I am here today with an old college classmate Landon Keller. Landon has been hitting the Midwest pretty hard since his days at Marian College and now, currently living in Chicago, is spending his nights playing gigs and writing music. Landon exhibits a great sense of tact and follows all of that up with incredible talent. I have known Landon for a long time and it took running into him at a concert to reconnect. Sit with me today as we get to know Landon Keller a little bit better.
Is Landon Keller your real name?
Since the day I was born.
Where are you from originally?
I’m originally from Indiana. I spent the majority of my childhood in Danville, Indiana.
What took you to Chicago?
Mostly I just wanted to get outside of my own box. I needed new experiences. I’ve lived a couple of different places in Indiana but that wasn’t far enough. I’d done quite a bit of traveling, but it wasn’t long enough. For better or worse I never thought of myself as someone who was always going to just stick around.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Wow…somewhere liberal and exotic.
Who did your graphic design?
That is one of my concepts that KT Moon put together for me.
What is the meaning behind your logo?
It’s one of many concept pieces for the upcoming album ”Impact”. It has a meaning but I’ll leave it up to the listeners to decide what it means to them. I like the idea of ambiguity, both in my music and artwork. It’s more meaningful, more personal, when left open to interpretation.
Where does your inspiration come from when you write?
Life. Nature. Nostalgia. The Cosmos. My Soul.
What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?
Around 300 people but I’d like to play for a lot more.
The smallest?
I’ve been told I’ve been lucky. Shows I do usually have good turn outs. I’ll play for anyone though. I’ve played for campfire crowds of 10 people. Other then that open stages usually don’t have good attendance.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Coffee cake, coffee, and a cigarette.
PC or Mac?
Mac.
Tell me about the guys in your band.
I would love too. I am blessed to play in a band with my father and my brother. My dad is a second generation musician which makes Austin and I third generation. We’re like the Manning’s of music. My father, Bobby Keller, is my percussionist. He’s been playing the drums since he was five. He can and has played every type of music there is. He’s a bad ass.
My brother, Austin Keller, plays electric lead and groove. He’s one of the coolest cat’s you will ever meet. It’s indescribable playing and creating with your own blood like this. Meshing seems effortless most of the time, we just click. It’s almost like we can read each others minds. It’s something very special, something none of us take for granted.
Last but not least my bass player, Cory Davies. He plays upright and electric bass and just about anything else you put in front of him. He used to play for the local band Midwest Rhythm Exchange and is super talented. He has that natural feel for music that is hard to come by. We call him our brother from another mother. There’s a lot of love here.
How do you know KT Moon?
KT and I met about a year and a half ago. We met through mutual friends who are all a big part of the local Indy music scene. She is my manager and good good friend. The Indy music scene is lucky to have her and all of the rest of our Indy music group friends for that matter. There’s something very special about this group.
How old are you?
27
What did you study at Marian College?
What didn’t I study? I changed my major like three times. Mostly I studied the arts and social sciences.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
On Stage.
Who is your biggest influence?
It’s impossible to single out one person here. I can tell you that right now, Ray Lamontagne has my full and undivided attention.
Let’s say you are opening up at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who is your headliner?
The Dave Matthews Band. They sell out 2 and 3 night shows and I’ve always wanted to hang out with Dave. In a perfect world I’d come back out and do a song with them during their set.
Are you right handed or left?
Righty.
What are you drinking on stage?
I don’t know Ricky, what are you buying me?
Powerade of Gatorade?
Gatorade…no contest.
Let’s play word association. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you read these three words?
Cereal: Cheerios
Alphabet: Soup
Forest: Green
If you were to star in any reality TV show one would it be and why?
Man vs. Wild. It’s the only reality TV show I watch besides Intervention and no one wants to be the star of that show. Besides, I think it would be fun to do all the things he gets to do.
What is the last movie you saw?
The Dark Knight.
Did you like it?
Heath Ledger was absolutely captivating.
If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?
There are so many but, if I only had a chance to meet one, it would have to be Jesus Christ. Come on, who wouldn’t want to hang out with Jesus for a day?
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
First of all I just want to thank you Ricky, and Indyconcerts.com for reaching out to me. Second I want to let everyone know we’re currently recording our second album “Impact”, due out this spring. You can catch up with us on MySpace or Facebook. Last but not least, go out and support local and independent music. If you don’t already know, there is an amazing amount of local talent right in your back yard. If you need help finding it, send me a message. And if you come out to see me, make sure you say hi. Cheers.
