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Keenan Smits isn’t chasing fame—he’s building something far more grounded: a creative legacy defined by authenticity, collaboration, and purpose. The Canadian multi-hyphenate —actor, dancer, vocalist, recording artist, and self-proclaimed space cadet—has a love for pop that’s as wide-ranging as his talents.
Whether it’s through heartfelt singles like “Endgame” or the recent celebratory track “Famous,” Keenan’s music offers more than catchy hooks. It’s a journal of growth, community, and the quiet thrill of staying true to who you are—even when the spotlight’s calling.
From Glee to the Grind: A Musical Spark Reignited
Keenan’s musical journey began in the youth pop choir KW Glee, where songwriting first clicked as a way to process life’s turning points. But it wasn’t until years later—after studying Musical Theatre at Sheridan College and graduating into a post-COVID arts scene—that music became his most empowering outlet. “It felt like the only part of the industry I could control,” he explains. During Toronto’s lockdowns, between acting gigs on set, Keenan turned inward and released his first single, “Endgame,” with help from his longtime mentor Amanda Kind.
That do-it-yourself resilience has defined Keenan’s path. What started with incomplete song drafts and choir rehearsals has evolved into fully produced singles, live shows, and now the formation of his latest band, Evening Brunch—an organic project born out of friendship and late-night jams.
More Than Just a Pop Artist
Keenan’s sound floats between pop, hyper pop, and rock, but it’s his lyrics that do the heavy lifting. His early songs—like “Unexpected Love” and “Tell Me What You Want”—pull from deep emotional waters. “Famous,” his latest, is a thoughtful curveball. It questions the typical pop-star trajectory, centering on the idea that joy in artistry doesn’t have to be tied to ego.
“I want to make a living doing what I love,” he shares, “but I don’t necessarily want the trappings of fame.” Instead, Keenan values staying grounded, celebrating the wins with his circle, and making space for humility in an industry that doesn’t often reward it.
That collaborative spirit extends to his influences too. While legends like Childish Gambino and Lenny Kravitz find a place on his playlists, it’s friends like JPA, Amanda Kind, and his former classmates that drive him most. “No one wins alone,” he says. “I’m always inspired by getting a little help from my friends.”
Songs Built from Conversations and Community
Keenan’s songwriting process is part intuition, part inspiration roulette. Sometimes it’s a line from a conversation, other times it’s whatever’s playing in his headphones—be it Owl City or lofi beats. “It’s like having a big tool belt,” he laughs, referring to the range of styles that shape his writing sessions.
The heart of his creative work lies in community—both in who he writes with and who he writes for. Evening Brunch gigs give him the chance to test new material live, often sneaking original songs between crowd-favorite covers. “Having such a warm response to something I wrote is a feeling I hope to chase for as long as the crowds will have me.”
Acting, Music, and the Spark Beyond Art
Live performance is where everything converges for Keenan—the acting, the vocals, the storytelling. He grew up immersed in musicals, learning early that the best performers are the ones who make their audience feel. His take? “The best vocalists have to be good actors.” Whether he’s dancing across a theatre stage or performing under club lights in Toronto, that same principle holds: connect honestly, or don’t bother.
Still, he’s careful not to let artistry consume his entire identity. “A spark is not a soul’s purpose,” he says, quoting Pixar’s Soul. Beyond music, Keenan skateboards, practices yoga, eats doughnuts, watches anime, and exists outside the creative grind. It’s a philosophy that keeps him grounded and creatively open.
Conclusion: Purpose Over Popularity
Keenan Smits is proof that pop can be personal, experimental, and deeply human without selling out for streams. He’s building a musical identity that celebrates growth, collaboration, and emotional resonance, with a touch of theatre magic. “I’m not sure what the future holds,” he admits, “but I’ll keep writing for as long as I still have stories I want to tell.”
In a world obsessed with fast fame, Keenan’s slow-burn approach is refreshingly honest. He’s not chasing trends—he’s creating music that means something. And that just might be the most powerful move of all.
