Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Keays.
Hi Joshua, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Josh. But people know me by Keays.
‘Keays’ is my last name, and it’s kinda funny that it became my stage name because growing up I hated it. It was my father’s name and he wasn’t around much. But the goal was to flip the name and all the pain that came with it into something positive. And that’s how my music journey began. Every heartbreak and painful moment from that point on was dealt with through music. Every triumph and victory I documented into every song and every beat.
Originally from Phoenix, but I’ve resided in Salt Lake City since I was 15. I am a rapper, singer, producer, engineer, college student, and life enthusiast. My goal is to create art that can help people find comfort in dark times, and bring out joy in joyous times.
I believe that music and art are the direct passage to people’s hearts, and I use my voice to try to speak directly to that. Everything I’ve ever been through is in every record. If you Want to know who I am, just scroll through my catalog.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Chasing this dream hasn’t been easy. Been a lot of ups and downs. Comes with the territory though. I’ve been doing this for about 7-8 years now. Booking my own shows, spreading the music as far as I can, everything by myself. And around 2017-18 I thought I had finally gotten on the way. I booked my first festival down in Arizona. Headline stage, couple thousand people, I was hyped. My whole team came out.
Long story short, we ended up having some audio issues and due to lack of preparation, the crowd became bored and eventually, we were literally booed off the stage. I thought that was it. Genuinely felt like that was the moment and we missed it. Obviously, that wasn’t the case or I wouldn’t be doing this interview, but that was a big turning point for me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a musician. I’m a rapper, producer, engineer, performer, and songwriter. I specialize in music.
I’m most proud of my catalog. I have over 100 songs released online and I never paid a dime for studio time. I’ve done 5 independent mixtapes and over 50 shows in the last 5 years. My catalog represents who I am and what I stand for, every song is a certain highlight of either a situation I was struggling with, or a message I needed someone to hear. I use music as a way to cope with the rougher edges of reality, I think we all do. So when I’m creating my goal is to connect with whoever is listening. And hopefully, give them something they can use in their life. Whether that be a friend in a rough time, or a hype man on their best day. I just want to create something for every moment.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Social media, reach out to me. I respond to everyone, and if we vibe, I’m absolutely down to create.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Keays801
- Facebook: Keays801
- Twitter: Keays801
- Youtube: Keays801
- SoundCloud: Keays801
