'd be lying. It definitely did. I think I'm pretty confident and I did it knowing that people might judge, but I kind of overcame it. People will judge, but more people will support.
Alicia: That's true.
Kekoa: Especially at my school. I don't think my school is very expressive in creativity. For our music arts programs, it seems like they don't really care. I do the school performances thinking, ‘What can I do for the school that would make other people want to pursue their arts and talents?’ That was my big thing. I thought there was a lot of wasted creativity at my school.
Kekoa: But it definitely fazed me. I have really supportive friends, so I'm really thankful for that. Even people come up to me and say 'Oh, I listen to your song. I love your song and your music.' But sometimes, I don't know why but how they're saying it, it feels like they’re making fun of me.
Alicia: Like sarcastic, right?
Kekoa: Yeah I can't decipher if it's sarcasm or if they're being real. I don't know. I choose in my head that it's real. So I respond with, 'Ah okay, thanks.' That's what I just go with.
Alicia: So when you first started this, like, the concert stuff, your teachers obviously have to approve that, right? So what's the process with that? Because I know you've done more than one, right? Like three, right?
Kekoa: The first one has never been done at my school. So it was really just trial and error. I asked a couple of my teachers. A couple of them said no. But one of them did say yes. His name is Mr. Watt. He's my coach and my teacher for cross-country track and MUN. I told him about it, and he was, like, ‘Ah, why not? The only thing is as long as my room is clean. If you mess up my room, you're done for.’ So I was, like, ‘All right. I get it. I'll make sure the room is clean.’ But he gave me the chance. I was so thankful he did. I did have to get it cleared, though. So that was the whole process.
Kekoa: Another thing is our vice principal. I don't know why, but we have these tardy sweeps. And he just loves calling tardy sweeps whenever I do my performances or something. So I had to go through all of that. But after the first lunch concert, after I posted the videos of how it actually worked out and that it actually was sort of successful at our school, my school board actually saw it. A lot of the staff saw it. And then it kind of circulated around the school. And then the next one we had was in the library. And that was when I had to communicate with the librarians, obviously. But after they've seen the videos online, they think it's pretty cool. And they want something different. So they hopped right on board and allowed me to do my own thing.
Kekoa: Then the last one we had, we've only had three. So the third one was a buildup. The first one was just me in a classroom. Like, I planned it. Second one was sort of similar, but I had some of the staff support. And the third one was our student body. It was for them. Like this was an actual school event. So that's why we had a stage and everything. I was actually shocked.
Alicia: Yeah I saw it looked huge!
Kekoa: I was actually so surprised on how much the lunch concerts have grown. It was really nice to have the school support. It’s definitely a lot easier. But the first lunch concert, I was so stressed. It’s so stressful planning these events. But then, the third one, because I had so much help, I was, like, ‘Ah, this is okay.’ It was exposure therapy for me.
Alicia: No, yeah, definitely. Because planning something is a lot. That’s why I’m surprised because you’re in high school. That's insane. When I was planning an event, it took me a while to do that. And then just gathering everything is crazy.
Kekoa: Especially with working with other people it's really hard to. The one you had, Midnight Melodies, it looked really fun. That looked like a really well-planned event.
Alicia: Thank you! That was so stressful. That was insane. So much happened.
Kekoa: But it worked out.
Alicia: It did, surprisingly. I had zero hope for that event.
Kekoa: It's like high risk, high reward.
Alicia: Exactly. I was, like, ‘What if people don't show up?’
Kekoa: It was cool though. It was really cool. I watched your vlog, too. That was funny.
Alicia: Thank you!
Alicia: You did an event with Old Ferry Donut—can you walk us through how that came about?
Kekoa: Old Fairy Donut. That was probably one of the most random things that I’ve done. But I thought it was really funny. I have this band at school. We formed it after my second lunch concert with a few of my now really close friends. I didn't know them before the lunch concerts but they reached out to me, and invited me to jam with them at their church. We did that and these kids are so talented.
Kekoa: It was something I've never seen before. That level of talent that they've had and the fact that we didn't know each other before. Like, you've been this good at music the whole time, and no one has seen it. I'm, like, ‘Really?’ So, we formed a band. That's where the third lunch concert band came from. And one of my friends in the band, he plays the drums. His name is Robin. He works at Old Fairy. His boss was a retired Korean singer and musician so we brought it up to him. I wanted to do something outside of campus because school gets repetitive after a while.
Kekoa: We had a meeting with his boss. I didn't even know how to explain what I wanted to do. I was like yeah, ‘I want to play music here.’ He was, like, ‘All right’ I didn’t know I would get lucky. People, they’ve always just kind of supported me. I mean, if the idea is there, I think most people will support it. So, yeah. I didn't have to battle anything for that. He just kind of allowed me to do it. He let me plan it pretty much all by myself.
Alicia: Oh that’s nice!
Kekoa: I was pretty comfortable. I also have these two friends, Shane and Aliza. I bring them with me everywhere because we all kind of started it together. I asked them to perform with me the first time. Because I feel like it's always easier when you have friends.
Alicia: Yeah that’s true.
Kekoa: That's my big thing. Those two were with me on the first lunch class, I was so nervous. But then I brought those two just to help me. But if they're there, at least we're all nervous and it’s not just me. It felt like extra support. Us three performed at Old Ferry. I didn't expect much. I mean, because it was like a donut place. It's a pretty small donut place. But then a good amount of people showed up. And I was, like, ‘Wow, maybe this can go outside of school.’ It kind of stretched what I thought I could do.
Alicia: How did it feel to see people show up to that event? Were you expecting that level of support?
Kekoa: Yeah. A lot of them were from my school. The fact that they took their time out of their day to show up really means a lot to me. I think it really means a lot when friends show up to things. Especially in high school. I feel like a lot of people struggle with fake friends and even I do too. I know a lot of people who I feel talk to me just because they see what I'm doing. Although there's some people who really care and these are the people that will show up even when it's out of their way. It really felt good that a lot of my friends showed up and it was really nice. (the and a lot of these are similar mistakes, why is it a new sentence?)
Kekoa: Some people I didn't even know. Some people who follow me on Instagram and TikTok, they pulled up. I was amazed. Like I don't know you, but you know me. And that's pretty cool.
Alicia: Yeah it is.
Kekoa: It was a really good feeling for sure.
Alicia: Do you think that event gave you a glimpse of what it might be like to perform for larger audiences in the future?
Kekoa: It really did, yeah. I love performing. I think one thing I don't have is severe stage fright. I think I overcame that pretty quickly. Doing concerts at my school with all these people watching me, I'm like, ‘Oh, this will be really fun if there's even more.’
Alicia: *laughs* That's crazy.
Kekoa: I really thrive in weird environments
Alicia: That's honestly really good though.
Kekoa: I think I got that from my family. We've always been very social. Even my sister is really social. My brother is really social. My dad and mom, they don't struggle to talk to anyone. I definitely picked that up from them.
Alicia: Well, at least for me. All of us, well, yeah, all of us, all four of us
Kekoa: You're four?
Alicia: Yeah. We're all antisocial, but my mom and dad can talk. I don't know what stuck to us. We just didn't get that social gene.
Kekoa: Well I mean look at this.
Alicia: If you guys watch my first few interviews, oh I'm cooked. That was so bad.
Kekoa: But it takes time. It takes practice. But the thing is you're getting better at it.
Alicia: Exactly. I feel like this is one of the interviews I think I'm talking the most, which is good. I need to talk, obviously, but I feel like I'm doing a lot better but I’m working on it.
Kekoa: No, that's good. I mean, it takes time. We also have a lot of exposure. My family does MUN. It's a model of the United Nations, like a debate thing. We’ve kind of been forced to talk to people. That's where a lot of our social practice comes from.
Alicia: Being so young in the music industry can be challenging—what’s been the hardest part so far for you?
Kekoa: Definitely, like, the question you brought up earlier about time management. I kind of do everything by myself. I don't have a manager or anything.
Alicia: Yeah that’s a lot because it’s all you.
Kekoa: It's hard to explain that someone my age could have such genuine interest in things. I feel like a lot of people don't try to pursue things this young. It's kind of hard to believe and to get the support that older people would get. It gets difficult being this young making music. I think one of my hardest things is showing that I actually have emotions. I think a lot of kids just want fun stuff. But it's hard to show a younger audience that maybe things aren't as good as they think it is. But yeah. There's a lot of weird stuff about being young in the music industry for sure.
Alicia: I feel like that is true. When you're young in whatever you do in the creative space, people don't take you seriously.
Kekoa: No definitely.
Alicia: That's a thing I've noticed too. It doesn't matter how old you are. I feel like you just have to have respect for people and what they're doing.
Kekoa: Exactly.
Alicia: But you're right. I feel like your age affects you a lot.
Kekoa: Do you get that too with the interviews and stuff?
Alicia: Yes, a lot. And I think there was one point where I was like, 'Am I doing the right thing?' It was one interview that made me feel so bad, because I wasn’t being taken seriously. They just wasted my time, and I was like, 'Well, this is my breaking point.' But then I feel like you just have to shove it off and honestly keep going.
Kekoa: I think some people have crazy big egos. I feel like it doesn't matter how big you are. Like, you should always have some sort of respect. You know?
Alicia: No, I get you. I literally get you. I get it!
Alicia: Do you feel like there’s more pressure on young artists to succeed quickly? How do you handle that pressure?
Kekoa: I think, especially with social media, these young kids are getting big really fast. It makes me feel behind sometimes but I try not to let that phase me. I've been seeing 15-year-olds with a million followers. I'm like, ‘Yo, what the heck? That's low-key crazy.’ It makes me feel like I’m behind, although I feel like everyone has their own path. It takes time and chances. Whatever happens, happens. You can't compare yourself all the time. That's what I think.
Alicia: No yeah.
Kekoa: That's what I think, but that's also what I do.
Alicia: Dude, that's so real. I feel like comparing yourself, it's just something that happens. You don't even see it. It’s just going to happen. It’s so natural. You would be scrolling on Instagram or whatever you're doing. And then you're like, ‘Damn, why am I not at this level? Or like, we're doing the same thing, but I'm nowhere near you.’ So it’s just a lot.
Kekoa: Exactly. No, I feel that.
Alicia: How do you navigate the balance between staying true to yourself and trying to meet industry expectations?
Kekoa: I guess that's kind of one of the upsides of being this young and having no management. I think one thing that I feel like I can do now is do whatever I feel like I can do. Because I have no management, I have no one telling me, ‘Oh, you have to do this, you have to make this song, you have to display this emotion.’ Like, I don't have that yet. So I'm trying to milk the time that I have now and be as truthful to myself as I can before it all catches back up to me.
Alicia: What do you think the music industry could do better to support young, up-and-coming artists like yourself?
Kekoa: That's a great question. I think it's all about chance. I think we just need more opportunities. It's not even the music industry that I'm focused on right now. I think it starts even earlier, like in school. I feel like schools don't emphasize music enough. The friends that I met through the concerts, the ones who are crazy good at music, our school hasn't done anything to bring that side of them out. If our school could do that, people would see it and then the music industry would see that these kids have talent.
Kekoa: I feel like a lot of it's just so overlooked.
Alicia: That’s true!
Alicia: We’ve heard you have an upcoming single—can you tell us a bit about it? What’s the story behind it?
Kekoa: This is my first heartbreak song. This is another nail-biter in the high school community. It's a pretty sad song. I've written stuff that was deep, but I've never pushed it out. Showing unhappy emotions is pretty scary, especially to an audience. But this song is about being in love. Have you ever been in love?
Alicia: Umm no *laughs*
Kekoa: I feel like it's really weird that I've been in love at such a young age because it’s such a mature emotion. Even though you've loved someone, it doesn't always work out how you wanted it to. It’s a song called “Afar,” and it's about having this love and respect for this person even though you won't always be with them. It’s a coming to terms type of song. It was this whole thing. Hold on. Let me tell you. Bro. I'm having a really hard time pushing this song out.
Alicia: Oh really?
Kekoa: Especially because I go to school. I see the person whom I wrote the song about. The song I wrote, the person I wrote this song about, I see them.
Alicia: That's right. I keep forgetting. Like, you're literally in high school doing this.
Kekoa: No, it's really hard. It's really hard. I want to put the song out, but I understand its repercussions. Everyone knows everything about my social life at school. They see it with their own eyes. So it's not like I can lie and say, ‘Oh, it's about this person.’ It's a very real song about very real people. And I feel like that's so hard to display. It's hard to put into the world.
Alicia: How does this single compare to your previous work in terms of sound and style?
Kekoa: Yeah, style is definitely a lot more mature. I've put out upbeat love songs which contrast with this one.
Alicia: Yeah, I was going to say. When you said heartbreak, I was like, ‘Oh, okay.’
Kekoa: They're very upbeat, fun kids songs. That's something I'm kind of trying to stray away from. I love making music like that. But I feel like it's not always genuine. I wrote a song called “L-O-V-E”. I wrote that song with no one in mind and as a musician, I love the song. That's why I put it out. I love making, singing, and performing it. Although I want to have real music. I want to feel connected and tell my story. Not just a story. So that's definitely what I'm thinking. This heartbreak song is going to be a lot different from everything that I've put out. But at least it's, like…
Alicia: It’s you
Kekoa: Yeah, it's authentic. It's the emotions that I have and emotions I'm trying to show.
Alicia: What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this upcoming single?
Kekoa: I want it to be relatable. I think social media and society as a whole glorifies perfect relationships. They post all these perfect couples. Everything's so nice, so happy. Although, I feel like a lot of people relate more to not-so-happy experiences.
Alicia: Yeah, that’s true.
Kekoa: A lot more real people relate to that. So I want them to feel seen. I want the song to be an emotion that they have felt before.
Alicia: Where do you see yourself in the next few years? How do you want to balance your music career with your personal growth and education?
Kekoa: The next few years, I don't know. There's so many things going on, especially since this is such a big year. The next few years are going to be crazy. Within the next year, I'm leaving high school. I'm going to college. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do. I really really hope that I'm still pursuing music. Like I said, either in my own independent artist way or in the industry, like, the business side. I'm totally fine with it. I really want for the next five years to be me taking part in music. Like, I really don't want to fall into something that I don't want to do, like a major I don't want. I want to stay true to myself for the next, oh, for my whole life, actually. Not the next five years.
Alicia: Yeah, that makes sense.
Kekoa: But it's hard because of money. Money is a huge factor.
Alicia: It is. I feel like with what you're doing, it's a lot especially because you have to pay for studio sessions and then instruments.
Kekoa: This, too, is a lot, right?
Alicia: Yes. I'm broke, guys. I'm a broke college student. Yeah, I'm even more broke now. But, yeah, guys, it's a lot. Like you said, money is a huge factor in everything, like having to buy equipment, having to rent studios, my sister coming along.
Kekoa: Yeah it’s a lot.
Alicia: Are there any particular venues or festivals you'd like to perform at one day? What’s your ultimate goal as a performer?
Kekoa: Ooh see, that's where I'm a little too young for that question. I haven't thought this far. I mean. I want to perform at festivals. Like Camp Fognaw.
Alicia: Yes that would be so insane!
Kekoa: That would be insane. I’ve seen videos and I’m like dang. I want to go to one of those festivals as a viewer first and then eventually I want to perform and just see the two sides of the entire thing. I think that would be really cool.
Kekoa: I also want to do a concert with my brother
Alicia: That would be so cool. You guys should do that!!
Kekoa: I think it's so rare for siblings. So, yeah, that would be a dream come true. To be able to perform with him. I think that would be really cool, actually. Like. An older and younger brother concert.
Alicia: Yeah you guys should definitely do it!!
Alicia: What kind of artist do you hope to be known as in the future?
Kekoa: I want to be a goofball artist. I don't know if you guys follow Grent Perez.
Alicia: Yes I love Grent!!
Kekoa: He's so himself, which I love. I want to be exactly like that. I want to be able to post those random photos. Where you're just, like, staring at the camera.
Alicia: Yeah those are so funny or the really close-up photos he would post. I love that.
Kekoa: It's so real. I want to be an artist that's not too deep into just business. I want to have fun. I want to be genuine. I don't want to lose myself in the process of getting to where I want to go.
Alicia: That’s such a good mindset to have.
Alicia: What advice would you give to other young people who are passionate about music but unsure how to start pursuing it seriously?
Kekoa: I think if you're young, you shouldn't be afraid to really show who you are. I think talent is something that not everyone has and the fact that some people are too scared to take action on their own and their talent, it really is disappointing in my eyes. I feel like if you have talent, you shouldn’t be afraid to show it. I think everyone should really chase their dreams. I know it’s cliché. I really believe that a lot of people do have talent. I just really wish that they wouldn't be so afraid.
Alicia: That’s really good advice actually. I feel like a lot of people are scared to start something. I was scared to start something because when I first started, I didn't want any of my friends to know what I was doing, especially because of being in high school. I was like 'fuck' they were super judgmental. My school was just not it. There were horrible people being mean at my school and I was really scared. I was like, ‘Fuck, how do I promote myself without feeling like I'm scared to post because people are going to think something about me.’ So I think that's a good thing, like just getting over the fact that people are mean but like you gotta do what you gotta do so I said, 'fuck it' and here I am.
Kekoa: Hell yeah! What I think is that there’s a mentality that separates us from other people. I mean people have talent but a lot of people are too scared, although, you weren't. You were scared but it's the fact that you're able to overcome that fear and I mean look how many people you've worked with.
Alicia: Yeah. It’s crazy like you’re the nineteenth guest at my studio.
Kekoa: I mean, it's real. Real things happen when you take your chance. I think young artists, not even just musicians. I think it really does take a chance. And I don't know. I'd be a lot happier in my own head if I took the chance, knowing if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. But at least I tried, and I think that's a mentality that a lot of young people should try to have.
Alicia: That’s what I try to have. I mean, I'm still trying to have that.
Kekoa: No, that's good and I mean it's working, it's working.
Alicia: Yeah we’re slowly getting there but we will get there.
Alicia: How do you stay inspired and keep your creativity flowing when you feel burnt out or overwhelmed?
Kekoa: Honestly, I take a break. I reset. Early junior year was when I started, and I was so tired the entire year. When you're tired, your brain just does not work. Especially writing music. When I’m tired, my brain just can't think of the melodies. l would want to write but I can't process anything. I feel like this is a really good thing. There's really nothing you could do about it except for rest. It's also hard to take breaks because you feel like you're wasting a lot of your time.
Alicia: Yes! You feel so behind. You’re like, 'Fuck, I could be doing something.' But then it's not working up here, but you want it to work so bad. I'll force myself sometimes when I have writer's block or something. I'll force myself to sit in front of my computer and be like, 'Okay, I need to like write.' And then it just doesn't come out.
Kekoa: Yeah it takes patience. I think that's something that a lot of people don't understand about creatives. People don't understand that you can't be on all the time, like you can't be posting all the time because that's just not how it works. I guess it works with you too, like you don't have endless ideas all the time. Like there are things that happen in life that just like get in the way of what you really want to do.
Alicia: That is true.
Alicia: What has been the biggest lesson you've learned so far in your music career?
Kekoa: My biggest lesson is to take chances for sure. I mean things are scary, but I mean the outcomes are even better. Like the risk to reward ratio is crazy. You could be so scared but knowing that you gave it a chance means a lot to me. That's my biggest takeaway, and also not caring what people say
Alicia: Yeah that’s a big one.
Kekoa: I'm telling you. I wouldn’t say I have massive haters, but I've gotten some comments. I'm like, 'Damn.’ I'm just a kid trying to do what I want to do and you're out here doing nothing and hating on me.
Alicia: I don't know how you handle that. I’d literally crash the fuck out and never come back. I feel like being able to take in hate comments and still continue, yeah it's such a good thing. Like how do I explain this? It's something good to have because I feel like you need thick skin. Your mentality is such an important thing, especially because you're young and an upcoming artist. I feel like that's so important. That’s good though that you didn't let it get to you.
Kekoa: Yeah I try my best.
Alicia: I know if I were to ever get a message-guys please, someone like DM’d me about my stutter once and it felt like the end of the world to me, but then I thought I won’t let this get to me.
Kekoa: But like why, like why’d they have to say that?
Alicia: People are weird that shit had me like, 'fuck.’
Kekoa: But it’s like why are they hating
Alicia: It's like, bro sorry that I stutter, I can't help that I'm just trying to live.
Kekoa: It'd be the bums too. It would be the ones who are aren’t doing anything. They’d be hating the most. Hop off, bro! Stop writing.
Alicia: No but yeah having a strong mindset is definitely something good to have.
Kekoa: No yeah. I say that, but there’s always a little bit that gets to you to be completely honest.
Alicia: For sure it does.
Alicia: How do you envision your music evolving as you continue to grow and mature both as a person and an artist?
Kekoa: I want my music to reflect my maturity. I know I’m changing how I am mentally, like the things in my brain are starting to change and solidify. I know a lot of the songs that I make, I’m gonna look back on and be like, ‘Dang, I was really young, but that's kind of what I want.’ I want there to be a progression of my life. There's supposed to be a progression in my life. I think that makes my music so much more real. It gives a story to follow. I guess it’s the story of who I am right and I want to see my maturity through my music. I want to be able to express my emotions. And look at this, it's going to sound very different, but I think music can sort of be like a journaling technique. The song I'm writing right now, like about this girl, I'm going to look back on it and be like, ‘Wow, like I was at that state once mentally.' Yeah, but I want to have those songs to come back on. I want to be able to see how I really was when I was that age.
Alicia: Yeah, writing is definitely an outlet I feel like for a lot of people. I mean I write for that purpose.
Kekoa: Yeah it’s really good.
Alicia: I know you're still young but is there anything you wish you could have told yourself when you first started music?
Kekoa: I would have definitely told myself not to be so scared. I mean the lunch concerts. They’re really fun but I could have been doing this the entire time. I really wish I was able to capitalize on my talent when I was younger and be more confident. Confidence really did allow me to do these lunch concerts. I wish I would have told myself just go for it. I mean things are gonna work. What I think about a lot is how a lot of my friends graduated and they'll never be able to see this. If I would have done this then, they would have seen this and it would have been so much more fun. It would have been this whole thing for them. I think of other experiences I could have had, and so I could have been so much further now if I would have started sooner. But I mean you can't go back right? Just be more confident. That’s what I would say!
Alicia: What’s been the most rewarding part of your music journey so far?
Kekoa: Definitely meeting new people. Some of my closest friends I have met through music. I made a band called On Time. We've been a little inactive just because of schooling and stuff, but On Time is one of the most influential parts of my whole life. Like with On Time, we didn't know each other like that. I went to school with some of them and there are others who I follow on Instagram. When we got together, like, we started playing together, we started making videos, and having fun. These people came and they are now some of the closest people to me. I think that's one of my biggest gifts that I've gotten from music. It’s the ability to meet new people. Even with my school band. I didn't know any of them until they reached out. I wouldn't have known them if I wouldn't have been in music.
Alicia: Yeah that's true.
Kekoa: I feel that good people walk into your life when you do things you want to do.
Alicia: Yes!!! I used to really despise the thought of going out. I just couldn’t talk to people because of my social anxiety and, well, I’m just awkward. Ever since I started this, I've met so many cool people and new friends!
Kekoa: It's really nice. If you haven’t started these interviews, you wouldn't have met a lot of the great people you know.
Alicia: Yeah that’s so true.
Kekoa: That's why you take the risk.
Alicia: Exactly, guys. Just do whatever the fuck you want. Literally just do it.
Kekoa: Facts.
Alicia: For anyone new to your music, what do you hope they take away from your songs and the stories you tell through your music?
Kekoa: Yeah, if you're listening to my music, I hope you could relate to the love songs and that you’d be happy to live a happy life and have a good relationship. And if you're not happy, don't worry, I got some songs for you too. I know a lot of you guys are not happy and so am I. I have both sides for you.
Alicia: As the new year just began, what are some of your biggest goals for 2025—both professionally and personally?
Kekoa: Before I graduate, I want to get as far into music as I can as an artist because going into college, like the decision to be like a full-time artist is terrifying. It's like doing this too, like going full-time into your creative side is terrifying.
Alicia: It is!!
Kekoa: Because we're broke. I hate how expensive everything is, but I want to get as far into music as I can before I graduate to see if it’s the path for me. If that doesn't work out, I'm going to go into the business side and I'm fine with that too. I want to keep exploring that. I just want to stay true to myself. I want to be happy too. The start and ending of last year I would say I was a little rocky. It wasn't the best mental time for me, but I am feeling a lot better right now, and I just want that to continue into the whole year, I guess. Yeah, what about you?
Alicia: Personally, my goal for 2025 is to be more confident. I have a lot of self-doubt in myself, like with anything and everything. Especially when I write reviews, I'm like, 'Am I doing the right thing?' Or, like, I just reach a point where it's like, 'I hate all the work I'm doing.' Or like, bringing out and I can't just stop because then it's like my momentum is going to go down so I just want to be more confident in my work and then more confident with talking to people.
Alicia: I've had this struggle since I started; I can't really be myself. I don't know why. I just can't because I feel like, 'Oh, fuck, people are gonna judge me or like the way people perceive me too.' I don't want people to be like, 'Oh, what the fuck are you doing?' Or like, 'Who are you and why are you doing this.’ Professionally, hopefully there are more opportunities this year and another event. It’s in the works. And yeah, meet more people and have them in the studio. An interview with wave to earth. Sorry I love wave to earth, like guys please give me one chance.
Kekoa: Well I mean if you keep meeting all these people, I think eventually you're going to find the link somewhere!
Alicia: Hopefully. But people scare me like I feel so bad. I always apologize after an interview because I'm so awkward but I’m working on it and getting better.
Kekoa: Like my brother, like he really likes you
Alicia: I feel so bad for him. I was so awkward during his interview, like I apologized a lot.
Kekoa: I watched your interview it's not you, it's my brother *laughs*. He’s so funny. He's so not media trained. I love him though
Alicia: Yeah he was so funny.
Alicia: Ending the interview off, would you like to say anything to the people who listen to your music?
Kekoa: If you listen to my music, thank you, obviously. I appreciate it. I hope you can keep listening. I hope you guys can find a relation to my music. I want it to be real for me and for you. I want you guys to be able to see that I'm not perfect and be confident and comfortable knowing that you're not perfect. Everyone's more similar than we like to admit. I want you guys to feel really comfortable listening to my music and just knowing that there's people out there who know how you feel. I think that's my biggest thing. Even if you feel alone, there's someone who has a similar experience, someone who's felt similar emotions, and find comfort knowing that you're not the only one in this.
