Having the opportunity to speak with Mr. Keith Wallen was more than a pleasure. I hadn’t been awake long, and you’ll be able to tell that I wake up more as the conversation progresses hahaha. But I really enjoyed the discussion, and of course if you haven’t listened to his solo album from 2021, then you absolutely should.

While I corrected the mistake I made from my last interview with Classless Act, and I spoke on speaker phone so you could hear both of us perfectly… the recording app that I used only caught the first 30 seconds of our 23 minute conversation. Of course, right? So after several weeks of delay, I managed to get an email interview done with Keith instead. I’ve left the tiny bit of conversation up unlisted on YouTube, so you can laugh at the shortness of it.

The email interview isn’t as in depth as our conversation was, obviously, but I’m happy to have something. Here it is and enjoy!

 

 

You just got off tour, I imagine you’re enjoying spending some time off?
Keith: Yes! I love being on tour and performing, but it’s important to have some off time here and there. After a short while though I get anxious and want to get back out on the road.
Tell us about initially going solo and how it’s evolved to what it is now:
Keith: I started by just releasing some music. First was my EP Allies, and then just one-off songs from there, and now the latest release, my first full length album. It was terrifying at first to just be kind of alone with the process because I’ve always been in bands with a bunch of people. Now every decision is on me and sometimes I’m very indecisive on what the next move is. Everything really just comes down to trying to write music from your heart and getting out there and playing some shows!
Who do you collaborate with for your solo material, and what’s your backing band shaping up to be like for touring?
Keith: I work with my good friend and talented producer Joe Rickard on all my latest music. We’ve really had a blast working together on my material and some other projects as well. The live band is shaping up finally. I’ve been performing solo acoustic sets, but it’s now time to really get out there and play with a band, which I’m super excited for!
How do you prepare your voice for recording, and for live performances?
Keith: I think as long as I’ve had a good night sleep, I’m good to go. And maybe a sip of whiskey.
Taking it back, how did Copper come to an end, and how did joining Adelitas Way happen?
Keith: Copper had reached the point where we had made it as far as we could and we were just kinda spinning our tires. We had a lot of band member turnover, which was frustrating and seemed to keep slowing us down. Eventually it was just time for a change. With Adelitas Way, I had some mutual friends and associates that put us all in contact and an audition was arranged.
What were the expectation differences between joining Breaking Benjamin compared to Adelitas Way?
Keith: The expectation to me was pretty much the same. Be on time, perform to the best of my ability, and be professional.
What’s some of the most obscure places you’ve played?
Keith: Lol, I couldn’t tell you the names, but I’ve played some real gems in my day. Whether it’s a field in the middle of nowhere or somebody’s barn in the mountains, I’ve played there!
Who is someone you’ve always wanted to collaborate or tour with?
Keith: I’m really a big fan of an artist called The Anix, would love to work on something with him sometime. Also a big fan of Spiritbox.
How do you approach writing for your own material compared to bands you’ve been in?
Keith: I think that with my material it’s more personalized to me. Like what do I want to say, as opposed to what would sound good for someone else to sing.
Where are the best tacos, and what’s your diet typically like on the road?
Keith: The best tacos are still out there, I’m not sure if I’ve had the best quite yet, but the search goes on.. And my diet on the road fluctuates, I’m either in healthy mode, or just eat anything whenever I can mode.
Any words for the people and fans?
Keith: I LOVE YOU! Thank you for all your support of all my music and bands!!!!

#KeithWallen #BreakingBenjamin #AdelitasWay