When did you decide that a career in music was for you?

I was somewhat the shy kid at school and playing piano and singing was my way of expressing myself- I'm a bit less quiet nowadays!

Who are your musical inspirations and why?

Coldplay is one of my all time favourites just because I love how universal their sound is whilst keeping their British roots. Some others are Bon Iver, Sleeping At Last, The 1975, Phoebe Bridgers- I get inspired by music that makes me feel something and, honestly, my inspirations change day to day!

Can you tell me 3 things about yourself that people might not already know?
Okay! 1. My actual name is Keian, but I felt it was too hard to spell so I went with Alto Key  2. I have some severe food allergies- nowadays most restaurants are pretty accommodating but still can be annoying! 3. I have a degree in maths- they say maths and music go hand in hand- maybe?

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What song of yours best describes you and why?
I think 'sink' was really an emotional song to write for me- it's all about my self-doubts and anxiety and I think it really comes through in the lyrics

What has been your best achievement to date and what would you like to achieve in the future?
Probably growing my social media to where it is- in 2021 I was actually the most duetted artist on TikTok in the UK! Recently, I've been doing lots of co-writing with other artists and I'd love to write a hit (wouldn't we all?)

What do you like best about being a musician and why?
Making music that makes people feel emotions- I can't explain it- it's just the best feeling when someone really connects with you like that through a song

If you were not in the job you are now what would you be doing?
Anything creative- I love coming up with ideas and hustling- both big parts of being a musician!

What has been the best gig you have been to as a fan and can you tell us about it?
I saw The 1975 recently at The O2 which was pretty fun - incredible set design and atmosphere
What would your ideal festival line up be and why?
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What would you say is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
I can't remember where I heard it but I do fundamentally believe that the people that stay in this industry genuinely are just the people that keep persisting- I'm not a quitter and I love what I do!

What things make you happy and what things annoy you?

My happiness is way too dependent on food I swear! Rude people annoy me. Best not to catch me when I'm hungry and be rude to me!

What things do you like to do when you are away from music?

Nerdy things- video games, board games, escape rooms, you name it!

Do you think social media and the internet are a good thing in the music industry?

They are a thing. Not really my place to say whether it's good or bad but what I will say is the music industry is forever changing - it's best to change with it, or be left behind and, right now at least, social media and the internet are pretty integral to artist careers I'd say.

How important do you think your look and image is when it comes to being in the music industry?

Less so than I thought the further I've gone through my career. But I do think it's important to have a look and aesthetic and stick with it.

If you run the country for a day what would you change about it and why?

More money and support for the arts! Money seems to get put in lots of other places but I'd argue music and other creative fields provide the entertainment that make life worth living.

If you could say one thing to your fans what would it be and why?

If you're seeing this- thank you so, so much- I couldn't do what I do without your support and I really appreciate you from the bottom of my heart.

How would you answer the question Who is Alto Key and what are the differences between you as a music artist and you away from music ?

I'm a British singer-songwriter, living in London with my two cats, trying to do the best I can. I try not to distinguish too much between my music artist life and away from it as I want people to connect with the real me!

What was the first record or song you purchased and why?

I think Parachutes by Coldplay was possibly one of the first albums I bought- I really loved the chilled atmosphere and it really captures the sound and feeling of the early 2000s.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a musician and getting into the music industry?

If it's where your heart is at, do it! If you're doing it for riches or fame, look elsewhere.

What has the rest of the year got in store for you?

I've just released my latest single 'my poison and my cure' and have got a number of other songs planned for this year- stay tuned!