Written by Peyton Herzog – Features Editor and Taylor St. Ives – Editor-at-Large
Photos by Lauren Sloan – Photo Editor-at-Large and Sam Cohen – Photographer-at-Large
Blessed with remarkable talent and natural drive as a singer and song-writer, junior Mack Keane is well on his way to transforming potential into fame.
While most 6-year-olds spend their time outside playing at recess, Keane spent his time humming tunes and reciting his favorite lyrics. After school, he would sit at his piano for hours, teaching himself how to play and compose songs. His love for music grew as the years went on, and without lessons or professional instruction, Keane’s raw talent was enough to guide him.
“I love to be on stage and writing songs. My favorite part is to make people happy and provide a source of entertainment,” said Keane. “I love to paint a picture with my lyrics.”
Although the majority of people would feel nervous standing on a stage in front of hundreds of people, Keane feels most at ease when performing. Since coming to CHS as a sophomore, Keane joined Unstrumental, the co-ed a capella ensemble, and has performed in musicals and plays such as Charlie’s Aunt, Avenue Q and The Laramie Project. His most prominent performance at CHS was his rendition of Tony Wyzek in West Side Story.
“Mack was amazing to work with and he is a very talented actor,” said senior Brooke Wetterhahn, who played Maria opposite Keane in West Side Story.
In addition to the productions at CHS, Keane has traveled to other states to show off his talents. He always strives to make his performances the best they can be.
“Mack definitely is dedicated to whatever role he plays in our program,” said Associated Student Body adviser and theater teacher Bill Garrett. “He always goes with the flow, is very positive and very humble. Mack has a really fun sense of humor and really makes the process enjoyable for all of us.”
Aside from performing, Keane truly finds his passion in writing songs and composing music. He usually starts on the piano acoustically and then uses Logic, a computer program that adds additional instruments to his voice. With a variety of instruments and Keane’s soulful vocals, his original songs sound professional. His latest song, “Popular Girls,” has been an instant hit in the community.
“Completing a song is very fulfilling,” said Keane. “It feels great to write because you can make whatever you want; it is art.”
Justin Timberlake is one of Keane’s biggest inspirations. With his suave stage presence and talented voice range, Timberlake is not only a gifted stage performer but also a true artist who creates music because he loves it. In the same way, Keane views his own music as a passion and a way to enlighten the world, not a way to sell out for money. The Beatles and Frank Ocean are two additional sources of inspiration for Keane because of their emphasis on meaningful lyrics.
“Singing has helped me develop as a person by helping me find what I want to do with my life as well as being more creative with music,” said Keane.
Keane uses his musical ability as an outlet to express himself. He pours every emotion into his lyrics, allowing him to get lost in the rhythm and tunes. His thought-provoking lyrics and smooth vocals serve as a source of inspiration to many aspiring musicians. In the future, Keane hopes to be a successful musician, performer, songwriter or producer.
