Keaton Dekker: 'the unwelcome series'
The UK’s next bedroom pop sensation, Keaton Dekker, broke on to the scene last Friday with the release of his debut EP ‘the unwelcome series’. At just 20-years-old and a POC member of the LGBTQA+ community, Dekker is an invigorating voice in what has become a white-male dominated scene.
Producing the record himself, with Tim Rowkins on mixing an mastering (Rina Sawayama & Robin Schmit of the 1975), the result introduces a youthful-yet-mature take on the world around him; touching on themes as wide as modern-day relationships, the drawbacks of social media and inclusivity.
A treasure set full of pop anthems, the EP begins with ‘GG’, a dark synth-infused number that combines neon-tinged melodies and a cluster of stomping drum beats. Followed by previously released single ‘ITYK’, the album takes a momentary pause in momentum with the laid back number perfectly juxtaposing it’s predecessor.
‘mint’ is a call to arms, with Dekker almost pleading for a clean slate; the track features an array of crystalised beats that seamlessly complement his clean vocal delivery. EP closer ‘Trying Again’ is a two-minute dream-pop number that has a buoyant beginning, drawn to conclusion effortlessly by atmospheric synths. Dekker explains the track, “I remember creating the beat and reacting to it by dancing about in my room, and I hope everyone that hears feels like they can do the same!”
Accompanying the release with visual acquaintance, Dekker created a set of videos that encompass the EP’s honest, raw and emotional themes. Making his directorial debut on single ‘ITYK’, he’s heavily involved in all of his videos, proving his capabilities as a DIY artist. With appetite for change and an overabundance of glittery material, expect to hear the name Keaton Dekker a whole lot more in the near future.
