Austin based Soul-R&B artist Donovan Keith is back with his latest single ‘Sweet Lies’, taken from his upcoming album, the track was mixed by Chris Bell (Destiny’s Child, Erykah Badu) and mastered by Gavin Lurssen (5 Time Grammy Winner).
‘Sweet Lies’ is a cautionary tale about falling for the wrong type and always getting hurt. First written and recorded by Reggae artist Beres Hammond, Donovan’s reimagination of this 90’s classic infuses classic soul and R&B vibes, brimming with smooth basslines, funky drum beats and triumphant brass sections, providing the perfect backdrop to showcase Donovan’s impressive vocal range as he convincingly makes the track his own.
Donovan Keith on the track “As an artist, I never write or sing lyrics to things I know nothing about. It’s especially important to me when rerecording someone else’s words or emotions that I can live or have lived through the experience. Sweet Lies has always struck a chord with me because I’ve seen it and lived it. The lyrics are brilliant and honest. I love songs that groove with an uplifting rhythm contrasted with more melancholy lyrics. Classic Soul and Early Rock were the genres I was raised on… I love and listen to reggae but it’s not my lived experience so I decided to infuse all of the styles that I grew up with that comes more natural to me and this is what came out.”
Hailing from the midwest and currently calling Austin, TX home, Donovan Keith is best known for his classic soul vocals and infectious showmanship that has won over audiences time and time again. Donovan’s uniquely vintage style combining soul, funk, and rock blends well with a variety of musical genres, his universal appeal has seen him open for acts such as Enrique Iglesias, Tower Of Power, the late Charles Bradley, Fastball, Snarky Puppy, and Erykah Badu. Career highlights have included official selections at SXSW, the attainment of the Louisiana Music Prize, and appearances at Wakarusa Music Festival, Utopia Festival, and Viva Big Bend.
With his latest album due for release later in the year and with plenty of shows lined up, Donovan Keith is certainly one to watch as he brings his charismatic live performances to the masses. Follow his socials for more information.
