Keenan Te Finished His First National Tour With Nothing But Love At Howler In Naarm/Melbourne, Australia

Written & Captured By | Hannah Robinson

The eager Thursday night crowd got a taste of back to back to back Melbournian goodness at Howler on the 8th of June. The closing night of Keenan Te‘s ‘Just The Beginning‘ tour saw fans travel far and wide to support the part-Vietnamese part-Cambodian, Melbourne raised singer-songwriter who found his original following on TikTok in 2020. The night was a long time coming after a press run in Indonesia and The Philippines, and successful tour shows in Brisbane and Sydney.

Electro-indie-pop sweetheart MIZUKI kicked off the evening with stripped back versions of her released singles and sneak peaks of upcoming hits that don’t necessarily have titles yet. Perched on a stool with her electric guitar, the Australian-Japanese sing-songwriter painted the picture of an an effortlessly chilled out artist who simply loves creating and sharing her music. With a voice striking the most beautiful balance of gentle and powerful, MIZUKI enchanted the crowd just right. The support on keys and bass from multi-talented friend Henry (aka SwimGood) doubled down on the gorgeous atmosphere of the set. The blend ensured the crowd was feeling the songs the way they were intended to be felt. Although nerves held her back from speaking between songs, with songs like ‘How Far We’ve Come‘ and her latest single ‘I Don’t Know Your Name‘, MIZUKI’s music was real and raw enough to do the talking and her heart was heard loud and clear.

See more photos of MIZUKI HERE

Next to take to the stage and continuing the themes of honesty and vulnerability, was RnB/hip hop/pop artist ZUHAIR. The singer promotes his aim of “just tryna express my feels through music” and it’s easy to say he is achieving this. Accompanied by producer and a natural on keys, Alex Kwong (A2K), the two shared their passion through stories of heartbreak with ‘Nothing To You‘, and love ‘Romantic Pt.II‘ and fan favourite ‘All That I Know‘. ZUHAIR walked the stage with a confident demeanour, a humble spirit and vocals so silky smooth. Off the back of his reminiscent track ‘ 5 Years‘ the singer made sure remind everyone to stop and appreciate the people around you and the time you have. I can safely say, the night of listening to these artists share their heart was time well spent.

See more photos of ZUHAIR HERE

The buzz of anticipation had well and truly set in by the time Keenan Te took to stage. Doting family, friends and fans in the room couldn’t take their eyes off Keenan as he launched into all their favourite songs. With every word being sung back to him, it was clear Keenan’s smile was genuine and heart was full. The artist brought fun and laughter to his set as he filmed a TikTok and captured a fan’s BeReal, showing just how at home he felt on that stage. With the support of his parents, girlfriend and friends in the room, that special hometown show feeling was in the air.

Songs including the latest released single ‘as long as you love me‘, Spotify favourite ‘Scars‘ and the artist’s first big hit ‘Dependent‘ received huge cheers, but with the overall reception it’s safe to assume every song he played was a favourite of someone in that room. With Cam Noble on keys and Murray Jenkins on drums, the three talented musicians ensured everybody in attendance, especially Keenan’s proudly adoring parents, were dancing, singing and filming the night away.

See more photos of Keenan Te HERE

Keenan Te was nothing short of extremely impressive, not just as an artist, but as a genuinely kind and caring person. Observing the way he interacts with the people around him, it was hard to tell who was a longtime friend and who was a fan. The artist expressed his desire to meet everyone that wanted to stay for a chat. After seeing the hugs, selfies, polaroids, videos and special moments he shared with every person who approached him, it was clear he truly appreciates every person who supports him. He is supported by a team of kind, welcoming people who evidently have a huge amount of respect for him. That artist/management love and cooperation can be a rare sight, so this was refreshing to see and instills a high hope for future success.

With the mindset and heart he has, the tour title rings true; this is Just the Beginning for Keenan Te.

 

Photos By | Hannah Robinson