Keithian Unplugged: Behind the Scenes of "Bullsh*t" and Life On The "Mood Swings Tour"

A rain-soaked Tuesday afternoon morphed into a dusky evening in Atlanta, as the city's notorious six o'clock traffic loomed like an unrelenting shadow, threatening to dampen the spirits of eager concertgoers. Amidst this urban tumult, Center Stage stood as an oasis of anticipation, hosting what would turn out to be a night filled with energizing performances from several acts on the "Mood Swings Tour" headlined by R&B sensation VEDO.

Photo Credit: Keithian

It was an eventful night to say the least. What we thought was going to be a brief chat with supporting act and R&B singer/songwriter Keithian, turned into a memorable encounter with him and his tight-knit team. Their warm invitation to join them on a swift expedition to Whole Foods for a pre-show bite proved to be both thrilling and endearing. Over sushi rolls devoured backstage, we delved into the inner workings of life on tour and uncovered the trials and triumphs that come with it. Keithian's candid reflections illuminated the crucial role a dedicated and supportive team plays in the success of a tour while also revealing the undeniable bond that unites them. As we relished in what could only be described as the pinnacle of sushi excellence at the time, we found ourselves nestled comfortably in Keithian's backstage sanctuary, engaging in an insightful conversation about his exhilarating journey alongside his fellow R&B songmate VEDO and the release of his latest single, "Bullsh*t", which poignantly exposes the raw truth of a fractured relationship.

Photo Credit: Maars Mixer

Thank you for joining us Keithian! First we wanna talk about your relationship with VEDO and how you came to be a supporting act on his tour. Can you tell us a little about that?

Yeah sure. So I had a manager that actually hooked me up. I've been following VEDO for several years and of course, I love a lot of his music. I saw him last year on tour with Usher and Eric Bellinger during Something In The Water Festival and that Tiny Desk performance so I was excited about it. One day my manager kind of was just like, "Yo, we need to support somebody." So that's what happened.

That's really cool, to be able to watch someone perform and transition to supporting them on tour. So what has touring been like? Can you recall any memorable moments on or off the stage so far?

Yeah, being on stage in Philly was honestly my favorite crowd. It was really sweet, you could feel the brotherly/sisterly love. The tour has also been good, and the team is incredible! Of course, VEDO and his team are really gracious as well. They're very nurturing and that really means a lot like today actually, we had to fire our manager in the middle of tour... and like, they supported us. You could just tell as we walked in that they supported us and I really feel like I have someone to rely on, like a big brother situation.

That's so amazing! We'd like to touch base on your most recent singles, "Ways" and "Bullsh*t"... they're both tracks that speak on relationships, but more importantly, how you feel or felt about a certain situation at a time. It was almost like you got in a booth and said, "I gotta get some off my chest". So, how would you describe the feeling of performing these vulnerable tracks, in front of audiences.?

Absolutely emotional, each time. I will also say, "Ways" is kind of like- I wrote this stuff about shit that I just immediately got out so the song "Ways" is literally about like falling for them- you know, just playing games and having fun with her and stuff like that, but really kind of falling into it. Then you guys get a chance to hear Bullsh*t , which is like the climax of the whole relationship where I realized... bullsh*t. I'm realizing today that that relationship can be with friends or business people or whatever- but I ripped the band aid off and that's where I'm at.

Well, as you continue on the "Mood Swings Tour", what can we expect from your live performances? Are there any surprises or elements that you've incorporated in your set?

Yeah, I've kind of incorporated my whole being- it's like a snippet of just me right now. & you know the whole point is just to kind of hype VEDO so I get a chance to get in front of new fans and do that.

Now looking beyond the tour, what's next for Keithian? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're working on?

Yes, we're gonna be dropping singles right now until pretty much the early fall and then we may land with a new EP. So we got a new single that's gonna come out next month and we got a music video that's gonna come out next month too. We're gonna pretty much do the same thing for the following months.

Okay awesome we're definitely looking forward to those! It was very nice speaking to you Keithian, we wish you the best on the remainder of the tour!