StereoType Records

Keeno Lee – City Dreamer

City Dreamer

Just before the Summer season kicks in,we found some time to meet up and get to know some more about one of Cape Town’s finest artistic multi-taskers,Keeno Lee.

STR: What inspired you to write “City Dreams?”
KL: The producer(Leighton Moody) & I had a long chat about how powerful music could be,and the songs that had affected us.That night I was listening to the track he gave me,and I made a concious decision that this song     needed an uplifting,positive message,because that’s the feeling the music engendered.

STR: It’s your new single,right?
KL: Yes,its being sent to radio this week.People in house clubs have really been responding positively to the song,so it has a good chance of being commercially successful.

STR: It’s your first release that’s not directly or indirectly about love.Is it easier to write about love?
KL: Its an emotion we can all relate to.Everyone’s fallen in love,been in love,been dumped.These are universal themes,and people connect to the songs because they identify with the stories told.

STR: “City Dreams” was produced by house music stalwart and pioneer,Leighton Moody.How did that come about?
KL: Leighton & I met when he moved to Cape Town;we connected through our mutual taste in old soul and funk.He actually introduced me to deep house.So when he started shopping tracks he had produced to writers,he contacted me and I was blessed enough to collaborate with him,and to get the track on my album.

STR: You grew up in Cape Town,do you have a “tick-off list” of things you always wanted to achieve here?
KL: Every blessing I have received moves the goalposts.But there are still many things I’d love to achieve here.I’ve always wanted to play the Community Chest carnival,which I’ve attended since a kid,and the Jazz Festival is also a dream.(My mom wants bragging rights)

STR: What do you love most about Cape Town?
KL: The people of Cape Town are so friendly & open,they have a love for life unrivalled in the world.Each street holds a memory for me here.And it doesn’t hurt that we are surrounded by such amazing natural beauty.

STR: You’ve travelled the world as a singer and performer,who has the toughest crowd?
KL: German people are tough as an audience initially,but very generous with applause at the end of shows.Capetonians are also difficult to please,because the city possesses such a wealth of talent.But once you win them over,they are fiercely loyal.

STR: You’re a songwriter too,what’s one of your favourite songs to come out of the beautiful city of Cape Town?
KL: I love the song “Uneek” by Moodphase5ive,a now-defunct Cape Town band…

STR: Favourite female singer/artist from Cape Town?
KL: Wow,that’s a tough one.I can’t really choose,but I love the sounds of Claire Phillips,Lucy Tops and Melanie Scholtz.

STR: Favourite restaurant in Cape Town?
KL: The Kitchen in Woodstock has such an amazing homely atmosphere,with healthy delicious food.And the owner Karen is one of the gems of this city.

STR: Favourite local designer/brand?
KL: I’m proud to be working with one of the coolest up-coming clothing distributors in the city,Rusty World.They import international labels,my favourites being Rusty Neal and a very hot local brand, Head Honcho.

STR: Favourite Cape Town music producers?
KL: I’ve been priviledged to work with Ebrahim Mallum,Ameen Harron,Leighton Moody and Kyle Petersen.Nikos V. and Erefaan Pearce are also very talented.

STR: Lastly,a message to all the up-and-coming singers,wanting to go into the music industry.
KL: Make sure you educate yourself concerning publishing,registering of songs and the business side of the music industry.Join SAMRO.Learn to play an instrument.And speak your heart;your songs will reach someone,make sure the message is worth sharing.

Listen to City Dreams below

Keeno Lee – City Dreams – Radio Edit by stereotype

for bookings or comments email bookings@stereotyperecords.co.za

Thank you
Stereotype Records