Hatty Keane: Rising Star

Pop-n-R&B Hatty Keane may be new to the business, but she’s got the makings of a star. Not yet eighteen, her singing career began with a Christmas gift at 11 and a huge contest win at 16—namely one karaoke machine and Open Mic UK (top performer under 18 and overall runner-up). Her soulful voice has carried her all around her native England with Future Music and BGM, and she has performed alongside such award-wining artists as Tinchy Stryder and Ed Sheeran. Musically, think Rihanna, Katy Perry or Nicki Minaj—whom she’s named as influences—with an allure and stand-back confidence surprising for her youth…and edgier hair.

Let’s start with a few basic questions, taken straight from a Japanese questionnaire book (プロフィール) that kids trade among themselves.

When’s your birthday?

1st December.

Your blood type?

I don’t know!

Not many do, it seems! How about your hobbies?

I don’t have much time for hobbies now, but I used to love netball! Now I just spend time with family and friends—I miss them so much when I’m busy!

Because of your main hobby…which all started with a karaoke machine?

Yes, it’s true! I got one for Christmas one year, sung some Michael Buble and enjoyed all the attention!

Ah, he’s a hard one. Do you ever do social karaoke? Is that much of a thing in England?

No, I don’t! It is a thing out here but I’ve never had the chance!

Maybe that’s good—I certainly wouldn’t want to follow you! Are there any other culturally Japanese things that have snuck into your life?

The only thing I can think of is my slight obsession with Hello Kitty…:P We share the same initials!

So you do! On the style end, when I see your outfits I’ve often thought that some are quite Tokyo-appropriate (a good thing!). How do you plan these bold stage ensembles?

I’ve worked with a few designers on my stage outfits! And I’ve started to design them myself now

Would you say that performer Hatty and everyday Hatty present themselves similarly?

Yes, we are both bold clothes-wise! I just look for things other people might not dare to wear. I love being different and I just have my own style – I can’t really help it, haha! But yeah, I stick out like a sore thumb at home!

Much to be admired in that. So not only do you get to wear great clothes – you get to travel, too! What’s it been like going around England with music?

It’s been so weird, I think I’ve seen every single place in England! Me and my mum go everywhere, driving for hours and hours!

That sounds lovely—I miss road trips. I also saw that your summer itinerary includes a festival in Latvia?

Yes, it will be my first performance abroad! So excited!

What else is on your list of places you’d like to tour?

I want a world tour one day! I want to see as much as possible of the world and Japan is definitely on the list!

I hope you make it here! And short term, how do you plan to spend your summer?

My summer will be so busy! My Earthshakes tour is big! But also lots of chill time with my family fitted in!

Nice. You’ve done quite a few charity events, can you tell me about those? Any specific ones you were particularly passionate about?

I presented an award at the Wellchild Awards and met a lot of lovely people there so I think that charity will always be close to my heart!

How about a couple future goals—let’s say, one personal and one music-related.

First is to be an international artist. Second, to always remain close to family.

Sound goals. Alright, last one, another one (my favorite) of those questionnaire questions: What’s your my-boom (マイブーム)?

Right now it’s sunbathing! We’ve actually had some sun in England and I’m loving it!

I’ve heard that’s a rare thing, so I’m happy to hear that. Thanks, Hatty, and I hope to see you in Japan nicely tanned someday soon!

For details on the Earthshakes tour Hatty mentioned, check her well-fed FB fan page and keep up with her on Twitter (@HattyKeane).

For all enquiries relating to Hatty Keane please contact Michael King at BGM michael@babygirlmusicltd.co.uk