Alternative/pop-rock singer-songwriter Keyse brazenly challenges social norms with her latest single, “Flesh & Blood,” an emotional, captivating personal account of bodily autonomy. Known for working heavy topics into a more easily digestible pop format, the North Carolina-native Midwest-based musician has always dazzled listeners with her bold storytelling. Now, Keyse hopes to inspire them to embrace their unique journey to self-discovery through her own tale of perseverance and metamorphosis by sharing her experience on the miscarriage of an unplanned pregnancy.
Opening up about the new single, Keyse shared, “I was not expecting and was not trying, and did not and do not ever plan to be pregnant, but this is the earth-shattering event that led to me discovering I have endometriosis and realizing that the opportunity to change my mind in the future was being robbed from me.”
Fittingly and undoubtedly uncoincidentally, the release of “Flesh & Blood” comes during Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis, a reproductive health issue where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, is believed to affect about 10% of individuals with uteruses worldwide, roughly 190 million people. In addition to causing severe, at times debilitating pain, Endometriosis commonly gives those who have it a less than 10% chance to conceive each month, with 30-40% experiencing complete infertility. It is a widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed reproductive health issue with no known cure, making Keyse’s release of “Flesh & Blood” all the more powerful and significant.
As a song, "Flesh &Bood" is a remarkable exhibition of Keyse's talent as a musician, with raw, heartbreaking lyrics delivered through a stunning display of vocals. Though thematically heavy, the single's grungey guitar and resounding drums ensure it still possesses a certain level of liveliness. But even more so, "Flesh & Blood" is both a testament to the beauty and strength that comes from turning pain into art and Keyse's own bravery. The level of vulnerability it takes to open up about something so personal is courageous alone, but to do so on a large scale such as a song release- using one's personal story as a way to bring attention to and spark conversations about such an important topic- that's fearless.
Keyse's newest single, "Flesh & Blood," is raw, emotional, and beautiful. It's also powerful, impactful, and inspiring- a true work of musical art. The release also comes ahead of her debut album, a collaboration with The Plot In You's Landon Tewers, set to come out later this year.
The official music video for "Flesh & Blood."
