MY MUSICAL JOURNEY
Keiko Necesario's journey into songwriting began in the third grade, crafting heartfelt tunes centered around love, crushes, and friendships. Music flowed naturally for her from a young age, akin to her first language; she found herself humming melodies and improvising lyrics, gradually falling in love with the art of songcrafting.
Guided by her parents' musical inclination, Keiko learned a few guitar chords in fifth grade. However, it wasn't until the summer before high school that she truly immersed herself in playing, igniting a newfound passion.
From then on, Keiko's songwriting adventures flourished, with each composition reflecting her evolving musicality and personal growth.
In 2012, Keiko took a significant step in her musical journey by participating in The Philippine Popular Music Festival, renowned as Philpop. Emerging as one of the top 14 finalists, she made her mark on the competition scene. Her composition "3 AM" was interpreted by Marié Digby, a celebrated YouTuber and former Hollywood Records.
Keiko's involvement in Philpop marked a pivotal moment in her career, solidifying her presence in the music industry and inspiring her to continue sharing her musical stories with the world.
Although Keiko did not win the grand prize, she felt like she has won something else, something that was much bigger than winning monetarily... Philpop opened many doors for her in the music industry.
Following her debut in the music industry, Keiko embarked on a transformative journey by joining the esteemed songwriting camp "Elements." There, she had the incredible opportunity to meet her musical idols and connect with a multitude of talented singer-songwriters, further fueling her passion for her craft.
In her pursuit of a sustainable career post-competition, Keiko ventured into various production gigs, laying the groundwork for her musical endeavors. By 2014, she had begun performing regular bar gigs, enchanting audiences with her soulful renditions of both covers and original compositions.
This dedication culminated in the independent release of her debut studio album in December 2015, a collaborative effort with esteemed producers Shadiel Chan of Open Heaven Studio, and singer-songwriters/producers Kettle Mata, Dan Tañedo, and Toto Sorioso.
With relentless live performances and a personal touch in promoting her album, Keiko garnered an organic following, selling out hundreds of CDs she produced independently and solidifying her presence in the indie music scene.
In 2016, Keiko made significant strides in the indie music scene, her songs gaining widespread recognition as her fanbase continued to grow. "Away From The Current" emerged as a fan favorite, resonating deeply with listeners.
Returning to Philpop in 2016, Keiko presented her composition "Nobody but You," beautifully interpreted by Monica Cuenco.
The following year marked a new chapter for Keiko with the release of her EP "Escape," showcasing a daring transition into a genre she coined as Electro-folk.
Collaborating with her management at the time, Stages Talents, and producer Nick Lazaro of Laballs Studio, Keiko embarked on an exhilarating journey, captivating audiences on a short but memorable tour across Baguio, La Union, and BGC, where her dedicated "frands" showered her with unwavering support.
As her musical evolution continued, Keiko unveiled a new single in 2018, "Di Bale Na," co-written with her friend Jony Veloso, further cementing her status as a promising talent in the industry.
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Building on her musical achievements in 2018, Keiko seized the opportunity to audition for the Elements Camp once more, this time under the auspices of Globe Telecom. The camp presented a unique learning experience, with Keiko benefitting from the tutelage of five internationally acclaimed Grammy-nominated or winning producers—Steve Lillywhite, Harv, Bassie Blue, Tuo Clark, and Ferry Corsten—whose stellar portfolios included collaborations with renowned artists such as John Legend, U2, Dave Matthews, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj. Additionally, Keiko had the privilege of learning from five esteemed Filipino hitmakers and award-winning producers—Thyro Alfaro, Jonathan Manalo, Jungee Marcelo, Jay Durias, and Jimmy Antiporda.
In the same remarkable year, Keiko's talent received even greater recognition as her original compositions found a place in the film "Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa WIFI," curated by director Jun Lana of Idea First, serving as official soundtracks to the movie's narrative.
Further testament to her versatility, Keiko was approached to lend her voice to a rendition of the classic heartbreak anthem "Let Me Be the One" by Jimmy Bondoc for the film "Nakalimutan Ko Nang Kalimutan Ka," directed by Fifth Solomon.
Following her enriching experience at the Elements Camp, Keiko embarked on a new chapter in her career, guided by her new British manager, Graham Perkins, who also manages U2 producer Steve Lillywhite. As 2019 dawned, Keiko achieved a significant milestone by signing a four-year contract with one of the top music labels in the Philippines, Warner Music Philippines, marking a pivotal moment in her musical journey.
Keiko's artistic journey has afforded her numerous opportunities for collaboration, enabling her to showcase her talent through performances across the nation and even internationally. In 2019, she was selected as one of the representatives of the Philippines for Music Matters in Singapore, a prestigious music showcase attended by international artists and music industry professionals from around the globe.
Notably, in November of the same year, Keiko embarked on a creative pilgrimage to London, collaborating with three distinct producers—Bryan Wilson, Rusti Rossouw, and Trista Carmichael of Chasing Fantasia, and Javier Weyler—in pursuit of the perfect sound for her highly anticipated second studio album.
"Ready, Let Go" marks Keiko's maiden voyage under her label, Warner Music Philippines. Collaborating closely with the talented producers of Chasing Fantasia, she recorded the album across both London and Baguio. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the album was released in 2020 with the aim of providing solace, joy, and fresh beats for listeners to groove to, offering a beacon of hope and entertainment during uncertain times.
In 2021, Keiko embarked on a new musical venture with the recording of her EP titled "Obra," a poignant collection of five songs entirely in Tagalog. Delving into themes of love in her native language, this EP serves as a heartfelt tribute to her roots. However, "Obra" also marks the culmination of her journey with Warner Music Philippines, as she recently concluded her four-year contract with the label.
Now back as an independent artist, Keiko is poised for her next musical odyssey, fervently working on her highly anticipated third studio album. With her creative spirit and unwavering dedication, she continues to captivate audiences with her soul-stirring melodies and lyrical prowess.
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