Rising Stars: Meet Keira of Atlanta, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keira.

Hi Keira, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely! I’m Keira — born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia by way of College Park. ( shoutout to the Southside! ) My journey in entertainment started at just 9 years old when I stepped into the world of musical theatre, this is where I discovered my love for singing. I then began taking voice lessons and practicing songs like Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” and Mariah Carey’s “Hero”. Before I knew it, I had my first paid singing opportunity at 12 years old where I performed for the former mayor of Atlanta, Mario Avery.

I continued developing my craft through middle and high school eventually landing my first industry opportunity by auditioning for The Voice. I ultimately didn’t make it to a live taping which was painful to experience. Facing my first real rejection made me realize the purpose of artistry which is to tell your story. The dismissal hurt me but it also lit a fire in me, and I began writing and releasing my own songs — including one of my favorites to this day, Rose Petals.

In an effort to deepen my understanding of music, I went on to attend the Berklee College of Music and majored in Music Therapy. While enrolled, I had the chance to connect with incredible industry professionals like Rob Lewis (musical director for Christina Aguilera) and Ashley Rodríguez (American Idol alum, vocalist for Lana Del Rey and John Legend). I also had the honor to perform for legends like Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, Sylvia Rhone, Alex Lacamoire, and Lalah Hathaway while also making history and becoming one of the first freshmen ever to perform at Berklee’s commencement ceremony.

When the pandemic hit and classes went virtual, I took that time to focus on myself. I embarked on a weight loss journey and lost over 100 pounds at home — no supplements, just consistency. During that time, I started discovering who I truly was as an artist and began developing the vision for my album.

I returned to campus and graduated in 2022. The following year, I went on my first major tour as a background vocalist for indie-rock group TV Girl. In 2024, we toured internationally, and I had the chance to perform at major festivals like Kilby Block Party, Outside Lands, and Lollapalooza. After returning home, I headlined my own Sofar Sounds show in Atlanta and reconnected with my acting roots, appearing in projects like Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, Beauty in Black, and She the People.

Now, I’m fully into my creative mode — working on my debut album, evolving as a person and an artist, and getting ready to share my story with the world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road for me. From a young age, I struggled with insecurities around my weight, which led to me being picked on and made fun of. This negatively affected my confidence from early on. On top of that, I faced a lot of rejection in the local Atlanta music industry where I was often told I that I “wasn’t ready.” This created a cycle of overthinking and self-doubt, making me question whether my dreams would ever come to life.

There were personal challenges too — romantic heartbreak, being cheated on, broken up with, and constantly feeling like I wasn’t enough. I dealt with depression and had a hard time trusting the process or believing in myself fully. This emotional pain often showed up in unhealthy coping habits like binge eating.

Artistically, it was tough to find my lane without being boxed in. As a Black woman, I was stereotyped as the ‘big’, ‘bold’ and ‘confident’ vocalist which, while powerful, didn’t always reflect who I truly was or wanted to be. Being surrounded by so much talent in school made it even harder to stop comparison. Through it all, I never let the obstacles or stereotypes define me. I chose to keep growing, healing, and pushing toward the version of myself I knew was waiting on the other side of the pain. Every struggle became a part of the story, I now get to share authentically and without apology.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My skillset includes: Singing, Songwriting, Performing, Acting, and Creative directing— at the heart of it all, I’m a storyteller. I’m rooted in classic R&B and hip hop. People often describe me as an ‘old soul’, a compliment that I hold in high regard. I’m deeply inspired by the sounds and emotions of music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. I love listening to artists like El Debarge, Zapp &Roger and The Temptations and I bring that influence to everything I create.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my weight loss journey. I lost over 100 pounds completely on my own, all at home — no gimmicks, no shortcuts. It’s something I never imagined I was capable of, and even now when I look back at the photos, it still feels surreal. That experience taught me not only discipline, but the power of believing in myself and staying consistent even when no one’s watching.

What sets me apart is my vulnerability and intention. I don’t just make music for vibes — I make it with purpose. I believe every song should have a message. Whether it’s something joyful and celebratory or something intimate and heavy — music has the power to heal, reveal, and connect. In a world that often favors trends over truth, I’m showing up with real-life stories, real emotions, and a real point of view. I truly believe my music and my story are going to bring something fresh and deeply human to this industry.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Trust God and always believe that you have what it takes to get to where your heart desires. Don’t wait for the right moment — put yourself on that regimen, commit to your vision, and go for it. God will bless the journey you’re on and align the right people, opportunities, and moments at the right time. You have to endure the process and keep moving forward.

If you’ve connected with my story, I’d love for you to follow my journey:
📱 Instagram/TikTok: @thekeiraofficial
📺 YouTube: Lifewithke Official

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this ride — whether you’ve been here since the beginning, just joined in the middle, or are meeting me now. Your support means the world.

And definitely stay tuned… I’ve got a new teaser brewing. Cuddle season is on the way!

Pricing:

• Studio Sessions/ Songwriting- $75-$150/hour (negotiable)
• Live Shows – $100 – $300 (negotiable)
• Commercials/Films/TV – $200- $700 (negotiable)
• Voiceover – $100-$300 (negotiable)
• Background Vocals- $500 per show or day (negotiable)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thekeiraofficial.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekeiraofficial/?igsh=MXdkNG05bTdvaTB5Nw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Twitter: https://x.com/thekeiraoffic?s=21
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lifewithkeofficial?si=cKi_xs5fzKoIUlYc
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekeiraofficial?i

Image Credits
Beauty in Black – Netflix (Tyler Perry Studios)

She the People – Netflix (Tyler Perry Studios)

Headshot/ Full Body – Adonisfilms