By: Staff
With a tremendous, unique personality in both the piano and the vocal display, we were wonderfully surprised by Keou ISSABRE and this latest release, "Chains of Gold."
There's so much about music that can invoke emotion, and this song immediately made us feel happy, interested and fixated on the melody and direction of the music. The introductory piano is a captivating blend of melody and randomness, pulling you along with every note. If we had to describe it, it was both twinkling and fluttering, a sensation we don't typically associate with the piano, and it was extremely exciting. Then, Keou ISSABRE enters with an explosive, Broadway-worthy vocal performance. The vocals are strong and powerful, yet possess incredible control and clarity in lyrical delivery, making it an absolute delight for the listener.
When you hear the lyrics:
"heartbreak like glass / an emotional war,"
-it's clear that this artist has tremendous writing abilities as well.
The decision to add harmonies that supplement, follow, and answer Keou ISSABRE was terrific, because it's something you'd typically expect in a live Broadway performance. Hearing it on this recording was truly beautiful. The piano arrangement, vocal tone, cadence, and delivery all come together in a stunning combination, elevating each other. They meet, intertwine, go in different directions, and then meet back again, creating an incredibly cohesive result.
This was one of the most untraditional, out-of-the-box approaches to music we've ever heard. When the song ends, you can't help but want to put it on repeat and fully immerse yourself in the beautiful stylings of Keou ISSABRE. This self-produced track pushes the boundaries of contemporary music, intertwining rich harmonies and complex arrangements in a way that leaves listeners spellbound. Keou’s raw talent and innovative style come together to create a sound that is nothing short of mesmerizing, cementing his place as one of the most unconventional and exciting artists in today’s music scene.
Keou ISSABRE: A Revolutionary Virtuoso with a Self-Made Sound
Keou ISSABRE has solidified his place on the contemporary music scene as a self-taught virtuoso with an undeniable knack for fusing genres and influences. Mastering the piano without formal instruction, Keou's relationship with music began at a young age, and over the course of two decades, he expanded his instrumental repertoire to include the drums and violin. This multi-talented artist brings a fresh, innovative approach to music, crafting compositions that break the mold of conventional genres and challenge listeners' expectations.
His latest release, “Chains of Gold,” showcases Keou’s profound talent for blending styles. Influenced by everything from film soundtracks and progressive metal to classical compositions, Keou’s music taps into a wide spectrum of inspiration.
“There are many styles that inspired my music, but as I said, mostly rock, metal, soundtracks, ambient, and instrumental,”
he explains. This unique combination results in music that transcends the ordinary, creating a captivating listening experience that invites listeners on a journey.
Keou’s musical signature is rooted in his ability to transform these diverse influences into something distinctly personal. His pieces exude emotional depth and sonic richness, delivering a transcendental experience. “I believe in power to the people and try to approach life with an eye-opened vision,” Keou shares, emphasizing his philosophical approach to his art. This vision is clearly present in his work, where he explores themes like the complexities of modern life and the concept of a "matrixed society." His music, while deeply emotional, also serves as a form of social commentary, challenging listeners to reflect on the world around them.
What makes Keou truly stand out is not just his innovative compositions, but his relentless dedication to creating music on his own terms. As he says,
"It is a self-made production,"
embodying his DIY ethos and commitment to full creative control. This independence shines through in “Chains of Gold,” where Keou merges his classical training with contemporary elements, resulting in a piece that is both grounded and boundary-pushing.
You can find this release on any major platform, see below for links to take you straight to some of the profiles. Make sure to playlist, stream and share "Chains of Gold" by Keou ISSABRE.
We felt there was so much depth to this artist we wanted to learn more.
We reached out to Keou ISSABRE for an exclusive interview in "The Cage" Music Blog.
Here’s how it went:
BEGIN INTERVIEW:
Hello Keou ISSABRE, we’re thrilled to have you for this interview! We've thoroughly enjoyed diving into your music and exploring your work, and now we’re even more eager to discover more about you, both personally and professionally.
Which instrument serves as the foundational starting point for any musical creations, and how does it influence the direction and overall sound of the compositions?
Obviously the Piano is the main instrument of all my compositions, as a matter of fact, almost every single track of my previous EP and 90% of the tracks on this album to come start with a piano solo that sets the main melody. I then compose every instrument on a keyboard before sending to the according professional musician for each track.
What instruments do you play, and which is your favorite?
My main instrument is the Piano, the second one is drums and I also play the violin. I have a big preference for the piano as it’s my main instrument, but if I could play a thousand of instruments I would haha. I consider that every instrument you start learning shapes your musicality through a journey that is very personal for everyone, each instrument learnt opens a new level of consciousness.
Is there an instrument you do not play, or play leisurely, but wish you could conquer?
There are a thousand instruments I do not play, and as for the violin I wish I could play more to be better at it.
Well, it opened my ears to new ways of shaping my compositions, I do not think only like a pianist anymore but I try to think like a violinist, or like a drummer, or like a bassist, and with each different perspectives comes a new way of composing.
How do soundtracks, progressive metal, and classical influences come together in your song "Chains of Gold"?
If you listen to my first EP which is called “the neoclassical propaganda” you will probably be like “hey this song could be in a movie” I kept the same way of composing during the whole journey of my new project to come. For chains of gold, there is no bridge, I wanted a powerful and effective voice which I found in the soulful voice of Carolina. The violins are subtile yet there to contrast with the warmth of Carolina’s vocals. The very melodic chorus could be sung on a progressive metal song of vandal play, dream theatre or porcupine tree which are bands that always inspired me a lot. This is how the mix of all those genres come together.
What do you mean when you refer to the "matrixed society" in relation to your work, particularly in "Chains of Gold"?
Very interesting question, my lyrics are always extremely metaphorical, if you look at the artwork of the single, we see a lot of things that are related to a very digital world in which we are living now. The term “matrix” is exactly what this is. Nobody listens to music on vinyl anymore, youngsters have an average screen time longer than their average sleep time, yet the whole society’s focus tend to decrease. I feel like through social medias, masses tend to like what they have been told to like. That’s my definition of matrixed life.
Can you describe the emotional journey you aim to take your listeners on through your music?
This is where I can do an advertisement for my first EP. Go first listen “the neoclassical propaganda” and enjoy the evolution over time of the process of composition, the choice of the instruments, tempos, silences, solos, vocals and choirs. I always say, sit back, relax, grab a glass of anything that pleases you and enjoy the journey, it shall take you to musical lands where you are always surprised of what could come next. Prepare to be unprepared
If you could collaborate with any artist from your list of influences, who would it be and why?
I think I would like to play with Steven Wilson, the founder and leader of Porcupine’s tree. Because my songs are highly inspired by their signature and because Steven Wilson is also a self taught pianist, so I guess we could understand each other as our ideas in terms of composing seem to be similar.
What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, for example the creation, the actual release date, etc.?
In my opinion, the marketing is a stressful thing, basically everything that is not directly related to music is stressful. Composing
What do you believe makes your musical signature distinct in today’s contemporary scene?
In my album to come there are all kinds of musical styles, from progressive metal to soul, neoclassical, rap parts, slam, choir indy, blues, you name it. I mix the genres while keeping an original signature, I’m using different singers yet you recognise my style in every single song.
How do you think your self-taught background contributes to your unique sound and style?
I guess I have answered to it in the previous question, but basically I don’t set rules when it comes to music, I have always played with my feelings and I guess it is felt through my compositions.
If a band (no matter how famous) were scouting for someone with your talents and you had the opportunity to audition, which band would you love to be asked for the chance to work with them?
I always wanted to be my own one man band so I had never thought about it, but where I would have the most fun would definitely be a post math rock band mostly instrumental like long distance calling or maybeshewill, yeah I guess I would love to play for those guys as their composition style get very close to what I love doing as well and playing most of their songs.
Keou issabre, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
I’m the one who thank you for the interview, hoping you will love what I have to offer on my album to come and particularly on chains of gold.
Keou ISSABRE, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
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Check out this latest release and listen to more of Keou ISSABRE on Spotify & YouTube.
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