Qeeran, a queer artist hailing from Melbourne, has released a new album entitled “IN RETROSPECT” which takes listeners on a poignant and introspective journey, delving into the artist’s life experiences such as migration, love, heartbreak, personal growth, and self-love, spanning across the 9 tracks of the project. Remarkably, Qeeran is responsible for all aspects of the album’s creation, including production, writing, mixing, and mastering.
Musically, “IN RETROSPECT” is a smooth and cohesive production that combines soul trap influences with elements of R&B and hip hop, perfectly complementing the artist’s skillfully autotuned vocals. The warm and inviting keys in the arrangement provide a strong foundation, while the gently saturated synth elements have a calming effect, creating a laid-back atmosphere that invites the listener to relax and reflect. Overall, Qeeran has delivered a beautifully crafted album that not only showcases his musical talent but also provides an intimate glimpse into his life experiences.
Is all about give and take, huh? Qeeran’s latest single, “Give and Take,” is the final release before his upcoming debut album, “In Retrospect,” which is scheduled to come out on April 17. The song features pleasant and inviting key chords that establish the mood right from the beginning while the drum beat is fresh and organic. The skilled and sensual vocal performance is the driving force behind the track, complemented by harmony rich and nicely manipulated back vocals and vocal chops. The production, as a whole, creates a dreamy and atmospheric vibe, with the added guitar providing an additional organic layer. The song’s theme delves into the concept of unevenness and unfairness in a relationship, conveying the exasperation of providing too much to someone who may not be worthy of it.It narrates a genuine tale of desiring mutual exchange, sensing unloved and bitter because of insufficient reciprocation, ultimately resulting in the decline of profound emotions. For the best experience,we recommend listening to the song during your personal “me” time, particularly in the late hours of the day.
Tell us a few things about your new song “LIKE YOUR MAN”. What is the main idea behind it?
‘LIKE YOUR MAN’ is definitely my favourite piece of work I’ve created to date. I tried to capture my favourite elements of today’s R&B world like strings, sidechained chorus vocals and an epic guitar solo to give it that ‘it’ factor to allow myself to listen to my own work again and again (which I usually cannot stand). The song’s premise floats around the idea of really wanting that second chance to prove that you’ve matured and are truly ready to give it your all, even if that means intruding onto your past-lover’s fresh territory with somebody else.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
Yes! I love the idea of collaborating and really want to work on it for the new year coming. I’ve come to realise that there’s only so many ideas you can generate on your own and having a second creative mind can really give you that boost you sometimes didn’t even know you needed. Songwriting can for sure be lonely, but I’ve found songwriting to me is very sacred and personal, so naturally I still prefer to write in my own space alone – for now.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
For this single, definitely Alina Baraz and Galimatias. The ricochet ‘Urban Flora’ had on music and to me still stands untouchable. Summer Walker, Sabrina Claudio and Lauryn Hill are honourable mentions too.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Remaining inspired and grounded. Melbourne’s COVID situation is continuously worsening along with an ever-extending lockdown which has been tough on everyone down here. It’s also been difficult to keep creating with honesty and 100% authenticity as the push to make sounds that are more commercial and ‘popular’ increases, but I’ve been doing well at refocusing my intentions and reasons why I began creating music in the first place (as well as realising being ‘popular’ wasn’t one of them).
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
This one isn’t a film, but the K-drama ‘The Last Empress’ on Netflix took up 26 hours of my life that I will never regret spending.
One last thing we should know about you?
Apart from music, I’m a student at Monash University studying within the field of Econometrics/Business Analytics! I’m also the campus Clubs and Societies Coordinator, so if you’re a club executive and are somehow reading this, hello! (I’ll get to your emails soon!!).
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