In a music industry dominated by polished production and calculated releases, Keoni Usi stands apart as a refreshing anomaly. The rising independent artist has just unveiled 7min on March 18, a strikingly intimate eight-track album created in merely three days.
With no formal training yet proficient in three self-taught instruments, Keoni has crafted a raw collection that seamlessly weaves alternative, R&B, and indie influences into a cohesive emotional journey. From the vulnerable opener "LOVING U" to the titular "7 minutes," the project serves as both confession and contemplation—a musical diary exploring love's complexities and personal evolution.
finding records live | loving u & stevie wonder & d.a.t.t
What makes Keoni's ascent particularly remarkable is his unconventional path to success. Without industry connections or a substantial social media presence, the self-taught musician has organically built a following of over 10,000 monthly Spotify listeners in just seven months.
His authentic approach has resonated with listeners and playlist curators alike, earning him coveted spots on Spotify editorial playlists despite operating entirely outside traditional music industry frameworks. We, caught up with Keoni to discuss the whirlwind creation of "7min," his instinctive approach to musicianship, and how vulnerability has become his greatest creative strength.
You're a self-taught musician who has learned three different instruments without formal training. What inspired you to start learning music, and what were the biggest challenges you faced in becoming a musician?
Music has always been an outlet for me. At a young age, my parents gave me an iPod shuffle, and the moment I had it I never put it down. I think having that relationship with music and access to it in that way really welcomed me to the idea of telling my own stories. I think my biggest challenge with post-songwriting is being able to translate what I hear in my head to people who are classically trained. I really wished I knew how to describe what I'm playing so it could be more convenient for my friends that I create with. Very luckily they welcome my growth as a musician so I am finally learning as we go.
Your album 7min was created in just three days. Can you walk us through that intense creative process? What drove you to complete the album so quickly?
The process was very lively and natural. I really can't describe it other than lively and honest. My friends and I made all of the tracks in a shed from scratch and I honestly would describe it as the first creative and honest project I made as a musician. The reason I finished the project in 3 days was no reason other than that's the only time I had. I had to fly up north to spend a couple days with my friends, and being an independent artist I had financial limitations that kept me at a 3-day limit. I will say that those 3 days really pushed me as an artist and I am very grateful for that experience.
The album blends alternative, R&B, and indie influences. How would you describe your unique musical style, and which artists have been most influential in shaping your sound?
I would describe my musical style as a homemade, cohesive, and intentional collection of sounds and stories I want to share. As of right now I am still in my first eight months of starting this music journey so I wouldn't say I have found my sound yet, however, I am trying to test and chip away at the many sounds I do enjoy. A lot of the music I make is influenced by many different artists in different genres. Dijon's lyricism and dynamics, Daniel Caesar's vocal delivery, Faye Webster's simplicity and pocket creation, and many other artists. I really do have a diverse taste in music so I couldn't even fit in every influence because I have so many. I just love music and really hope I can continue to find my sound.
Your track "Stevie Wonder" seems to have an interesting title. What's the story behind naming a song after such an iconic musician?
So the song “Stevie Wonder” is essentially about following or listening to the intuitions of others and allowing it to influence your perspective and decisions you make. I think the interesting thing about music is it is so opinionated and diverse where there really is no right way to do music other than the authentic way. That's why so many artists say that they have been inspired by the artist Stevie Wonder. Despite being blind he trusted the feeling of what he wanted to make and it led him to be a generational artist. In this song I highlight the consequences of not trusting your intuition and listening to the advice of others who do not have the experiences as you do.
"Dads old accord" sounds like it might have a personal narrative. Could you share the inspiration behind this particular track?
“dads old accord” is a super personal track because it highlights a point in my life where I felt that everyone was moving on without me. Which is a very real point of everyone's life. This song acknowledges that yes people are moving away and things are changing, but there is also a beautiful side to it where I learn to appreciate the moment and the memories. For me it was admiring my dad's old Honda Accord because it was a comfort I was able to hold onto at the time when everything else around me seemed to be getting further and further away.
How do you approach songwriting? Do you start with lyrics, melody, or a specific emotion you want to explore?
All my songs are really just in-the-moment things. I don't have a refined approach yet. Sometimes it's an emotion, a concept, random words I like, or a chord progression I like. To be honest it's really just a “if I like it” approach. I'm trying to stay open-minded to my approach this early on so if something clicks I take note and adjust until I know “my process” is my process.
As an independent artist, what has been the most surprising aspect of your musical journey so far?
I think everything about the music journey is a surprise. It's an insane and beautiful feeling seeing people invest valuable time in your story or in the crazy ideas I have in my head. To know that people really do support me and have a connection to my music is something I really appreciate. I now understand how hard it is to make it in this industry, that is no surprise but a realization of complication for me.
The themes of love, self-reflection, and personal growth are prominent in 7min. How do these themes connect to your personal experiences?
The themes of love, self-reflection, and personal growth in the 7min project aren't only themes that connect to me, they connect to everyone. My dad always told me everyone experiences the same thing and different times. First love, heartbreak, loss, all the emotions are something that connects all people. In the 7min project, I tried to communicate a piece of each of those experiences as a story. Songs about love, heartbreak, loss, all of the emotions are in this project either lyrically or sonically.
If 7min was a movie, what genre would it be?
The 7min project was actually written to be a film. I saw it being an indie, life, documentary-type film. Something that captures reality but also romanticizes the smaller things.
What are your goals for the rest of the year?
2025 I plan to continue to create, meet new people, share and exchange stories. I'm hoping to be able to go on a tour with friends this year, and do more shows because I'd love to tell this story live.
Listen to 7Min