What’s next for Thomas Keating?

Hey Thomas, love the new track, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself? 

I am a 30 year old singer songwriter living in Sydney’s Inner West. Four years ago after years of touring and creating music in bands I decided it was the right time for me to pursue a solo career. For the last four years that has been my major focus. I have released several singles and an album as a solo artist in the last few years and toured nationally and over in America. It has been an amazing experience so far with some amazing highs and painful lows. I am currently working on album 2 and have a new EP ready for release. So I am really excited to keep getting new music out there. 

How would you describe your music?

I would describe my music as cinematic folk rock and also probably emo. I am an emo kid from way back! And that plays a huge influence on my music. 

Tell us about Cold Night, what’s the story of this track (Where was it recorded etc.)?

I wrote this track a couple of years ago when I had first moved to Melbourne. I didn’t know many  people when I first moved there and I was feeling pretty lonely and down on myself. I also moved there right in the middle of winter and I could not believe how cold it was compared to my hometown Sydney. Just after I wrote this song I went over to America for the first time in my life and did a small run of solo shows. Cold Night was one of the songs I would play at the shows on the tour, so it brings back some really great memories every time I play it now. 

Who are your greatest music influences?

My greatest music influences would have to be artists like: Elliot Smith, Conor Obesrt, Jen Cloher, Phoebe Bridgers, The Drones, The Triffids, The Panics and Nick Cave. 

Which local and international artist would you most like to support on an Australian tour?

Local artist would have to be Cloud Control, I think they're an amazing act and I would love to see how they work behind the scenes.  International I’d say would have to be Eels. I think he is such an interesting performer and artist and that it would be a really interesting experience touring with him.

Melbourne or Sydney?  Why?

Oh that’s tough and such an ongoing debate in music. I have lived in both cities and really love them both. I think Melbourne has a much better variety of music venues, especially at my level. But for me Sydney is home and I love living here. 

In one sentence, how would you sum up your 2020?

Reflective and a bit isolating. 

Have you got any secret hobbies we might be surprised by?

A hobby I have that a lot of people seemed to be surprised at is running. I love having my music blasting in my head phones and going for a long run. It helps me to clear my head and eases a lot of my anxiety. 

Which song do you wish you wrote and why?

I wish I wrote - Wide Open Road by the Triffids. I feel like it is one of those songs that just sums up the unique writing that you only hear from Australian artists. I was drawn to this song the first time I heard it. It was actually shown to me after a gig by Alex Gow the lead man from Oh Mercy. He compared the band I was in (Good Counsel) at the time to the Triffids and I was pretty chuffed about that once Alex showed me this song. 

What’s next for Thomas Keating?

I have an EP ready for release which I’m planning to get out early next year and I am currently in the studio recording album no 2. O I’m really excited about putting out new music. I am also planning in the new year to get right into playing live again. It has been really hard to find new opportunities to perform since the pandemic but things seem to be opening up more and more so I have hope I’ll be playing live again really soon.