In a world that is so divided by politics fueled by fear of the “other”, we are all about finding joy and unity, and celebrating the diversity that makes us unique. This summer we have been hooked on pop star Keeana Kee’s viral hit ‘Tik Tok’, and clearly we are not the only ones! This song has been hitting all the right notes with its message, reminding fans to make their own choices, and not be afraid to be themselves.
The Latvian-born, New York based singer/songwriter and model dedicated this track to people who are hesitant to let in big changes. The single is already taking social media by storm sparking a massive trend with the hashtag #TikTokkeeanakee and #keeanakeetiktok seeing fans and followers across the world posting their own takes of Keeana’s dance moves.
In addition to making beats that make you bop, the queer songstress is an inspirational woman and a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite facing adversity in her formative years, Keeana remained determined to pursue a career in music, and she taught herself to play both guitar and piano while taking vocal lessons.
A passionate supporter for the LGBTQ+ community, Keeana shares her personal struggles coming out to her family with the hope it will remind people that although we have progressed as a society, there are still many queer folks who need a supportive community in place of their family who may not be.
And Keeana understands this on a personal level. Before she came out publicly, she was in a serious relationship and brought her partner to her family dinner one day. It was a complete shock for her mom who was raised in a very traditional conservative Russian family. So when Keeana told her mom at the dinner table, she was absolutely stunned, and cried. Only her step-father, who is British, was very supportive, and helped her mom to come around eventually.
Because of this experience, Keeana’s mission as an artist is to spread joy and empower people to be their best, most authentic selves. That comes across in her music and her inspirational story.
Keeana has made music her vehicle to spread positivity and to encourage people everywhere to do the same. She has been creating diverse music that is a blend of genres including pop, Latin and Afropop.
Knowing how important it is to spread joy and advocate for others, we wanted to get to know the pop star a little, and hear about her musical career journey, and what she hopes her fans, especially other queer folks who are looking for solidarity and encouragement in their own journey, will love most about her music.
Where did your music career begin, and who were your biggest influences growing up?
I loved singing since I was a little girl. Usually with my grandmother and my favorite songs would always be the saddest songs that she liked to sing like the war time Russian songs. I was always drawn to melodies that go straight to your heart. That is how I have discovered the 90’s Divas – Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion – and then eventually artists like Beyonce and Sia, who become my biggest inspiration for becoming a singer. Every live performance video that I watched would inspire me to dream bigger and work even harder on developing my voice and performance skills.
Your latest single ‘TIK TOK’ has been taking off, and going viral on social media! How does it feel to see this reaction from your fans?
Oh this makes me so incredibly happy! I am so pleased to know that my music is reaching the people all around the world and that these people get the exact feeling and idea that I was trying to get across. I’m very grateful for every new listener and fan who has discovered my artistry via this new song. I promise there is more.
My heart is overwhelmed with happiness every time I see a new video with the #TikTokKeeanaKee dance challenge on TikTok. I love the choreography so much. It’s so fun and addictive. When I was recording my take of it, I couldn’t stop dancing. You should try!
Can you tell us the message behind the song, and what you hope listeners are feeling when they hear it?
I was writing this song to remind us that time doesn’t wait for anyone. That we should stop procrastinating and I know how hard it is, and we are all guilty of that, to stay on track but remember that one of our biggest treasures is our TIME (and it keeps going “Tik Tik Tok… Tik Tik Tok..”. We don’t know how much we have left of this Earth.
Live it up! Set your goals! Love! Be Happy! Enjoy your days and appreciate the little things around you. You are worthy of everything you have been wanting. Just go and get it. “You Got This” – as I sing in my empowering PRIDE Anthem “GODDESS”.
In the verses of my song “TIK TOK”, I’m a girlfriend of someone who’s still “in the closet” and I am trying to let them know that I need no material things (“I need no Prada, you gotta do what you gotta…”) that all I want is for them to make a decision and not to be afraid to be themselves, and not allow other people’s different opinions and beliefs influence theirs. I am letting them know that I will be there for you, with the open arms I am waiting for you, giving you my heart. (“They tryna control everything that we own but body and mind is your zone. Don’t be afraid to be yourself…”)
I hope the song inspires you to think of what you might’ve forgotten about and gets you excited to finish whatever task you might’ve been procrastinating on and, of course, remind you to love yourself for who you are. The song is fun and catchy.
You have become an inspirational voice in the LGBTQ+ community, but it wasn’t always easy for you to be out and proud. Can you share what it was like coming out to your family initially?
It was hard. I was scared and terrified to lose the most important person in my life – my mother. And it was incredibly hard for her to accept me and took a long time. I didn’t come out ‘till I fell in love and was ready to introduce my girlfriend to my family. At that time I was so in love that nothing could stop us. I felt like, even if the whole world was against us, I’d still be happy and I just went for it.
Most important and helpful thing when you are coming out with the partner, in my opinion, is to show to your family how happy that person makes you feel, how they care for you and love you. That this is just who you are and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with you! For any loving parent that should mean something. If you aren’t super lucky of getting a positive response from your family right away, I believe that they will come along with time.
Just give them time, don’t push, don’t force it. They all had their expectations of you and now you are shattering them. Yes, for some it might take years, but eventually what kind of parents won’t want to just see their child happy, even though cases are very different and crazy situations do happen. You know your parents, try to find an approach that could work best for them. I wish you good luck and whatever happens remember that this is your life and it’s for you to live it not for your parents, neighbors, friends.
Surround yourself with likeminded people so you don’t feel alone. We are stronger when we are together. Listen to music. Music helped me a lot in my life. There’s just something so strong and empowering about music. It can help you go through your day and even overcome obstacles. There’s music for every mood that you are in. Look for music that you can relate to, it does help a lot.
How did music become a source of healing and hope for you during this time, and what instruments did you learn to play?
When I was going through rough times and my big heartbreak, I was listening to Eminem and Sia non stop. They would give me strength. Deep in my soul I’m more of a depressed kind of person even though you might not think that coz of how many fun and clubby songs I write. Music is definitely my absolute medicine and my addiction. I love it and I can listen to songs on repeat for hours if that song catches my exact mood. That is also how I write my songs – to try and inspire my listeners or help them get through their own obstacles. All depends on the song and all my music is based on my personal experiences.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have access to musical instruments growing up, but when I could afford it, I bought myself an electric piano and a guitar. I even have an electric violin and a saxophone, coz I am so in love with it all, but needed much more time to learn those. I learned to play piano and guitar just enough to support my songwriting and vocal training.
Often I write my songs playing chords on the piano or guitar, then send it to my producer to produce and make the beauty out of it. I love leaving that to the professional while I concentrate on my melodies and lyrics. Playing musical instruments helps develop listening skills and is very useful to singers. I hope to learn to play more instruments with time.
Knowing that there are still many people around the world who are in the same situation where they might be afraid to tell their family or live in a place hostile to queer rights, how do you hope your music can play a role in empowering them through it all?
As of today, I’d recommend not to risk and provoke people around you if you live in a place where homophobia is prevalent. You have to take care of yourself. Look to meet people that have similar interests, that will support and understand you and stay closer together. When we are not alone we are stronger.
There are cruel people out there. If circumstances allow, consider moving to a town or country that is more supportive and accepting of LGBTQ+ community. It can help you find a job where you feel more safe, meet likeminded people and overall feel safer living your life. We can only wish for the better days when humanity respects one another, but for now let’s work on ourselves and figure out what part we can play in making this world a better place.
All the music that I write, I write to inspire and motivate people. Even the fun, clubby songs. For my LGBTQ+ community I write my Pride Anthem “GODDESS” featuring Ariana Castelli, which I hope will become like a mantra for those who want to feel more empowered. This song is a reminder of the constant beauty and power that you possess. The lyrics celebrate authenticity and self-acceptance.
In the new music catalog that will be coming out soon, I have even more songs that are empowering and inspiring.
The music biz is known to place many gendered expectations on women artists especially. How have you navigated this landscape and how do you maintain your authenticity through it all?
I can just say that I am trying not to lose connection to my heart, to my inner self. I try to remember who I am and what I am here to share. From my experience, most of the music giants out there think of you as a product and which way is better to make money off of you. I try not to lose myself in that, set my boundaries.
I had to decide WHY I am making music, for who, what do I want to write about etc. I am an independent artist and so far have full control of my art and brand image, but I do eventually want to get signed to a record label and then I just hope I will be able to stand my ground and not let them influence my vision so much that it goes against my own artistic values and taste.
Right now in the US we are seeing a backlash toward bodily autonomy and the LGBTQ+ community. What message do you have to people who want to feel empowered to make their own decisions, and refuse to be labeled?
As I sing in ‘TIK TOK’: “They tryna control everything that we own, but body and mind is your zone. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.” Your body and everything about you is YOURS. You should have right to do whatever you feel like doing. It is your time on this Earth, do what makes you happy.
Love yourself. By loving yourself you are able to give more love to others. People can be cruel and to change everyone’s thinking is close to impossible. All we can do is stand up for each other, protect each other and be kind to one another. The LGBTQ+ hate is far from over, but look how far we have come.
Here in the USA, I feel more comfortable being myself, being out, holding my partner’s hand. A lot of that is thanks to Pride Parades that get us together, bring awareness and show that there is nothing to be afraid of or hate towards. We are all people. We should have a choice to love who we wanna love.
What can fans expect from your next release, and where can they follow you for more music and content?
I have just released my new song called “WEEKEND” which is a fun addition to your party playlist and if, by any chance, you are going through a breakup right now, might even make you smile and help boost your confidence and just inspire you to go out and dance it off.
You can listen to ‘Weekend’ on Spotify. Follow Keeana on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter (X). Listen to more of her music on Spotify and Apple Music. See more of her music videos on her Youtube Channel.
