From the melancholy melodies of post-Soviet Latvia to commanding pride festival stages across New York, Keeana Kee's journey embodies the transformative power of living one's truth. In this deeply personal conversation, the independent pop artist and activist shares how economic hardship shaped her artistry, the dangers she's navigated as a queer woman in male-dominated industries, and why visibility remains her most powerful tool for change.

Keeana opens up about the evolution from exotic pop to cinematic ballads, the deliberate choice to make her debut single explicitly queer despite industry pressure, and how her grandmother's wartime songs still echo through her minor-key compositions. Her story is one of resilience, artistic integrity, and the belief that music can literally save lives.

Timestamped Takeaways

[02:57] Early musical memories: Singing melancholy post-Soviet war songs with grandmother in Latvia shaped Keeana's artistic DNA and preference for minor keys.

[04:22] Breaking artistic barriers: Growing up in economic hardship where arts weren't valued as career paths, until London opened new possibilities for creative freedom.

[06:01] London awakening: First pride parade and seeing visible queer community provided crucial realisation that she wasn't alone or "sick" for being gay.

[08:24] Fashion world confidence: Modelling career built performance confidence but also taught harsh lessons about comparison and fighting for spotlight in competitive industry.

[10:42] Music industry dangers: Discusses the reality of being vulnerable as woman in studios, needing protection from sexual abuse and harassment from male producers.

[15:23] Sound evolution explained: Natural progression from exotic pop to cinematic style driven by deep connection to world's pain and personal healing journey.

[21:34] Deliberately queer debut: Chose to make "Coconut Rum and Coke" explicitly lesbian despite industry warnings it would damage her career prospects.

[26:13] Fan connection impact: Receiving messages from fans whose lives were literally saved by her music brings tears and demonstrates music's healing power.

[30:20] LGBTQ Emerging Artist Award: Winning prestigious 2023 award recognised her visibility work and artistic contribution to queer community.

[32:19] Advice to younger self: Would tell 15-year-old Keeana to never lose her light despite family criticism and always believe in herself.

[35:12] Pride month message: Two-minute uninterrupted platform to speak about pride as resistance, staying visible for others, and hope for united world.

[36:58] Gateway track recommendation: "TikTok" chosen as perfect introduction because it balances clubby pop with strong message about staying true to yourself.

Guest Bio

Keeana Kee is an independent pop artist and activist whose music bridges vulnerability and strength. From Latvia to London to New York, she's transformed personal struggles into anthems of resilience. Winner of the 2023 LGBTQ Emerging Artist Award, Keeana performs at pride festivals across America whilst maintaining fierce authenticity in an industry that often demands conformity. Her latest work includes the cinematic ballad "Small Fragile Woman" and soul-stirring "Heal Me", showcasing an artist unafraid to tackle personal and global healing through music.

Resource List

• Instagram: @keeanakee
• Spotify: Keeana Kee
• Facebook: keeanakeeofficial
• Apple Music: Keeana Kee
• Twitter/X: @KeeanaKee
• SoundCloud: keeanakee

Links

• Read deep dives into our queer lives at the blog HERE.
• Check out the official podcast playlist on Spotify.
• Follow the podcast on: Instagram • Tik Tok • Facebook
• See producer and presenter Dan Hall's other work HERE (subtitled version HERE).
• Find composer Paul Leonidou HERE.
• Listen to other episodes at HERE.
• Visit the guest's homepage HERE.