A very intentionally nod to the 1980s
Having released ‘No Fall of Rome’ late last year, Keelan X returns with a new indie-synth-pop crossover sound on his latest release, These Days.
The track oozes 80’s sensibilities. A homage to 1980s production values, the track sparkles throughout as Keelan experiments with uplifting synth soundscapes, soaring guitars and the use of a relentless, foot-tapping drum-machine style beat. Lyrically, These Days explores themes that exist in our society today. The idea that we have become more distant and ever more isolated despite the advancements of modern technology seemingly bringing the world closer together.
“Musically the song is very intentionally a nod to 1980s production, complete with some 80s synths, chorus-rich guitar and drum machine sounds from that era. In a way, it’s my little homage to the 80s. But rather than being an 80s pastiche, my intention was to somewhat contrast the innocence, colour and creativity of the music in that era by lyrically reflecting on how things are today, socially etc” – Keelan X.
Over the years, Keelan Cunningham has had a conflicting relationship with his one true love: music. A former member of up-and-coming Irish band The Marigolds, the dissolution of the band had a profound effect on Keelan as he quickly fell out of love with the industry. With more than ten years passing without music in his life, the worldwide pandemic revitalised Keelan’s creativity. Strapping on his Fender Telecaster and switching on an old Roland keyboard he began the process of writing and producing songs once again. The results were immediate and quickly culminated in the formation of his new project, Keelan X.
Cherry-picking approaches and styles of song craftsmanship he had developed whilst playing in an array of bands over the years, the multi-instrumentalist set about writing a varied collection of songs. Keelan’s distinctive sound is borne out of his eclectic taste in music, taking influence from contemporary artists such as The War On Drugs, The Weekend, Sam Fender, The Academic and melding this with his love of the likes of Bowie, Tears For Fears, Prefab Sprout and Giorgio Moroder.
This is the second single to be released from his forthcoming debut album. Keelan X aims to unveil a number of singles over the course of 2022. The Castleknock, Dublin 15 native, regularly locked up in a recording studio in Dublin or London, has rediscovered his passion for music. The creative compulsion, love and buzz Keelan have is on full display here in his new release.
https://twitter.com/KeelanXMusic
https://keelanxmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/keelanxmusic
https://www.instagram.com/keelanxmusic/
