Meet Andrew Keeler | Singer/ Songwriter & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Keeler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Well that is all your prerogative, if you give up you’ll never know what could have been. Me personally, with pursuing music as a career, I’ve had so many days with polar opposite emotions on this topic. I’ll have seasons of creativity, motivation, success, failure, etc. Without these emotions experienced, the music would not be what it is; so for that I’m grateful. But like I said, would you be more okay with giving up and taking up a different career you do not enjoy, or would you rather endure and see what lies ahead of quality work and consistency over a period of time? I would not be able to forgive myself if I threw in the towel and never found out how far my music could have gone. It is a daily struggle sometimes but it is the struggle I chose and that is preferable to a struggle that is forced. There is always more ways to expand your knowledge and make your work load more efficient. Keep going. It is not over unless you say it’s over.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Hello!! I am a 24 year old singer/ songwriter out of New Orleans, Louisiana. I go by the name Tasty for a variety of reasons. Mainly being, I love food. Big food guy. There is a certain time and place for specific meals and cravings. Same goes for music. I am not going to only make songs in one genre because, like food, I love music and I am going to make whatever emotions inspire me to at that moment. Just like so many different foods are Tasty, so many different types of music serve a similar purpose and I am here to fulfill each and every need! I think what sets me apart in my art and in my being is my authenticity. I know what it feels like to “force” art and found out the hard way that it never leads to anything beneficial. When I do create, I make sure to be in a motivated and creative headspace that will allow me to accurately display my emotions through my music.

Up to this point in my career, I am most proud of myself for persevering during difficult times. It’s mainly social media that gets to me. The comparison aspect of it all and even though consistent with content, it feels futile every so often. I am proud to say I am still pushing to get my name out there. I have been releasing music for 6 years now professionally. I have about 30 songs out on all streaming platforms with a total stream count reaching near 2 million.
To get where I am today has been a rollercoaster to say the least, but from what I’ve lived through I can say that I am grateful for the ups and downs. The main challenge for me has been marketing these songs efficiently and correctly. I’ve wasted a lot of money trying to find a way to expedite the process through playlisting or paying for promotions, but with the internet ever-changing and being integrated into our day to day lives, it feels crucial to be present and always be trying to find new ways to captivate audiences on several different social media platforms (which is absolutely draining). These are still challenges that I have to find ways to overcome and satisfy a world over-saturated with entertainment.

There is a plethora of lessons learned along the way that I could cover, but I will stick to 2 main lessons being: 1) Don’t Give Up and 2) Be Real. There are so many days, even recently, where I feel like I’m stalled. These are the seasons in life that require change, whether that be lifestyle change, physical, mental, etc. So many factors, outside of being consistent, can affect your quality and quantity of work. God does not give you challenges that you cannot overcome. Don’t let a few consecutive speed bumps halt your progress thus far. It is not over unless you let it be. Being Real is not something I can teach. It comes from within. The world craves authenticity. Be the Black Sheep in the crowd. Stand on what you hold to be true. Being fake is so normalized that when somebody hears the story behind a song or an artist of somebody not trying to be somebody else or not trying to conform their art for commercial success, it stands out. It resonates. It lasts. Don’t be artificial in yourself or your music.

If I had a stage and microphone that reached the whole world I’d let everyone know that I’ve been down and out, luckily I’ve had music as an outlet to help me through my low days but not everyone does. Mental Health awareness is so important to me, and I want my music to be there for people when they’re not okay, just as it was there for me at my lowest. There’s something spiritual about music. It can be healing or it can break you down. These lyrics and vibrations permeate into your being whether you like it or not. Once again, it’s like food. Don’t eat processed garbage every day and then complain why you feel so bad. Same thing goes for what you are choosing to listen to. I am here for you, because I’ve been there. If I can prevent or help bring somebody out of a dark episode with my music, then my goals in creating have been fulfilled.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Assuming my best friend has never been to New Orleans…Lord we’re gonna have some fun. I’d probably tell my friend to come Mardi Gras week to get the full experience of what Mobile can’t do when it comes to parades. The first few days I’d take ole boy to all of the touristy places New Orleans has to offer such as Bourbon Street, St. Louis Cathedral, Cafe Du Monde, a nice snow ball stand, etc. All the while enjoying the unique culture and lifestyle that locals are fond of. Not even gonna lie, there are so many local restaurants that have delicious food that I wouldn’t even pick, I’d let him choose cuz 9/1o times it’s going to exceed expectations. One rule of thumb I do say to people who are not from here, if it looks like a place you would skip using the bathroom in, the food is probably amazing. That’s not what you should look for in eatery’s down here, but if the opportunity is presented, get seconds cause you’ll want more later. Everything in the city is almost within walking distance (if you’re brave enough) so me and the homie might find ourselves bar-hopping until the sun comes out because these bars don’t close down here. After coming down from the hangovers of the bender we’d surely be having, I’d bring my friend around some true beauty in nature by maybe going north of Lake Pontchartrain just to see how different life is up there and maybe to the spillway where the water gets drained if the Mississippi River gets too high.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I just want to say shoutout to my family and friends! No one specific but without the amalgamation of support and love in my life, I would not be the man I am nor be able to confidently make the music I do today. So for all of you reading, listening, supporting me through my ups and downs, I owe you the world. Thank You!!!!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capntasty/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/capntasty

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capntasty

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tasty6691

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@capntasty https://linktr.ee/capntasty –> all links to my music and where it can be heard!!