Keshi
Keshi (stylized in all lowercase) is the stage name of Casey Luong, an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist of Vietnamese descent born on November 4, 1994, in Houston, Texas.[1] He is known for blending lo-fi R&B, hip-hop, and alternative pop with introspective, emotionally raw lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth.[2] Rising to fame through self-produced bedroom recordings shared on SoundCloud beginning in 2017, Keshi transitioned from a career in nursing to full-time music after building a global fanbase with billions of streams.[3] Born to Vietnamese immigrant parents and raised in the suburbs of Houston, Keshi initially pursued a practical path, earning a nursing degree and working as an oncology nurse at Texas Medical Center while secretly developing his music under the Keshi alias to maintain anonymity.[3] His early releases, characterized by nostalgic jazz and R&B samples over hazy hip-hop beats, resonated with listeners seeking bittersweet romance and vulnerability, leading to viral success with tracks like "like i need u" and the 2018 EP the reaper, which amassed over 600 million streams.[2] In 2019, he signed with Island Records, marking a pivotal shift that allowed him to quit nursing and expand his sound into more polished productions incorporating acoustic elements and lush strings.[4] Keshi's discography includes the EPs skeletons (2019) and bandaids (2020), which solidified his DIY ethos, followed by his debut studio album Gabriel (2022), which debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on Top Album Sales while earning him the highest new artist debut of 2022 on the Billboard charts.[2] His sophomore album Requiem (2024) further evolved his style toward confident, emo-infused R&B, reflecting on fame's emotional toll and personal relationships, and featured contributions to soundtracks like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.[4] By November 2025, Keshi had accumulated more than 4.4 billion streams on Spotify alone, released a deluxe edition of Requiem in February 2025, and sold out numerous shows on his ongoing Requiem World Tour (2024–2025), establishing himself as a versatile artist whose textured soundscapes and biblical imagery continue to draw millions.[5][6][7]Biography
Early life
Casey Luong, known professionally as Keshi, was born on November 4, 1994, in Houston, Texas, to Vietnamese immigrant parents who worked as computer programmers after emigrating from Vietnam.[8][9] He grew up in the suburban community of Sugar Land, a diverse area in Fort Bend County that blended his family's Vietnamese cultural heritage—marked by traditions like family gatherings and Vietnamese music—with the rhythms of American life, including local parks and community events near the historic sugar factory remnants.[9][3] This dual influence shaped his early worldview, fostering a sense of nostalgia for Houston's Asian-American enclaves while navigating the expectations of immigrant parents who prioritized stability.[9] At around age 11, Luong developed an interest in music after watching Drake Bell perform on the Nickelodeon show Drake & Josh, which inspired him to pick up his grandfather's classical guitar.[10] Self-taught, he learned basic techniques using the instrument and his grandfather's Vietnamese music workbook, practicing despite its challenging size for a child and gradually building skills through trial and error.[10][11] By his early teens, this hobby evolved into songwriting, influenced further by artists like John Mayer, though it remained a personal pursuit amid family emphasis on practical endeavors.[10] During high school at Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugar Land, Luong pursued his growing musical interests, often reflecting on suburban spots that evoked simplicity.[12][9] However, his parents' background as programmers instilled a preference for secure career paths over artistic risks, leading him to initially view music as a hobby rather than a profession; this tension foreshadowed his later pursuit of a nursing degree at the University of Texas at Austin as a more conventional route.[9][12]Personal life
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Keshi returned to Houston to pursue a stable career path influenced by his family's emphasis on practicality and security.[12] He worked as an oncology nurse for two years from 2016 to 2018 at a hospital in the Texas Medical Center, where the emotional intensity of caring for cancer patients—often in their final stages—instilled a profound sense of discipline and empathy that later bolstered his dedication to music production and performance.[13] This experience, though ultimately unfulfilling due to burnout from long shifts and limited creative outlet, motivated his full-time transition to music in 2019 after a particularly grueling day at work highlighted the need for personal expression.[14] In February 2020, Keshi announced his engagement to his childhood friend Mai, describing their relationship as a grounding force amid his rising fame, though he has consistently prioritized privacy to shield her from media attention and preserve their intimate bond away from the spotlight.[13][11] Resides in Houston, Texas, where he maintains close ties to family and records much of his music between Houston and Los Angeles, Keshi nurtures an active lifestyle centered on fitness to manage the physical demands of touring and sustain his mental well-being.[15] He also nurtures a deep appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, often incorporating traditional dishes into his routine as a nod to his heritage and a source of comfort during travel.[13][16]Musical career
Independent beginnings (2017–2019)
In 2017, Keshi released his debut single "Over U" via SoundCloud on September 17, initially sharing it as a self-produced track that signaled his pivot toward a full-time music career while he continued working as an oncology nurse.[17][13] The song, created using GarageBand in his bedroom studio, featured a raw, lo-fi R&B sound that he developed through self-taught techniques learned from YouTube tutorials.[18] It was later made available on streaming platforms on November 10, 2017, helping to establish his online presence.[17] Building on this foundation, Keshi independently released his debut EP The Reaper on November 13, 2018, entirely self-produced in his Houston bedroom setup with a distinctive lo-fi aesthetic emphasizing intimate, hazy vocals and minimalistic beats.[19][20] The four-track project included "the reaper," "like i need u," "2 soon," and "i swear i'll never leave again," exploring themes of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability through stripped-back production.[21] The Reaper propelled Keshi's growth, as he cultivated a burgeoning fanbase via social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where he posted acoustic covers, production insights, and live snippets to engage listeners organically.[18] The standout track "like i need u" achieved viral momentum on SoundCloud and Spotify, contributing to his total streams surging from 16 million to 150 million throughout 2019 and drawing label attention through the EP's resonant performances.[9] This online traction culminated in his signing with Island Records in 2019, following the independent success of his early work.[22]Major label breakthrough (2020–2022)
Following his signing with Island Records in 2019, Keshi released his first major-label EP, Skeletons, on July 16, 2019.[23] In 2020, Keshi solidified his position with Island Records through the release of two EPs that showcased his evolving sound in alternative R&B and indie pop. The first, Bandaids, arrived on March 24, featuring five tracks including the introspective single "hallucinate," which highlighted his signature lo-fi production and themes of emotional recovery and self-reflection.[24] Later that year, on October 23, Always followed as his longest EP to date with six songs, led by the vulnerable ballad "drunk," which captured the complexities of loneliness and fleeting connections through minimalistic instrumentation and Keshi's falsetto vocals.[25] These releases marked a shift from his earlier independent work, leveraging label support to amplify his reach and amass millions of streams, establishing him as a rising voice in contemporary R&B. Keshi's trajectory culminated in his debut studio album, Gabriel, released on March 25, 2022, via Island Records. Co-produced primarily by Keshi alongside collaborators like Elijah Marrett-Hitch and Kyle Townsend, the 12-track project blended lush, genre-blending production with raw lyricism, drawing on hip-hop beats, acoustic elements, and electronic flourishes. The tracklist includes standout songs such as "GET IT," "SOMEBODY," "TOUCH," "MILLI," "HELL/HEAVEN," "ANGOSTURA," "ADDISON," and the titular closer "GABRIEL," interspersed with interludes like "PÈRE" that add narrative depth. Centered on themes of love, vulnerability, identity duality, and personal growth—often viewed through the lens of Keshi's alter ego—the album reflects his experiences with romance and self-discovery, creating an immersive world for listeners.[26][27] It debuted and peaked at No. 16 on the US Billboard 200, selling 23,000 units in its first week and marking his highest-charting release to date.[28] During this period, Keshi expanded his global footprint, particularly in Asia, where his Vietnamese-American heritage and relatable storytelling resonated strongly with audiences. This led to increased international acclaim, including sold-out shows on his 2022 Asia tour across cities like Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Seoul, and Bangkok.[29] Although specific collaborations like rumored features remained limited, his work gained traction through festival appearances, such as 88rising's Head in the Clouds in 2021, further bridging his US-based sound with Asian markets. The success of Gabriel also earned him Billboard's Top New Artist Debut award for 2022, recognizing his breakthrough impact.[30]Recent developments (2023–present)
In 2023, Keshi released sped-up versions of select tracks, such as "LIMBO" on February 24, to maintain fan engagement following Gabriel.[31] keshi announced his second studio album, Requiem, in July 2024, with the project serving as a tribute to a close friend who had passed away, delving into themes of grief, loss, maturity, and existential reflection.[32] The album was released on September 13, 2024, via Island Records, featuring 13 tracks that blended arena-ready pop elements with his signature lo-fi R&B style, including standout singles like "Dream" and "Soft Spot."[33] "Dream," released as the lead single on August 8, 2024, became a fan favorite for its uplifting yet poignant energy, while "Soft Spot," the second single released on September 12, 2024, trended on TikTok and highlighted keshi's evolving sound with its vulnerable portrayal of emotional vulnerability.[34][35] Requiem debuted at number 27 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 20,200 units in its first week and marking keshi's second top-30 entry on the ranking.[36] Following the album's release, keshi expanded his global reach with a heightened focus on Asian markets during the 2024–2025 Requiem World Tour, which included sold-out performances in key cities like Seoul and Tokyo. In February 2025, he played two consecutive nights at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama, Japan, both of which sold out rapidly, prompting an additional show due to demand. Similarly, his March 1, 2025, concert at KSPO Dome in Seoul, South Korea, achieved sell-out status, underscoring his growing popularity in his ancestral regions and drawing diverse crowds that reflected his Vietnamese-American heritage. These shows not only boosted streaming numbers in Asia but also featured setlists blending Requiem tracks with earlier hits, fostering deeper connections with international fans.[37][38] Amid the tour's intensity, keshi openly addressed industry challenges, particularly the balance between mental health and relentless touring schedules, emphasizing the need for boundaries to sustain creativity. In interviews throughout 2024 and 2025, he discussed experiencing burnout from fame's pressures and the importance of privacy to maintain emotional clarity, drawing from his background as a former oncology nurse to prioritize self-care. This perspective influenced his approach to the Requiem era, where he incorporated therapeutic songwriting as an outlet for processing personal loss. Looking ahead, keshi released the single "WANTCHU" on August 8, 2025, signaling a new creative phase with its playful yet introspective alt-pop vibe, and hinted at a third album in development that he described as "the one"—a project poised to further evolve his sound and explore even deeper personal narratives.[39][40][41]Artistry
Musical style and production
Keshi's music primarily blends bedroom pop, R&B, and lo-fi hip-hop, characterized by acoustic guitar-driven melodies and minimalistic beats that create an intimate, introspective atmosphere.[9][18][42] His early work emphasized raw, unpolished sounds rooted in these genres, drawing from lo-fi's nostalgic fusion of hip-hop rhythms and subtle jazz influences.[42] Keshi's production evolved from lo-fi home recordings in his bedroom during his independent phase to more polished studio work after 2019, incorporating tools like Logic Pro X for arranging and mixing, alongside live instrumentation such as guitar and piano.[43][44] This shift allowed for greater sonic depth while retaining a DIY ethos, as he handles much of the instrumentation himself.[45] Signature elements of his style include falsetto vocals that convey vulnerability, layered harmonies for textural richness, and atmospheric soundscapes that enhance emotional intimacy.[18][46] For instance, on albums like Gabriel and Requiem, he collaborated with producer Elie Rizk to refine these aspects, blending self-produced elements with professional oversight.[26][45]Influences and themes
Keshi's musical influences draw from a blend of singer-songwriters, R&B innovators, and hip-hop artists, shaping his approach to melody, emotion, and production. He has frequently cited John Mayer as a primary inspiration, particularly for Mayer's guitar phrasing and introspective songwriting, which Keshi encountered as a teenager through tracks like "Stop This Train," prompting him to pursue guitar and composition.[47][10] Frank Ocean's influence manifests in Keshi's emphasis on emotional depth and vulnerability, elements that inform his layered explorations of personal turmoil.[48][49] Similarly, Drake's impact is evident in Keshi's incorporation of raw vulnerability within rap-R&B hybrids, blending confessional lyrics with rhythmic introspection.[50] His Vietnamese heritage also subtly informs his artistry, reflecting an immigrant identity that navigates cultural disconnection and pride, though specific Vietnamese musical figures remain less prominently acknowledged in his discussions.[3] Recurring themes in Keshi's work center on heartbreak, self-doubt, immigrant identity, and mental health, often derived from his personal relationships and experiences as a former oncology nurse. Heartbreak and relational yearning dominate his early output, capturing the ache of fleeting connections and emotional exposure.[42] Self-doubt and mental health struggles, including depression and public scrutiny, emerge as introspective motifs, with music serving as a therapeutic outlet for processing loss and identity reconstruction.[4] His nursing background contributes to these themes by instilling empathy and perspective on human fragility, influencing explorations of pain and resilience drawn from patient encounters and personal bonds.[42] Immigrant identity weaves through his narratives, addressing cultural alienation and the tension between heritage and assimilation in a Vietnamese-American context.[3] Keshi's lyrical style is poetic and confessional, employing intimate storytelling to convey raw emotions through vivid, relatable imagery. This approach fosters a sense of direct address to listeners, emphasizing vulnerability without overt sensationalism.[4] Thematically, Keshi's work progresses from the youthful romance and immediate heartbreak of his early EPs—like the lo-fi introspection of skeletons (2019) and the relational trilogy (skeletons, bandaids, always)—to deeper philosophical rumination in later releases. His 2024 album Requiem marks a shift toward broader introspection on mortality, legacy, and life's impermanence, blending personal grief with existential questions while retaining emotional core.[47][4] This evolution continued in 2025 with the Requiem deluxe edition, featuring new tracks such as "Inside Out" and "I Choose You" that further explore relational dynamics and vulnerability, and the single "WANTCHU," emphasizing desire and connection.[51][52] His production techniques amplify thematic weight through expanded sonic palettes, mirroring his growth from bedroom producer to arena performer.[4]Discography
Studio albums and EPs
Keshi's early releases were self-produced extended plays (EPs) that established his lo-fi R&B sound and garnered significant streaming attention. His debut EP, The Reaper, released on November 13, 2018, features four tracks: "the reaper," "like i need u," "2 soon," and "i swear i'll never leave again."[53] These songs, characterized by introspective lyrics and minimalistic production, collectively amassed millions of streams on platforms like Spotify, contributing to Keshi's initial online buzz. Following in 2019, the EP skeletons expanded on themes of vulnerability and transience with four tracks: "atlas," "skeletons," "summer," and "xoxosos."[54] Released on July 16, the project highlighted Keshi's falsetto vocals and guitar-driven arrangements, with individual tracks like "skeletons" exceeding 130 million Spotify streams by 2025. The EP as a whole surpassed 250 million total streams on Spotify, marking a milestone in his independent era.[55] In 2020, Keshi released two EPs under Island Records. bandaids, dropped on March 24, contains five tracks: "less of you," "alright," "blue," "right here," and "bandaids," blending emotional ballads with subtle electronic elements.[56] This release built on his growing fanbase, with tracks like "blue" achieving viral traction. Later that year, on October 23, always followed as a six-track EP: "always," "more," "drunk," "talk," "b.y.s.," and "us."[57] Featuring raw confessions of heartbreak, it included the standout "drunk," which alone garnered over 147 million Spotify streams. By 2025, these EPs collectively contributed to Keshi's discography surpassing 1 billion global streams across platforms.[5] Keshi's transition to full-length albums began with Gabriel, his debut studio album released on March 25, 2022, comprising 12 tracks including "get it," "somebody," "westside," "touch," "milli," "père," "hell/heaven," "angostura," "understand," "limbo," "angel," and "gabriel."[58] Preceded by singles "get it," "somebody," and "touch," the album explores fame, identity, and relationships through cohesive storytelling, earning praise for its emotional depth and polished production.[27] Critics noted its bittersweet narrative arc as a personal evolution, with the project debuting at No. 16 on the Billboard 200.[59] His sophomore effort, Requiem, arrived on September 13, 2024, as a 13-track album: "amen," "say," "night," "soft spot," "like that," "texas," "dream," "war," "bodies," "requiem," "euphoria," "just to die," and "id."[60] Led by the single "say," it delves into mortality, loss, and resilience, with "soft spot" emerging as a key highlight for its vulnerable lyrics.[33] Recorded across Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and Tokyo, the production incorporates diverse influences like city pop and orchestral elements, distinguishing it from prior works.[61] The album peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 with 20,200 units in its first week, while achieving strong streaming debuts globally. A deluxe edition was released on February 7, 2025, adding three new tracks.[62][6]| Release | Type | Release Date | Track Count | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Reaper | EP | November 13, 2018 | 4 | Self-produced debut; foundational lo-fi R&B tracks.[53] |
| skeletons | EP | July 16, 2019 | 4 | Vulnerability themes; over 250 million Spotify streams.[54][55] |
| bandaids | EP | March 24, 2020 | 5 | Island Records debut; viral singles like "blue."[56] |
| always | EP | October 23, 2020 | 6 | Heartbreak focus; "drunk" exceeds 147 million streams.[57] |
| Gabriel | Studio Album | March 25, 2022 | 12 | Debut LP; cohesive fame and identity narrative.[58][59] |
| Requiem | Studio Album | September 13, 2024 | 13 | Multi-city production; mortality themes, No. 27 Billboard 200. Deluxe edition February 7, 2025.[60][61][62][6] |