Today we’d like to introduce you to Ke Royal.
Hi Ke, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At the age of 3, my family found out I could sing. They began nurturing that talent and exposed me to different art outlets. By 11 years old, I had began my songwriting journey. I was gifted a keyboard from my aunt and began using the song demos and beats on the keyboard as the tracks that inspired my songwriting. The first genre I wrote was gospel. I was apart of choir and drama club in middle school which was another tool that helped me grow artistically. By college I was writing r&b, doing song covers and mashups on YouTube and started experimenting with turning my poetry into hip hop. It wasnt until 2019, 5 years after i graduated that I decided to pursue music as a career. I joined an artist community in 2020 called 24/7 artists where i gained knowledge on the business of music, mentors, a community of creatives and a safe space to navigate my artistry. I released my first single in 2019 and it’s been elevation ever since. To date, I have released an album, ep, soundtrack and multiple singles and collaborations with artists. I have performed at MotorHouse, Salisbury university, Baltimore Pride and various open mics and events around the city, with hopes to continue sharing my gift in different spaces!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road has probably been as bumpy as the Baltimore streets i drive on everyday lol. But seriously , this journey has been a test that will one day be my testimony. I am the type of person who jumps into things and learns as I go. I literally throw myself in, panic for a while and then begin to learn from my failures to become better and grow in what I’m doing.
My biggest struggle on this road has been navigating my mental health and finding balance in everything. I am diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder , generalized anxiety and adhd. At times I am completely overwhelmed and seem to be getting nothing done. I have so many ideas and thoughts going through my head all the time and sorting them all out gets difficult. I have been incorporating meditation, therapy, and gratitude to help navigate these things. Those things and music have literally saved my life.
Another struggle has been learning the business of music and marketing so I can one day make a living from my music. There is so much to learn that it can get very overwhelming sometimes especially when you are still working 1-2 jobs at a time to sustain your daily life. In the beginning, you are working to build a team so a lot of the work and finances are on you. You are wearing many hats such as artist, manager, creative director, content creator, accountant, student etc. I had to learn to simplify tasks, slow down, plan and execute. This struggle taught me to manage my time better, ask for help when needed and that rest is so important.
The third biggest struggle I faced was on a personal level. I had to learn to give myself grace, be present and not to compare where i am to where others are. I battled so much with myself internally about my success and if I was good enough. I always felt like i was behind, i felt that i wasn’t being seen or heard. My outlet became my music. As an introspective artist, my music speaks to real, and raw emotions about everyday life and healing. I write my pain and my triumph in my songs. Through doing that i have began healing and elevating immensely and im so grateful. I am building my royal tribe and we are learning, growing and healing together.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I AM Ke Royal. A singer/songwriter, and lyricist. I like to think of myself as a music therapist. I have a bachelors degree in psychology but I’m not talking about a certified music therapist, just someone who uses music as therapy for myself and to help others heal and navigate. I am an artist who takes real life situations, emotions, and realizations and makes them into musical soundtracks for life. I always wanted my life to be a musical and I’m blessed to be living that everyday.
I have gained many experiences and skills while navigating my artist journey. I am self taught in video editing, photography editing, graphic design, and have also written, acted in and produced a short film. I have designed a merch brand which I will be releasing soon so be on the lookout. I am a currently giving back to my community as a student support specialist at an arts program in the city working with grades kindergarten-8th.
I am most proud of my growth personally, creatively and as an entrepreneur. I have become so confident in my artistry and opportunities have opened up because of me embracing who i am unapologetically. I am also much more knowledgeable in the business of music.
Something that sets me apart from others is my emotional resonance in my content and music. Also , I have a very clear understanding of who I am and what my brand identity is. I am very purpose- driven and love to collaborate. I understand that my gifts and talents were given to me but also that they are not just for me to keep to myself , they are for me to share and build community and unity.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is when I performed in the play Cinderella at my arts camp called Y.A.T.T.A.S. This was my first lead role and I played the fairy godmother. I was in middle school at the time and worked hard for years to get a lead role. We reenacted The Roger’s and Hammerstein version which featured Brandy and Whitney Houston. Being able to portray Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother was not easy, especially vocally but i accepted the challenge and delivered. I remember singing the final song, “There is Music in You” and hitting that final note. Everyone stood up and applauded and in that moment i felt so seen and successful. I will never forget that day ! Shoutout to Kenyatta Hardison for seeing me and believing me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/KeRoyalVillage
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keroyalmusic?igsh=aHJ0d296ZnA4YzM3&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakeara-j-b28410269?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@keroyalmusic?si=C2er-nwwTQHUsS0Z
