The world became familiar with Keaton Stromberg when he appeared on the X Factor USA in 2012 as a member of the band Emblem3 alongside his brother Wesley Stromberg and Drew Chadwick. The trio finished in fourth place and went on to release one album and several EPs. Now, almost five years later, Keaton has released his first solo album titled “The Simple Life”. We had a chat with him where we discussed his new album, musical inspirations and his incredible fans.
CM: Congrats on the release of your new album “The Simple Life”! How did it all come about?
Keaton: Hey, thank you! I started writing “The Simple Life” about 7 years ago. All of the songs were written at different times in my life, each one pertaining to something I was going through emotionally. I actually recorded, produced, mixed and mastered the record in my home studio, all on my own. This album means the world to me and I hope that the messages inside each song reach out to those who need it.
CM: You have previously released music with your band (Emblem3), what is the biggest difference between being in the group and being on your own?
Keaton: Being in a band, you always have to go through your bandmates with creative ideas and the direction of the music. Being on your own, you have full creative control to do whatever you want.
CM: Which song on your album is your favorite? What was the inspiration behind it?
Keaton: It’s hard to say, but my favorite is probably “You Will Not Be Forgotten.” It is a song written for my grandpa who passed away a few years back, and it means a lot to me.
CM: What is your favorite thing about writing songs and creating music?
Keaton: My favorite thing about creating music is seeing how it heals people around me and how it can spread so much love so fast.
CM: You come from a very musical family, what were some of your musical inspirations growing up?
Keaton: I was very inspired by both my parents growing up. My mom is an incredible harpist and my dad is a film composer. Music was always flowing through the house. I got into alternative music when I was in middle school, hearing Death Cab for Cutie’s “I Will Possess Your Heart.” Ever since then I’ve loved that sound.
CM: How have your musical inspirations helped you develop as an artist?
Keaton: Having such awesome influences growing up made me who I am as an artist today. Listening to the emotion and thought-provoking lyrics behind the bands and artists I love helped me discover who I want to be as an artist.
CM: How have you changed since Simon Cowell mentored you on the X Factor almost five years ago?
Keaton: I’ve been through a lot in the past 5 years. I’ve really started to figure out who I am, and why I make music.
CM: Which accomplishment in your career are you proudest of?
Keaton: I’m most proud of releasing “The Simple Life.”
CM: Do you have any upcoming plans? A tour perhaps?
Keaton: I definitely plan on creating more music to share, and I’ve been thinking about doing some shows.
CM: You have some incredibly dedicated fans – is there anything you would like to say to them?
Keaton: I’d like to say thank you so much for staying with me all of these years. You are loved and remember to share love with everyone around you.