Following his February release of 3.5, his newest single Romeo, captivates the listener with striking drums, guitars and lyrics that dive into Keane’s personal challenges, going beyond a love song.

Having grown up on a farm, music occupied Keane during the quiet moments of life. In this time, he started writing songs daily, an exercise he still accomplishes to this day. With “Romeo” being a part of his thousands of written songs, the standout single embodies the complexities and joys of life. 

He has always been immersed in music, listening to the likes of Led Zeppelin and Nirvana, artists that have influenced Keane’s style. However, Keane constantly pushes the boundaries of genre, rediscovering his own sound which resonates with fans worldwide, rather than conforming to one style.

Now based in London, Keane has experienced touring with a range of bands across the UK and Europe, where he has thrived and intensified his connection with his fans, who come to support him at the Sea Girls, The Academic and The Snuts. 

Beyond music, Keane has a love for animals, particularly cats, which he regularly shares with his Instagram followers. These posts offer a glimpse into Keane’s personal life, which connects him with his fans.

Congrats on your new track Romeo, your first realise since February with 3.5 and I’m sure it is a massive crowd-pleaser when played live. Can you tell us the idea behind the track? What venues do you hope to play in the future?

This track was nothing more than forgetting about what other people wanted my music to sound like and just making what I wanted to. I never thought it would come out back then, but here we are and I couldn’t be happier. This song was made to be played live, to bring energy and life to a crowd.

I heard that you grew up in a household playing Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana. Which of your tracks have been inspired most by their music? Which of their songs would you want to cover and why?

I covered Led Zeppelins Going to California at my last couple’s shows as it’s one of my mum’s favourite songs. All those bands remind me of growing up with my mum screaming Nirvana in the kitchen and reiterate why I started music in the first place, the love of it.

You have toured across the UK and Europe with some huge bands such as The Snuts, GAYLE, Only The Poets, The Academic, Sea Girls and Giant Rooks. What have you learnt about touring and playing live from these artists? What have been the highlights?

If you put your heart and soul into what you do, there’s bound to be someone who enjoys it. These are the real fans, the people who love the art I make, not for them, but for me.

I feel there has been a lack of big new indie/alt-pop artists when compared to the 2000s, why do you think that is and how will you break this trend?

Indie has lost sight of what it started out as, people who didn’t care what was thought of them. Indie isn’t a genre, it’s a mindset and over the last few years indie has gotten a ‘sound’. that completely contradicts what it originally started as.

I read in a previous interview of yours that you have written thousands of songs, how are you able to churn out so many and how do you choose which track to release?

Growing up in Derby, on a farm, there wasn’t much to do except music. it’s my safe space, hiding in my room writing music that perhaps no one will hear. It’s therapeutic.

What does your songwriting process look like? Did the lyrics, melody or concept come first for your new track Romeo ? 

Romeo started off with the verse. The punkier approach to the lyrics, the repetition, energy is something I’d never tried and wanted to take a shot at.

As you have experienced touring and performing to 1000’s fans, how would you describe that feeling stepping on that stage to your 10-year-old self? How do you handle that pressure?

After a while, you stop thinking about what could go wrong and start enjoying what goes right. I’ve played countless shows where I’ve been rained on, broken something, or forgot lyrics but they’re not the memories that stick with me years later, it’s the enjoyment and release I get from playing a show that sticks with me.

With your new track being called Romeo, who is your Juliet?

Juliet is a combination of every girl I’ve ever dated. However the topic of the song isn’t Juliet, it’s my bad habits and flaws that make this song more of an apology and an acceptance rather than a love song. But if Jessie Murph wants to go on a date I wouldn’t complain.

Your Instagram gives the impression you are a cat person, how true is this?  What cat cafe do you recommend your fans visit?

I grew up with a dog and a cat. My cat is pure evil but it’s kind of why I like him. We both have a bit of a chip on our shoulders so I think that’s why we get along. 

When you were growing up, what job did you see yourself doing, if it wasn’t for music? What was your backup career?

I’ve always pictured myself doing music, there wasn’t really a backup. I didn’t know I’d become an artist in my own right, I spent a lot of time playing in bands and playing guitar for other people until I realised I had something to say… and an ego.

And finally, what can the fans expect from you for the rest of 2024?

This is only the start.

Oliver Keane’s new single Romeo is out now.

Interview Issy Dimauro

Photography Jack Alexander