Keynes, also known as Kēynes, is a Toronto native who has recently released his latest EP, 'Avant Garden,' via Symphonic Distribution. The EP was released on June 9th, 2023, and is a project that represents Keynes' most musical and soulful work. "I want to put together a project of merit and calibre... my most musical and soulful project. A body of work that's creatively ambitious and worthy of critical acclaim..." said Keynes.

Helmed by lead single ‘Low Lows & Ceremonies’ produced by fellow Toronto native and Grammy-nominated, ‘The 25th hour’ Andrew Gowie (with production credits on Drake’s ‘Emotionless from Scorpion and more). Gowie’s influences envelop Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, Pop, Alternative, Electronic, Classical, Rock, and progressive sounds and his influences are present throughout the project as Executive Producer alongside Grammy-nominated A&R ‘Warren Philo’ of independent studio Anthem Creative Arts & Platoon (formerly at Epic Records) along with a cast of the most burgeoning talent in Canada, credits include contributions from songwriter Teddi Jones (with credits including Summer Walker, Buddy, and Brockhampton), Producer NAWMS fellow bandmates from ‘No Tourists’ Deelo Avery, Kafaye & Lan’do The video was written and directed by Kēynes long-time creative partner (also of Anthem Creative Arts) Farai Dube, a polymath creative, writer and director with a varied and interesting background in creative agencies and independents, he's been a part of Cannes Award-winning work, British Arrows, Creative Circle Awards, D&AD's and a bunch of other trophies across his commercial career.

The EP features a high-concept film that reflects the beautiful mess that life is, a cinematic rumination about the highs and lows of love lost. It's a soulful and stylish bit of indie filmaking from debutant Dube that elevates the song and adds texture to an already layered and musically impressive arrangement. Misdirection is introduced about what it is we’re seeing - romance, intimacy, and stoic confidence color the narrative, using different techniques (a very intentional color palette, match cuts, quick cuts, vignettes, non-linear and meta-narrative) to tell a story drenched in symbolism (smoke and fire feature throughout), forced perspective, and an approach to pop music videos that entertains but stays true to the director’s sensibilities as a writer and filmmaker.

With cinematography by Peter Hadfield, whose work has been screened at several film festivals including the Cannes Film Festival, Telluride, TIFF, VIFF, and the Maryland International Film Festival to name a few. His commercial and music video work has been featured on global publications such as Nowness, Dazed, The FADER, Booooooom, Vice, Pitchfork, Adweek, AdAge, and Vimeo’s Staff Picks. He’s been nominated and won awards at Cannes, the Cannes Lions, The Young Director Awards, the UKMVAs, TIFF, the Canadian Society of Cinematographers, and the Prism Prize. Supported by production from Merchant Productions in Toronto, Wrack at Wieden + Kennedy London, WeAreCovert on VFX, and the legendary Electric Theatre Collective on the color grade, 'Low Lows & Ceremonies' is sure to continue Kēynes’ penchant for cinematic storytelling and cement Low Lows as a staple for lovers of pop, R&B, and alternative sounds.

When asked about the inspiration behind his new EP, Keynes shared that many of the songs were made during pandemic times. He was self-reflecting on his life and things, and his love life comes up a lot in the project, which he attributes to feeling a little lonely at the time. The EP explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and growth, and it's a project that showcases Keynes' musical evolution over the years.

Keynes' creative process is organic, with a focus on making things when he feels like making them. He chose to work with collaborators who are also his friends, which made it easy to choose who to include on the project. "All the collaborators on the project are homies, so it was easy to choose who to include on this project," he said.

One of the biggest challenges he faced while working on the EP was putting it out. "At some point, you gotta jump, and that’s scary sometimes, but you gotta let your baby go," he said. As an artist, Keynes hopes to inspire others to be the best they can be and believes that his music and platform can help him achieve that.

In addition to his EP, Keynes has exciting upcoming projects and collaborations in the music industry. He plans to push the project and has a lot of music in the vault, with intentions to drop a single or two before the end of the year. He's also doing a few shows and is focused on getting as many eyes and ears on the project as possible.

With his unique sound, cinematic storytelling, and dedication to his craft, Keynes is an artist to watch in the music industry. His latest EP, 'Avant Garden,' is a project that showcases his evolution as an artist and is worthy of critical acclaim. The EP's lead single, 'Low Lows & Ceremonies,' is a standout track that combines modern sounds with a nostalgic feel, creating a unique and memorable listening experience. With contributions from talented collaborators and a high-concept film to accompany it, 'Avant Garden' is a project that sets Keynes apart from his peers and solidifies his place as an up-and-coming artist to watch.

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your new EP 'Avant Garden'? What themes and experiences did you draw from, and how did you translate them into your music?

A lot of the songs were made during pandemic times. Was self reflecting on my life and things. My love life comes up alot in the project and it’s probably because I was a little lonely at the time.

'Low Lows & Ceremonies' has been described as your most accomplished work to date. Can you elaborate on what makes this track stand out from your previous work? What new elements did you incorporate into the production and composition?

I think it’s just a well put together song. The sounds are modern but the bop itself feels nostalgic. Wanted something that felt familiar but new and I think I hit the nail on the head.

How did you and Andrew Gowie come to collaborate on 'Low Lows & Ceremonies'? What was your creative process like when working with him, and how did you bring your respective styles and influences together to create something unique?

I was introduced to Andrew by Warren. We had made a few songs before and I liked working with him. He’s just a genius so it makes it easy. For low lows I had pretty much finished the beat and recorded a demo on it. I sent him the stems and let him cook. Tune came back polished, drums were elevated, came out nice.

Can you take us through your creative process when working on 'Avant Garden'? How did you approach writing and producing the songs, and what was your mindset during the creation of this EP?

usually just make things when I feel like making things. Don’t like to force it. I was in a creative state when a king this project. Was locked in so I just made a lot of music.

Of all the tracks on 'Avant Garden', which one do you feel represents you the most as an artist? Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind that particular track, and what it means to you personally?

I can’t really pick one to be honest. I think they all have their moments and serve a purpose in showcasing what I can do.

How did you choose the contributors for this project? What qualities were you looking for in your collaborators, and how did you ensure that they complemented your own vision for the EP?

All the collaborators on the project are homies so it was easy to choose who to include on this project.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while working on 'Avant Garden'? How did you overcome these obstacles, and what did you learn from the experience?

Biggest challenge is probably putting it out. At some point you gotta jump and that’s scary sometimes but you gotta let your baby go.

As an artist, what message do you hope to convey through your music? How do you use your platform to inspire and connect with your audience?

Be the best you that you can be. I Hope people look at what I’m doing and see someone who cares about what he does and does his best. I Hope it’s contagious enough to inspire others.

How has your musical style evolved over the years? What new influences have you incorporated into your music, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

I’v been opening up my pallet a lot over the years. I’m late on a lot of music. Like I listened to The Misseducation of Lauren Hill for the first time 2 years ago. I used to try to write the most clever verses when I was getting started but as I grow and listen to more and more classics I just want to make something special. Whatever that means.

You worked closely with Farai Dube on the 'Low Lows & Ceremonies' music video. Can you tell us more about that collaboration? What was your vision for the video, and how did Farai help bring it to life?

Ferai really gets it. We’ve been working together for a while. I usually share a nugget of an idea and he does a great job of cutting through the noise and executing it.

How important is visual storytelling to you as an artist? How do you think music videos and other visual elements can enhance the listening experience for your fans?

To me it goes hand and hand with the music. I usually think of the visuals right after making the tune depending on how the time makes me feel.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music? What emotions or ideas do you want them to feel or think about when they listen to your songs?

All the feels

What can fans expect from your live performances? How do you translate your studio recordings into a live setting, and how do you connect with your audience during your shows?

A live band, smooth performance, cool vibe. Nothing to crazy

What are your future plans in the music industry? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're particularly excited about, and what goals do you hope to achieve in the coming years?

Mostly just trynna push the project right now. I have a lot of music in the vault so might drop a single or 2 before the end of the year. Doing a few shows as well. Im just trying to get as many eyes and ears on this project.