We talk to lead singer Finn Keogh as the band release debut single 'I Lied, Amber'.
Photo: Hermione Sylvester | Words: Donovan Livesey
If you're looking for a fresh and fast-rising guitar band to get excited about, look no further than London four-piece Keo. The band—fronted by brothers Finn and Conor Keogh, alongside friends Oli Spackman and Jimmy Lanwern—have built a cult following through little more than two tracks on Soundcloud and a striking Windmill performance. Now, with their debut single having just landed on streaming platforms, we caught up with lead singer Finn Keogh last week on the night of the band's first headline show at Oslo Hackney to discuss TikTok virality, the intensity of London's live circuit, and why the best music is always a little bit vulnerable.
Your new single 'I Lied, Amber' is finally out on streaming platforms. How does that feel?
Honestly, I don't even know how to put it into words. We can't believe it's finally happening. It's taken a long time to get everything in the right place—finding the right moment, the right setup, and making sure we were ready. We've wanted to release music on streaming for so long, but I think the timing has worked out perfectly. We've finally got some people that want to hear us play music.
You've got loads of unreleased tracks, why did you choose 'I Lied, Amber' to be the first one out?
It just made sense. I feel like the fans kind of chose it. From the moment we started playing it live, it was obvious that it was going to be the lead single. It felt like the right introduction to our sound—it's not too dark, not too heavy, but it still captures everything we're about. And yeah, there's definitely more coming after this - another single isn't far behind.
Like most of your music, the single is quite personal. Is it ever daunting putting so much of yourself in the music?
Yeah, I've definitely written some lyrics where I know people are going to know it's about them. That's a strange feeling. I've thought about this now that it's all coming out and it's weird to think that I know they'll hear it. But I think the best music is vulnerable and honest, writing a song is basically just writing a load of secrets on a piece of paper and putting it out into the world. I don't mind it.
Tonight [20th March] the band headline Oslo Hackney – what's your favourite part of performing live?
Good question. I enjoy revisiting that feeling I had when I first wrote the songs, it's like reliving all those emotions in real time. Tonight is a special one because it's our first proper headline gig, so I've yet to experience that moment where the crowd actually knows the words and sings them back. Maybe tonight will be the night. But yeah, for me, performing is just about completely unleashing. I get a lot of anxiety and things outside of music, so when I'm onstage I can just let that all out and express myself.
Tooth are supporting tonight – you played your first ever gig with them. How has Keo evolved since then?
Oh yeah it's a really nice full-circle moment. We've definitely got rid of a few musicians since then - we went through a few lead guitarists before finally landing on Jimmy, who's definitely the final fit. The lineup feels perfect now. Beyond that, I've definitely grown a lot as a songwriter. Back then, we were just figuring it all out and not a single song from that first era has made it into our current setlist. We've moved forward and refined our sound.
You've supported acts like Kings of Leon and Paolo Nutini – do you approach support shows any differently to headlines like tonight?
I wouldn't say I prefer one over the other, but with support slots, there's definitely less pressure. You soundcheck, your gear's all there and ready to go. It's just about winning people over when they don't know you. Tonight I feel like I've got to go out there and live up to what they think I am, which definitely adds a different kind of pressure.
If you could support any band, who would it be?
We always talk about this. I think the most beneficial support slot would be someone like Smashing Pumpkins. They have such a broad fanbase—young and old—and obviously, they're massive and fucking cool and their music's great. But I'd also love to support Radiohead; I've seen them live before, and if they end up coming back this year, that would be the dream.
You started playing gigs with your dad as a child. Do you think that shaped who you are as a musician?
100%. I started getting up on stage with him when I was about seven – not proper gigs, but I'd sit on his lap and sing old Irish songs in these gritty pubs and things. I had some of the maddest experiences – watching drunk men trying to start a fight in the corner or something and my dad just cracking on. But I think that's where I learned the ethos of "the show must go on". We even did a mini-tour of the States, and my brother Connor – who plays bass in Keo – and I would do a little 30-minute set in between my dad's shows. So yeah, I definitely looked up to him, and still do. It's really cool to have music in the family. We're not nepo babies though, it's not like he's secretly Prince or something.
What does your dad think of Keo?
Yeah, he loves it. I think he's really proud, which is nice – he's happy to see us doing what we're doing. It's definitely different from what he does, which is more of a kind of traditional Irish folk thing. But yeah, he's all on board which is great.
You grew up in Portugal but you've been in London for a few years now. How does the city and the music scene shape you as a band?
Yeah I grew up all over the place, my parents were just moving all the time. Coming to London at first was really scary, but I've been here for like four or five years now and it's fully shaped me. Just understanding, falling in love with other acts in London. Falling in love with venues, too, and atmospheres. Everyone's excited about music here and it really does feel like guitar music is coming back in because of the shows that have been going on in London the last five years. It's finally echoing into the rest of the country.
Is it ever difficult being surrounded by such a busy and competitive scene?
At first, yeah. Most of my friends are in bands and I think there's a healthy competition between all of us. I don't find it difficult now because I'm finally getting to a place where I'm getting to put music out, it feels like we're doing it right and we've got a good team around us. I did, for a long time, struggle with comparing myself to other people and other bands. It's easy to do that, but you have to keep your blinkers on and have tunnel vision. Just believe in what you're doing, be real on stage, be real with what you're writing, and you'll get where you need to go, I think.
Keo have gained a huge fanbase on social media. Do you engage much with that side of things?
I'm definitely aware of it. The last month or two, all of my friends from years back have been saying, I saw you on TikTok. It's wild. I look at Instagram a little bit more than TikTok, I try to reply to people that reach out to us and things. It's been cool to see it get a little bit overwhelming, like I'm now struggling to reply to people which is such a weird feeling. I don't know – there's a lot of crazy people in TikTok comments, so I try and steer clear of that.
Keo achieved a lot in 2024, what's one thing you want the band to achieve in 2025?
A sold out headline tour. We're going to be putting our first EP out fairly soon too, so it should be a big year.
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