An Interview With Keyse
JW: Hello, Keyse. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me today. I wanted to talk about your music, upcoming shows, and dig deeper to better understand the meaning behind some of your lyrics, as well as your inspiration as a songwriter and performer. While listening to your music, I learned that many of your songs come from personal experiences and tribulations you have gone through in your life. Your storytelling and raw emotion truly show in your work, and I applaud you for that. Today, I have prepared some questions that will help your fans and any new listeners learn some more about you. I’m excited for this opportunity, and thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions.
JW: I love how you made 3 different versions of “Wolf’s teeth!” That’s so unique! What inspired you to write that song?
K: “Wolf’s Teeth” was written during the peak of a long term cat-and-mouse relationship. I likened my overexerted nervous system to that of a prey animal in their final moments and ran with that perspective.
JW: “Testify” is such a real song. You wrote “I’ll spend the rest of my life emulating people that I don’t even fucking like.” I feel like we all mirror other people at some point in our life. At what point, did you realize you were a version of yourself you didn’t like? What life changes did you make to become more happy and authentic to yourself?
K: The thoughts and feelings detailed in “Testify” really dawned on me when I realized that I was lonely with or without the company I kept. The main focus of the song is conformity and assimilation in attempt to encourage companionship, but it ultimately isolating you even further. And the guilt that comes with allowing yourself to become something you don’t even recognize to be more digestible for others. It’s taken years of trial and error (and therapy) to be comfortable with not performing who I think people want me to be. I have a very small support system, and I don’t really allow myself in spaces that encourage conformance anymore. Doubtful that I ever will again.
JW: How do you feel before you go on stage? Nervous? Excited? Is there a pre-show ritual you have that helps you get into the zone?
K: I don’t really have any pre-show ritual per-say, but I make sure to stay hydrated and use a vocal mist nebulizer pretty religiously. As far as how I feel before I go on stage, I get pretty intense anticipation anxiety, that subsides immediately once I get on stage.
JW: And to expand on that what is your favorite part about performing?
K: My favorite part about performing isn’t even the performance, but rather the connection aspect it allows. I get to share intimate moments with friends and strangers alike and we all experience a mutual feeling. It’s so powerful and there’s nothing quite like it.
JW: Can you give us a hint of what to expect to see from you this year? We are so excited for your Raleigh show!
K: I am expecting to put out two more bodies of work this year that are adjacent to my album Trauma Bond. After those are released, we will be looking at rolling out my second full length album (which has concluded recording already).
JW: If you had to describe your LP in 5 words what would you say?
K:
Candid
Volatile
Brooding
Curt
Indignant
JW: I love that all your music videos tell a story that better bring your songs to life. What is the process you go through to film your music videos and make it authentic to you?
K: The process is very different depending on whether it’s DIY (“Burnout,” “Let You Down”) or if someone has been brought onto the project to concept, direct, or record a music video. Generally if I collaborate with someone else, I give them the song, lyrics, and brief description of what the song is about. From there I allow them creative freedom to help build a story or world that furthers the ideas from the songs. DIY videos are much more involved. I generally write a treatment of sorts, figure out hair, makeup, set, props all on my own. I also edit my DIY videos myself.
JW: Do you have any advice for young individuals that are still finding themselves and what they want to do in life?
K: Keep your circle small and do not allow anyone outside of that circle access to your innermost thoughts and feelings. I had to learn the hard way that many people, unfortunately, are not good natured. It’s important to protect yourself and your well-being from those who just want to reap the benefits of your hard work, your kindness, etc. Keeping yourself guarded is vital to maintaining emotional health.
JW: Music is therapy for a lot of us. When was a time that writing or singing one of your songs helped you get through a tough situation?
K: The entirety of my second full length album (which is yet to be released) was an extremely cathartic experience for me to write and record, as it is an exploration of the bleakest parts of my life. In attempting to make sense of these upsets, it forced me to look at things both emotionally and objectively, and kind of find a middle ground between the two. I wouldn’t say I’m “cured” or “healed” by any means, but I think the most important takeaway is I’ve grown to be accepting of that. Writing is such a special, intimate process for me and I’m so grateful that it always has this way of providing clarity when my perception of something may be hazy. It truly is my most endeared creative and coping skill.
JW: Thank you for putting out real powerful songs and sharing your story with us!
Keyse has released three versions of Wolf’s Teeth (2018, 2021, & 2026). As of February 20th 2026, be sure to stream them on your music platform of choice, and don’t forget to check out her show on Saturday, March 21st , 2026, at Kings in Raleigh, NC.
Thank you for reading, and have a beautiful day!
Josie Warby