Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Ward.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My music tastes are varied as I was introduced to new sounds and In high school when I was a Prince fan. My tastes became to take shape beyond the radio via a local record store in Greensboro called Spins. From there I became interested in Depeche Mode, followed by New Order, The Cure and other alternative artists like Nitzer Ebb and Ministry (thanks to Fallout Shielter). Acid house was another sound I was drawn to as a teenager after spending summers in Spain. However, I credit my first cousin Louis from Queens, New York who introduced me to the NY house sound I would start to seek out the most. He gave me a mix tape and later took me to a college bar in Greensboro, North Carolina where the dj was playing some slamming house music. That was the hook and I started buying house music while also getting into more rave-oriented artists of the time like Prodigy, KLF, 808 State as well as electronic groups like Roni Size, Portishead and Massive Attack. At some point in college, I started listening to Cuban salsa, then Brazilian, and the doors to other global sounds came into the mix (credit to Nickodemus and Turntables on The Hudson). During this time, and after djing much house music, my younger brother turned me on to the lounge/downtempo/nu-jazz sounds via artists like Jazzanova, Thievery Corporation and Kruder & Dorfmeister. Much of these sounds would later form the varied dj sets I played in cafes, bars, lounges and clubs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been, and always will be, challenges. Looking back I appreciate being aware of the changes and phases I have experienced. Most importantly I am still learning, whether it is about transitioning between genres/musical styles over 4 hours in a bar, selecting the most impactful songs for an hour long club set or how to best promote a night.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am dj who plays a range of sounds mainly due to a wide interest in music. I am known for playing music specific to a certain mood or theme, i.e., pan comido (a night that seeks to connect the rhythm and sound of afro, braziilian, caribbean and latin music. I am proud of connecting the dots between musical styles and doing my best to faithfully present the music that moves me most. I am proud of the connections I have made with other music lovers, djs and dancers as they know me and my ‘sound’. I am also grateful for the businesses and events where I have shared music as my ‘sound’, professionalism and and reputation are an appreciated currency.
What are your plans for the future?
I have a number of party concepts in mind which range from listening parties to club/dance nights. I am looking forward to putting these ideas out in the world more consistently in the coming year. I am interested in creating music event brands which can exist outside of where I currently live, ideally near a beach;)
Contact Info:
- Website: forthcoming
- Instagram: djkward
