Sasha Keable's Artistic Journey: From Beyonce's Endorsement to the Release of 'Act Right'
Sasha Keable's artistic path has been one of perseverance and emotional depth, culminating in a surprising endorsement from a global icon and the release of her deeply personal EP, 'Act Right'. Her journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of an artist committed to their authentic voice, navigating industry pressures and personal adversities to emerge stronger and more visible than ever before.
Artist Sasha Keable Experiences a Momentous Revelation and Launches Heartfelt EP
In a delightful twist of fate, British artist Sasha Keable, while celebrating a friend's 30th birthday in the tranquil English shires, received an astonishing message. A follower informed her that none other than global music superstar Beyoncé had spoken of her in a recent interview featured in GQ magazine. Initially dismissing it as a jest, Keable's friends, upon confirmation of Beyoncé's GQ cover story, immediately searched for details. The revelation brought Sasha to tears, profoundly impacted by the unexpected recognition from an artist she deeply admires. As she later reflected from her sofa, dressed comfortably in grey sweatpants and a loose T-shirt, still processing the shock, she remarked on the immense significance of receiving such an endorsement.
Just four days after a captivating performance at the All Points East festival, Keable discussed the arduous three-year process behind her latest EP, 'Act Right'. This project, her fifth, feels like a true debut, marking a renewed artistic chapter after 15 years in the music industry. Her recent visibility, boosted by features on NPR's Tiny Desk and Later... with Jools Holland, alongside recognition from Amazon and Spotify as an 'Artist To Watch' for 2025, underscores a hard-won success. Keable views this EP not just as a release, but as a validation of her creative journey, following a protracted struggle with a former record label and a past relationship.
Raised in Eltham, South London, Keable developed a deep love for music, particularly Beyoncé's early work. Her Colombian mother encouraged her involvement in the vibrant Latin American community of Elephant and Castle, an area she vehemently protested against gentrification. Her father, a devoted music enthusiast, fostered her broad musical knowledge by challenging her to identify artists and songs across various genres, a habit he maintains with her younger sisters to this day. Keable's musical education continued at the renowned Brit School, alma mater to icons like Adele and Amy Winehouse. Her career began promisingly with a feature on Disclosure's debut album, 'Settle'. However, behind the scenes, creative differences arose as her label pushed for a pop sound, clashing with her R&B inclinations. This led to a two-year hiatus from music, during which she found solace and inspiration writing songs at her piano. It would be six years before she returned to a recording studio.
Keable revealed that songwriting has always been a vital outlet for her emotions, tracing back to childhood therapy where she channeled anger into words, then poems, and finally, songs. For nine years, she felt her desire to create authentic R&B was dismissed. The current resurgence of R&B makes her recent success even more fulfilling. The 'Act Right' EP itself was a three-year endeavor, undergoing two complete overhauls. The final version was crafted a year after a devastating heartbreak, compelling her to discard previous material. This period was emotionally raw, with Keable often finding herself in tears during studio sessions, grappling with her place in the world. She candidly shared that the EP is a direct response to a profound betrayal, exploring how her perspective was irrevocably altered by a loved one's actions. The track 'Heartbeat' proved most therapeutic, while the title track, 'Act Right', became the EP's cornerstone, addressing her former lover with poignant lyrics. Her distinctive vocal layering, a labor of love, is a signature element, particularly notable on 'Feel Something', where multiple Keable voices create a choir-like effect. During a FaceTime call, Rihanna was reportedly captivated by Keable's song 'Why', praising its authenticity and expressing interest in collaboration. With big visions for the future, Keable plans to release more music soon, with an optimistic target of a late next year debut album, promising a continuous stream of new material until then.
Reflecting on Keable's journey, it becomes clear that her unwavering commitment to her artistic vision is a powerful testament to the importance of self-belief. Despite industry pressures and personal setbacks, she consistently listened to her inner voice, turning pain into art. Her story serves as a compelling reminder for all creatives to trust their instincts, nurture their craft, and never compromise their authentic expression. The unexpected endorsement from Beyoncé not only validates Keable's talent but also underscores how genuine artistic integrity, even in the face of adversity, can ultimately lead to extraordinary recognition and profound personal triumph.