Brian Keith Kennedy, Jr. (born March 7th, 1996) known by his stage name Keith’ More-Fire is a Jersey-Born American rapper, singer, producer, songwriter, director, photographer, violinist, and pianist. Born in East Orange, New Jersey and raised in Columbia, South Carolina.
Brian has always been in touch with music since he was a growing toddler but mostly when he got of age to talk. Friends and family would soon realize memorizing lyrics to the most popular music was too easy to him. Given the ability to learn the violin at the age 13, Brian has always been able to compose and also write music, but with the motivation to continue forward, he has been able to learn the piano at the same time. Creating art to Brian isn’t just for people to listen to and love, but to Brian its written and spoken stories to listeners who are going through the same thing he has or is.
In this interview, we chat with More-Fire to talk music, influences, the new project, and more.
Q&A, links, and the video for the new single below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre or style?
I’ve grown up listening to Hip-Hop. Watching it’s progression and where it has taken a couple of hits by some. In the last couple of years though I’ve heard the same type of music. That hardcore “trap” music that kids these days think they can do in their real life. I wanted to get back to the times where music told a story, and when it was worth more of a listen.
[editor’s note: Salute!]
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been creating music since I was 13, so its been about 2009. I started sharing my music to the public around the age of 16.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Daily experiences influence most of what I write, and also past experiences that played a big role on how my life played out. When I’m on stage, my future influences how I play. I think about doing shows everyday, or going on tour and hitting a big stage. Saying that, I think that also motivates me to keep going and never to stop along with making my daughter proud when she gets older.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I was trying to accomplish a couple of things with this new project. One being that I wanted to show off my creativity with these songs, and also show how diverse I can be from the rest of music artists in my region. I wanted to show everyone that the same sound that they hear on the radio shouldn’t be the same sound that they should follow up.
What was the last song you listened to?
Man, the last song I listened to was “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By” by Method Man and Mary J. Blige.
[editor’s note: YES!! That’s the jam!]
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
As much as I like MP3s, I respect the craft of Vinyls. I would love it if my music ever made it unto a vinyl record.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I love Apple Music because it gives you a chance to get closer to your fans and those who listen to your music, but I think I love Spotify more because I was coming up while Spotify was getting more and more popular. When I first got verified on there I put most of my faith into those who were on Spotify, and I still do.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Most people in my region think that all music is the same music, and its hard to catch someone’s eye and make them think you’re better than the rest, so when I approach someone and tell them that I make music they don’t take me seriously until they hear me from a reliable source such as a well known magazine or blog. Or, if someone famous mentioned me on Twitter or said my name in a interview.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I perform around South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina, but definitely would love to tour in the near future if I can. I have never live streamed, but I feel like that would be a crazy cool experience for me.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
I usually respond fastest on Twitter. Mentions come straight to my phone so I check them more frequently then other things that don’t. As for discovering more of my music, you can either check out my website at www.keithmorefire.com or popping up on my Soundcloud page which is www.soundcloud.com/keithmorefire
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
If you have a dream, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to chase it as long as it’s realistic. Some people have the talent, but they lose hope in their dream. So, if there’s one thing I have to say, it would be to not give up on your goals and to remember the effort you put in when you started and carry that effort until you met your goal. Because, you will go to the grave thinking that you should’ve chose that other path that you didn’t take.
Other than that, I’m relocating from Columbia, SC to Los Angeles, CA soon and I plan on taking my goals to the next level. I’m going to need the fans support for the move though, so hopefully you guys can stick with me and be a part of my journey for this new beginning.
