Today we’d like to introduce you to Keerthana Manoj.
Hi Keerthana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to be a musician. I genuinely believe my love for music is woven into my DNA. When I was a baby, I refused to eat unless there was a music video on the TV. The first toy I ever loved was a small yellow keyboard, on which I’d figure out melodies to songs I liked. And as a first-generation American, music was the first real way I connected to my peers, listening to the pop radio station on the way to school and bonding over the new songs I heard. I took guitar and singing lessons on and off throughout my childhood and kept a songwriting notebook in my bedroom.
But despite my adoration from music, and despite growing up in one of the most musically rich cities in the country, I never considered music as an actual career path until I was 23.
I was fresh out of college, living at home with my parents, newly employed at a 9-to-5. I thought I had it all figured out. I graduated college, had a good job, was doing exactly what I was “supposed to do,” but I felt incomplete and deeply dissatisfied. And I knew the only thing that could really scratch the itch I had was music.
I googled “open mics near me” and found the recurring open mic series at Java Cabana. I knew I had to go. I packed my acoustic guitar in my car and went after work one day. I actually ended up psyching myself out and just watching other people perform that night, but that night provided me the momentum I needed to actually start to take music seriously.
Around this time, I had also reconnected with an acquaintance from high school, Reese Mitchell. He was primarily a percussionist, but also played really good guitar. We started to have jam sessions together, and we quickly discovered that we had a special musical connection. Our skill sets were perfectly complementary. I was a vocalist and songwriter primarily, and Reese had an excellent ear for composition and form. Our second or third jam session, we started to write a song called “Bring Us Down.” I loved it so much, that I ended up recording, producing, and releasing it on my own the very next year. To this day, it’s one of my favorite songs we’ve ever written together.
Reese had recently joined a band as their lead guitarist and let me one day that they were looking for a background vocalist and he had recommended me. I responded with a whole body and whole hearted YES. I had always wanted to be a part of a band. We ended up naming the band “Indigo Avenue” and played primarily cover shows around town at venues like Lafayette’s Music Room and Tin Roof. I absolutely loved every second of it.
Over the course of being in Indigo Avenue, I slowly started to take the lead on more songs. The lead singer of Indigo Avenue, Noel Medford, was gracious enough to split up the songs with me 50/50. I learned how to step into my own and develop my stage presence. I was also writing a lot during this period and teaching myself how to produce and mix songs. I also took advantage of the connections I made through the band to meet other producers, instrumentalists, and studio engineers who could help me bring my songs to life.
There was also a quiet hope and desire building in me that maybe I could actually make a career out of music.
But in summer 2025, Noel let the band know that he was moving to Florida to pursue his doctorate degree. I was devastated because I was certain that this would be the end of the band. Everything that we had built would go to waste.
However, one afternoon that fall, Reese sat me down and asked if I would like to take over the band and rebrand it. I was very nervous, but also incredibly excited at the thought. To my delight, when we asked the rest of the band their thoughts, they all unanimously agreed that we should keep the band going. And even better, they all liked and were excited to play my original music.
By December 2025, it looked like things were finally going in my favor. I finally had a band under my own musical alias KEER. After spending all of 2025 also recording and building my musical catalogue, I was ready to begin releasing my first big musical project. I also started thinking about longer term goals for my career and set the intention that I would somehow, some way go on my first tour in 2026.
In a beautiful display of serendipity, I received a newsletter in my inbox a few weeks later from Music Export Memphis. The newsletter was an announcement that the applications for the Ambassador Access Program was open. And when I looked into the program more, I discovered it was scarily exactly what I was looking for—designed to help artists, especially those with minority backgrounds, learn about touring and go on their first tour. I applied on a whim and got in!
So I spent the first half of 2026 attending MEM-related workshops and preparing for my first tour, alongside Dee GOAT and Demi Lowrell. I was also seeking as many gigs as I could, saying yes to every opportunity that came to me. On top of all of that, I was meticulously planning and releasing each single off of my EP. Each song had unique visual and world building elements that I was sharing on social media.
As much fun as I was having and as grateful as I was for all of these opportunities, something had to give. By July, I was basically juggling two full-time jobs, since I had still been working my 9-to-5 job this entire time. I was burnt out and exhausted and knew it was time to fully commit to a music career.
So I put in my two weeks notice right before we went on tour with Music Export Memphis. The tour program was so educational, inspiring, and fun and I’m so grateful to MEM for the opportunity. I can’t wait to continue my career as a touring artist.
My full EP comes out September 10th with a release party that same evening at Ugly Art Co. This was a Memphis born and bred project at every turn. I worked with Memphis instrumentalists, producers, mixing and mastering engineers, photographers, creative directors, graphic designers, and stylists. I’m so excited to be able to share this moment with my community and give proper thanks to them. My community is the reason I have a career at all, and I’ve always been supported with so much love at every turn. I am so endlessly grateful for them.
I’m still figuring out my music career day-by-day, but I’m so proud of myself for taking this chance and fulfilling a desire I’ve had since I was a child. I know I’m going to look back at this time with so much pride and gratitude.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A music career isn’t some one-size-fits-all clear linear path. I’ve learned a lot along the way.
I had to learn to take ownership over each part of the process and not shy away from confrontation if my deadlines or needs weren’t being met. When it comes to your creative vision, you need to hold yourself to a high standard. I have had to learn to be more assertive and express my opinions, even if I might cause some tension.
I had to learn to let go of fear of instability and insecurity as I made the plunge into music full-time. It’s still something I am grappling with, but the satisfaction I’m getting from fulfilling my lifelong dream makes it all worth it. I’d rather live with a little uncertainty than regret never having lived my dream.
I had to learn to not take rejections personally and continue to keep going and putting myself out there. Not every room is going to resonate with my music. Not everything I apply to is going to be a good fit. But it’s important to keep trying and growing and putting yourself in front of aligned opportunities. A music career is ultimately a numbers game. The more you put yourself out there, the longer you stay in the game, the more you increase your likelihood of success.
I am also learning how to take care of myself better. At the end of the day, if you aren’t taking care of your health, nothing else really matters. I have completely blown out my voice a couple times after tough gigs. I’ve taken too many gigs back-to-back and then gotten sick. I have had to let go of the need to prove myself to other people. And to let go of the need to stay busy publicly so I can perform the act of “working musician.” Being a “real” musician is an identity you bestow on yourself, not one that you need other people to validate for you. These days, I know what my limits are and I prioritize self-care and also make sure I have a life outside of music to keep me grounded.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. I was an English Major and professional writer for a while, so I think my lyrical ability sets my music apart. Every line is very intentionally crafted. I also definitely see my voice as my primary instrument and am known for my ability to create intricate harmony stacks and moving vocal arrangements.
How do you think about luck?
I think everything happens for a reason and that everything can always be used to your favor. I’ve experienced a lot of incredible luck in my journey. I just happened to reconnect with Reese from high school, who happened to be in a band that needed a vocalist, and then the old lead singer happened to move to Florida, and everyone in the band happened to really like my music and want to play it. But I think luck is something you need to recognize and consciously take advantage of to reap the full benefits. I was putting myself out there, going to events where I knew I’d meet people, posting online, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keerishere.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keerishere/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keerishere/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keerishere890
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@keerishere
