Local singer-songwriter Keeth commands the stage with a magnetic presence, serving powerful high notes amid roaring guitar riffs, pulsating basslines and thunderous drums.
But beneath that rockstar persona lies a man who’s deeply introspective and driven by nostalgia – traits that take the centre stage in his debut EP, Hollywood Diaries.
The project documents his journey through music, culture, emotions and personal identity during his one year living in Los Angeles, the United States.
“Hollywood Diaries is a storyline of my life, containing all my elements of rock and all,” the 30-year-old said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
“I think it’s important for artistes to stay true to their craft when writing and producing music.
“In the next 20 or 30 years, when I’m in my 50s and have kids, I’ll look back and remember this moment of my life when my EP was released,” he added.
“Some things may be different culturally, but there wasn’t much of a struggle.
“In the end, the people (I’ve worked with in the US) weren’t so different from us... We’re all just working to make music,” he said.
Born Kelvin Thein, Keeth released his debut single Concrete Jungle in March, which is also included on Hollywood Diaries.
Even before that, he had already built a solid foundation, including gigs at small clubs and fronting Malaysian rock band May.
His achievements extend to the international stage too.
Last year, Keeth opened for Steven Adler – the drummer of acclaimed American rock band Guns N’ Roses – at the Whisky A Go Go nightclub in Los Angeles.
He also represented Malaysia at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) competition and performed at major festivals such as Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia and the Bali Blues Festival in Indonesia, where he was formerly based.
“I live by the motto that wherever music and life take me, I’ll be there.
“Although I’m going to be based here in Malaysia most of the time now, you can still expect to see me abroad too,” he said.
Hollywood Diaries comprises five songs but the standout track is Fallin’ (Oceans), inspired by Keeth’s love for surfing and boating – passions rooted in his family’s beachside resort and boating business.
“I grew up in a small town in Melaka and came from a boating and surfing back-ground, as my family runs a few beachside resorts.
“The lyrics came from a poem I wrote and was completed in about 20 minutes, but it took me three years to figure out how to structure everything and deliver the final product today,” he said.
The EP also includes a track with an explicit title.
Addressing the strong language often linked to Western rock and metal, Keeth said such lyrical expression has always been part of the genre’s rebellious spirit.
“In the end, I think it’s all just artistry and rock and roll... As long as you stay true to the track, it should be enjoyable,” he said.
On whether he plans to collaborate with local artistes and release Malay songs now that he’s back in Malaysia, Keeth nodded with a smile.
The singer added that while his main focus is rock, he also plans to tap into other musical genres to expand his repertoire.
“Put me on any stage, anywhere – I’m ready to rock and roll.
“What I want to show is that musicians from Malaysia are capable of bringing our music to an international level and standing equally alongside musicians around the world without barriers.
"This is a reflection of our arts and culture.”
