KeepVibesNear is one of London’s most exciting music prospects coming through right now. With a slew of records under his belt, the first dating back to 2018, the Romford-native continues to create dark and emotive left-field R&B, evident in his most popular track to date “Late Night Link” featuring fellow hotshots Harvey White and Luke RV. More recently, KeepVibesNear has been busy collaborating with the likes of The Silhouettes Project, delivering a stunning, jazz-infused single titled “Venus”, as well as dropping a number of singles such as “Over Now” and “Above It All”, all pointing towards his brand new, forthcoming project, NOIR. Due 23rd February, and featuring Jay Lewn, Benny Banks and Gwadaleen, we caught up with the Londoner to chat about his new project…
How’s things? What have you been getting up to recently?
Heya, things are good! I’ve been creating and relaxing, trying to make sure I got a balance.
To a first time listener of KeepVibesNear, how would you describe your sound and style?
To a first-time listener I would describe my sound as smooth introspective songs for women from a perspective the mandem can relate to and everyone can vibe too. Feel something, too.
Musically, who and what are your main influences?
Musically, I’ve had so many phases. I grew up listening to all different sounds and genres. But I can pin my biggest influences to John Mayer, Frank Ocean, King Krule & Daniel Caesar. I think listening to these guys over the years were crucial in me finding what I like sonically.
Your forthcoming project NOIR. is a lovely record. Firstly, where did the name for the project come from?
NOIR. is a name I’ve had for the project for a long time. I always liked the imagery of the dramatic film noir aesthetic as well as the mood it gives. To me it described the tone of the project perfectly and acted as an anchor for the story I wanted to put together.
Can you tell us more about the main inspirations behind the record?
NOIR. is a new chapter in the story. I feel like if this was a movie, this is the part where everything turns tense and mystique. And the main characters are in the process of overcoming.
What can listeners expect sonically?
Listeners can expect smooth sultry vibes accompanied with song writing that paints pictures of moments I think people will be able to relate to.
What was the overall creative and production process behind the release? Did you come across any challenges?
The process was fairly natural. I work on so much music, the hardest part was picking the songs that won’t make it onto the project. More just the songs that clearly fit the picture I wanted to paint.
If you had to pick a favourite track from the project, which one would it be and why?
If I had to pick. It would be ‘Another Casualty’. I think as a song it really represents the feel of the project and epitomises the drama and ambience I want to feel from the EP.
Can you name any London-based emerging artists who we should be keeping an eye on this year?
Definitely keep an eye on Gwadalean who is featured on ‘Over Now’ and my good friend Taylr @whostaylr
What’s next for KeepVibesNear? And where can we catch you over the coming months?
Next for me is more music, keeping the momentum and moving on to the next chapter. But I’ll be doing a show 22nd March to celebrate the project with a special lineup.
Three tracks you have on rotation at the moment?
Destin Conrad – “Low Tide”
SiR – “No Evil”
A2 & Emil – “Some Day”
Listen KeepVibesNear’s most recent single “Above It All (feat. Benny Banks)” below: