keshi

Casey Thai Luong, known professionally as keshi, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has captivated audiences with his unique blend of pop, hip-hop, and lo-fi music. Born on November 4, 1994, in Houston, Texas, to Vietnamese immigrant parents, keshi grew up in the culturally diverse community of Sugar Land. Despite being surrounded by a large Asian American population, he often felt a sense of disconnection from his heritage, a sentiment that subtly influences his music today.

keshi’s musical journey began at the age of 13 when he was inspired by Drake Bell’s character on the television show Drake & Josh to learn the guitar. With a classical guitar passed down from his grandfather and a Vietnamese music book as his guide, keshi taught himself to play, setting the foundation for his future in music. He pursued his education at Stephen F. Austin High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, keshi worked as an oncology nurse at the Texas Medical Center for two years, balancing his burgeoning music career with his full-time job.

The stage name “keshi” comes from a childhood nickname given to him by the family of his fiancée, whom he has known since elementary school. keshi began sharing his music on SoundCloud around 2017, where his introspective lyrics and ethereal production quickly gained him a following. He is largely self-taught, crediting YouTube tutorial videos for helping him hone his skills in writing, producing, and engineering music. keshi’s early tracks, like “Over U,” showcased his ability to blend vulnerability with smooth, lo-fi beats, resonating with listeners and establishing his signature sound.

In 2019, Keshi made the bold decision to leave his nursing career behind and move to New York City after signing with Island Records. This pivotal moment in his life marked the beginning of his professional music career. Keshi cites a diverse range of artists as his influences, including John Mayer, Frank Ocean, the 1975, Drake, and Bryson Tiller. John Mayer, in particular, played a significant role in introducing Keshi to more mature music and songwriting, which is evident in the emotional depth of his lyrics.

keshi’s rise to fame has been marked by a series of successful releases, with songs like “Like I Need U,” “Limbo,” and “Drunk” becoming fan favorites. His music, which often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, has garnered millions of plays online, making him a prominent figure in the modern music scene. Despite his rapid ascent to fame, Keshi remains grounded, drawing on his personal experiences and cultural background to create music that is both relatable and deeply personal.

Today, He continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of his sound while maintaining the authenticity that first endeared him to his fans. His journey from a self-taught guitarist in Houston to a rising star in the music industry is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for music.