Keoni, a native of Pilsen, the Czech Republic, was born in 1983 into a family deeply immersed in the enchanting world of music. His father, a skilled pianist and saxophonist, and his older brothers who had taken to forming a band, provided the perfect backdrop for young Keoni’s burgeoning love for rhythm and sound. His earliest musical interactions came through handling the drums, followed by an exploration of the guitar and vocals. However, it was his venture into electronics with the keyboard that marked a significant turning point in his musical odyssey.
As the years unraveled, Keoni honed his musical craft, providing his talents to several bands and even founding the acclaimed band, “The Universe of Discourse”. This triumphant ensemble, wherein Keoni served as the composer, guitarist, and vocalist, resonated with audiences in Germany, going on to aid his university education fund and everyday living expenses. In his time with the band, he composed over 50 songs that captured the imagination of his listeners. However, despite the flurry of life’s experiences during this period, shrouded delicately in music, romance, and human interaction, many memories slipped into obscurity.
In his youth, Keoni found music to be a thrilling playground of exploration. Notable bands like The Doors and Radiohead, the latter discovered at a house party with his ex-girlfriend, ensnared his attention. The music of Radiohead, particularly the song, “National Anthem”, played while immersed in a world of cannabis, ice cream, and snug sofas etched themselves into his psyche. His eclectic musical tastes saw him venture through genres as diverse as Balkan brass, reggae, grunge, nu-metal, and even the infectious tunes of pop sensations like Britney Spears and David Bowie.
However, Keoni’s trek was not without its daunting peaks and valleys. The haunting specter of alcohol abuse, embodied by his father, formed an ever-present shadow in his life’s tapestry. Tragic circumstances in his twenties turned his world upside down when he lost his father and saw “The Universe of Discourse” disintegrate. Mental health woes compounded by poorly managed treatment carved a chasm of despair in which Keoni found himself. Life’s generosities, however, did reach out to him. He recovered, found love, fatherhood, and surmounted the trials of underpaid jobs to embrace work that mirrored his intellect and talents. Throughout this turbulent journey, Keoni’s affection for music remained constant and invincible.
At the age of 35, he embarked on the exciting “Keoni project”. This endeavor, inspired by the pulsating beats of EDM and artists such as Royskopp, Chemical Brothers, and Faithless, saw him engage substantially with music. His lyrics traversed a range of compelling topics, including sex, spirituality, God, and social transformations. His thoughts, steeped in the spiritual speculations of his younger years, dissected the tribulations and solutions of our world, often being shared on his social media platforms.
The exploration of love is a recurring theme in Keoni’s compositions. Yet, it shuns the conventional and embraces a darker, wilder landscape, stripped of typical romanticism. His creations, nurtured by Ableton, Waves plugins, and Native Instruments, originate from a rich mélange of inspirations and life-altering experiences. The result is an evocative and singular musical journey that is quintessentially Keoni.
Keoni’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of music. It underscores an unyielding passion for art, even when confronted by life’s hardships. Keoni’s symphony continues to unfurl with depth and boundless creativity, inspiring his listeners and ensuing musicians.
Discover more about Keoni’s musical journey on Instagram via www.instagram.com/keoniofficialmusic and experience his music firsthand on Spotify open.spotify.com/artist/6wsqDoVu6rCsV2L1NaCjn9?si=yJFCRGPARvKM6phPLbB0YQ.
