We recently had the chance to connect with Keary Alaniz and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Keary, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing success in the music industry and if I stopped then my heart would not be fulfilled. I’m making strides towards a healthy work-life balance. Recently, I started studying new skills so I can have more free time to work on my music. As an artist I’ve had to follow my own direction, and one thing I’ve learned is that it takes courage to be a leader. There is a lot of pressure on independent unsigned artists, people will say things like: “you’ll never make money at this,” and “music is just your hobby.” I think the music industry needs different kinds of people to share ideas so that the art doesn’t get stale. Think about it, no superstars or underground musicians ever stay in the limelight forever. Eventually I think a time will come where if you have talent, you’ll get your moment to shine because Art is an ecosystem that requires diversity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Keary Alaniz and I’m a self produced Musical Artist in Dayton, Ohio. My brand is unique because my music represents those who stand out in the crowd. I represent originality, creative expression, and a passion for finding your own style. If I had to pick a vision statement it would be something like, “Be your best self and don’t look back on who you used to be.” I believe in waking up everyday and trying to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday. My music style is diverse, I make Hip-Hop based music with Alternative influences. The themes portray individualism as well as escapism. I make music that is best described as melodic, introspective, and feel good music.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was a teenager, I got to perform at a Hip-Hop open mic night at One Eyed Jacks in Fairborn, OH. I remember this being a pivotal moment because it got me hooked on performing live for crowds of people. I don’t remember how many people were there, but the high made me feel like I was in front of a massive stadium crowd. For that performance I rapped with my friends on stage. I remember after the performance someone told me my song,”One More Puff” was a hit.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
One kind thing I would say to young Keary is that I’m doing an amazing job at being an artist. I would tell myself not to put so much expectation on things going perfectly. There’s a lot of pressure on young people to have all these social accolades and to be somebody perfect, but that’s not what makes a person real or good. I would tell young Keary that focusing on habits that build personality is more important than things that make someone rich or famous.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The music industry makes us believe you have to work inside the industry to get success. I’ve met wonderful people in the music industry, but working for a living in music is hard. Working inside the music industry can be great for artistic inspiration, but things are changing. In this new era you can have any job or any background and become successful just through getting noticed on social media or by having a viral song blow up. This is because music is dictated by popularity and public opinion rather than by gatekeepers like it used to be.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I can definitely give everything my best even if no one praises me for it. I know my music has gotten better over the years, and I can hear the results for myself. I have been very fortunate to have gotten a lot of support and feedback over the years. Other musicians I worked with have helped me learn what sounds good and what works. I want to make new songs because my heart is in it, and not because people are telling me to do it. Eventually I think people will catch on that I have created something that is for them, but my true passion comes from doing something that makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kearyalanizmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kearyalaniz
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/keary-alaniz
Image Credits
Jay’ionna Bailey
