EXCLUSIVE Q&A INTERVIEW: Love Keyyz Talks About What Made her Become a Musician and What new Projects she has Coming up

Photo of Love Keyyz. Photo Credit: Henry Kofman (@henryinfocus on Instagram).

Love Keyyz did a Q&A interview with Global Pop Trendsetters!

Read our Q&A now!

Global Pop Trendsetters: What made you want to become a musician?

Love Keyyz: Originally, music was a fun, creative outlet for me. It was never something I thought of as a passion. Just a teenager having pure fun. I started my career by making YouTube singing videos as a hobby, and after a few months, my uncle asked if I wanted to get in the studio. The rest is history.

GPT: What inspired you to write the song “In My Shoes?”

LK: I was sitting in a class one day at USC, and I had a moment where I realized, “Wow, this is one of the most prestigious schools in the country. These people are RICH.” lol. I used to wear these beat-up Converse that I’ve had since high school (which was a long time ago) because I’m a working student. I looked down at them because the girl next to me looked at them, and maybe she meant no harm, but I immediately felt a little insecure. I went home and wrote about how they may look dusty, but none of those people at USC could stand a day in mine.

GPT: Describe your creative process when you write new music.

LK: It depends. Because I sing, write, and play multiple instruments, every song comes differently. Generally, I just have some groove idea or melody in my head, and I voice-record it. I’ll expand from literally that small sample. 98% of my songs originated from a random, almost incomprehensible voice memo!

GPT: Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?

LK: Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Patrice Rushen. I admire them all for different reasons, but what they all share is unbelievable talent as multi-hyphenates, passion for others, and they’re honestly beautiful people. Beyoncé and Patrice, in particular, are so admirable to me because they literally raise my bar every time I watch them create something new.

GPT: Describe your favorite venue for performing.

LK: I honestly don’t have a favorite venue, but my ideal venue would be something similar to the Greek Theatre. I can’t wait to play there one day.

GPT: Which song of yours would you release an acoustic live version too?

LK: It’s funny you ask: I’m releasing an acoustic EP this Friday, 11/22. It’s all new material, but the first track, “breathe” I would definitely like to release another version that is live with background singers.

GPT: Is there another musician you've mentored or trained? Could you describe what you’ve done to help them?

LK: There’s no singular musician that I’ve mentored extensively, but I’m deeply grateful for the mentoring opportunities that have come my way. I think coming back to college in my late 20s after already having a career was difficult, but it did allow me to reach back and uplift so many of my peers. I would like to think that I’ve played that role for many people at USC, but I am actively looking for a true mentee.

GPT: Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?

LK: Sometimes, there are hidden messages. Most songs are straightforward, but sometimes, I don’t like to say things outright. My song “Ceilings” sounds like it’s about me setting a house on fire with a man in it, but the hidden message is really just me being so sick of his lies and hurt that I’m going to explode.

GPT: What's your process for dealing with performance anxiety?

LK: I just remind myself that I am a great performer and that being anxious/nervous is only self-sabotage. That I KNOW how to sing. So there’s nothing to be afraid of. Being anxious is just a sign that you care. And every single performance is one I care deeply about, no matter how many people are in the audience.

GPT: Who's your dream music artist to collaborate with, and why?

LK: Beyoncé for sure. I could go on and on and on, but I’ve admired her since I was a child. I like to think I’m the hardest-working woman in Hollywood. So it would only be right to collaborate with the most talented, most decorated artist of my time!

GPT: Are there any past instructors you look up to? What qualities did they have that you admire?

LK: I feel blessed that I’ve had so many great instructors. Some I’m closer to than others, but I don’t really recall having any bad teachers on the collegiate level. I feel I owe my life to instructors like Patrice Rushen, Sean Holt, and Jae Deal. Talk about people having your back. These are all people who never treated me like a student (of course, I was their student at a point) but actually saw me as a peer. As a professional, I am and have been before coming to USC. I say it all the time, but I’m seriously a fangirl of Patrice Rushen. Deeply honored to have her mentorship. She’s just so intelligent, kind, and understanding, yet she will push you through the superficial limits you placed on yourself. I’ve just never felt more seen than by people like them.

GPT: Have you thought about doing a holiday-inspired song?

LK: I’ve done Christmas songs in the past. I only ever released one back when I first became an artist, and the rest have been for sync (TV and film). I think I will release holiday music when it makes sense, but it hasn’t been the right year for me to do it yet.

GPT: What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to ten years?

LK: In the next five to ten years, I’m hoping it will be my actual prime. I spent my 20s investing deeply in my craft, even going as far as receiving multiple degrees and certs in music. I’ve done the work, so the next decade of my life will be reaping what I’ve sown. I’ve been blessed to knock small things off my bucket list and also things I never imagined, such as performing with Patrice Rushen and performing on a Tiny Desk tour. I played harp on a song that made it to consideration for a Grammy in 2023, so I know for a fact I’ll actually have a Grammy nom and/or win by 2034. I also see myself headlining a tour (or a few). Getting dozens more placements on TV/film (MTV was my biggest so far). I pretty much just hope to see all facets of my art (songwriting, harp, singing, etc) reach their respective peaks.

GPT: Do you have any new projects coming up?

LK: I am actively working on a few that won’t be ready until summer 2025, which will be old-fashioned Love Keyyz music and videos. Until then, I want to showcase the things I’ve recently added, like harp and guitar. Pretty much explore the sounds outside of what I’m most known for. In the very near future, “acoustic diaries EP” drops on 11/22, which is a stripped-down triple single of just me and the piano. Taking it back to my roots. Can’t wait for the world to hear my heart!

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