Keshi Opens up on Stardom, Loss And New Album ‘Requiem’

Keshi, in the midst of an interview ahead of his upcoming album ‘Requiem’, pauses to share a personal moment. “Can I show you a photo really quick?” he asks, revealing a TikTok slideshow on his phone. The images chronicle his rise to pop stardom, capturing years of tour dates and performances, showing just how much his journey has evolved. 

Each image reflects his growth, not just as an artist but as a person. With his sophomore album, Keshi aims to create something memorable, drawing inspiration from The 1975’s ‘I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It’. 

Image Courtesy: People

He appreciates its bold, 80s-inspired pop-synth influence and, interestingly, fans have noted similar vibes in his own work. His track ‘Soft Spot’, which now has a music video, has resonated with many for its heartfelt expression, which Keshi describes as what it would sound like "if the heart could sing."

The creation of ‘Requiem’ was deeply personal, requiring Keshi to rediscover his confidence. “I had to re-find my confidence in myself, in my own decisions,” he shares. For Keshi, the key was remembering that the first listener of his music should always be himself. 

He acknowledges the pressure to cater to external expectations but ultimately strives to make music that fulfils him. Keshi reflects on his journey to fame, showing images from his early shows, where he performed for just 400 people, compared to recent performances before thousands. 

From New York to Toronto and China, his fanbase has grown exponentially, and he is poised to surpass those numbers on his ‘Requiem’ World Tour. Despite the challenges, Keshi is proud of how far he’s come. “It reminds me how much time has passed, how far we've come,” he says, grateful for the journey, even through its occasional hardships.

-Sushmita Sarkar