Spotify Saturdays with local singer-songwriter & producer KEAT

KEAT is a classically-trained Singaporean vocalist-turned-electronic-producer, influenced by the likes of The Midnight, FM-84, Troye Sivan and Disclosure. His writing mirrors his candid nature and reflects a vulnerability edged by hints of playfulness.

KEAT was selected as a mentee under the National Arts Council’s Noise Music Mentorship Programme 2020 under the guidance of DJ and producer Kaye, and has also performed at stages such as Esplanade’s All Things New and Baybeats Open Stage. His debut single, Leed Me On, was released in September 2019.

KEAT has just released his debut EP “I WAS DUMB BUT NOW IM WOKE” earlier this month, which explores his personal experiences with love in all of its forms; platonic, romantic, and self—all served with a dash of positivity and hope. Stream it on all digital platforms now.

This week, KEAT tells us the five songs of his life.

Tell us your name, and how you’d describe yourself to someone whom you’re meeting for the first time. 

Hello! I’m KEAT. I’m a massive over-thinker and talk too much because #anxiety amirite…and I’m also quite full of bs (LOL) cos life’s too short.

Fun fact: I almost became an opera singer at some point in my life.

What are the five tracks of your life?

1. Running In The Night – FM-84, Ollie Wride
2. Sunset – The Midnight
3. Nobody Knows – JUNG
4. Turning Page – Sleeping At Last
5. Home – Bruno Major

Why would you consider this playlist to be significant to you?

Life can get VERY crazy sometimes so in my downtime I like to unwind to music that allows me to reflect honestly on things, so these five songs are the best representation of that. I think in many ways, the playlist embodies what it means to be grateful for the things you have & appreciate those around you.

It also reminds me of how big the world is, and how much more we can learn and grow as people. Some of these songs are also quite vibey so I frequently daydream about going down an empty expressway to these songs.

Pick one track and tell me your fondest/most interesting memory of it.

Sunset by The Midnight – it was one of the first retro/synthwave songs I listened to and I’ve fallen in love with the genre ever since. It was also the song that made me realise my affinities for nostalgic retro elements and that has very much shaped a lot of the aesthetics in my music-making.

I frequently also play this while I’m on a Grab or a long bus ride because I like to look out of the window and pretend I’m in a music video.

If I had asked you this question 10 years ago, what is the one track that your then-self would have picked as your favourite? 

I’m not even ashamed of this, but probably The Climb by Miley Cyrus or something by Hannah Montana. I was a gigantic fan and have absolutely no qualms about owning my love for her songs.

KEAT | Listen to his playlist here | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram