“Oh dear. This is pretty special. ” - Dave Ruby Howe

— Triple J Australia Unearthed Music Director

Keala

Classically schooled, jazz-infused, and eclectic to the core, Keala is making waves with her extraordinary musical talents. Channeling the haunting salt-and-sun poetry of the Australian landscape with the beautiful lyrical control of a Joni Mitchell, Keala's sublime melodic beauty is her gift to your senses.

Keala

Classically schooled, jazz-infused, and eclectic to the core. Guitar in hand, 20 year-old Keala is inspired by the emotional conviction and sublime melodies that distinguish the best of the California folk tradition. 

Bearing a legacy of classical training, Keala's musical journey began in her hometown of Sydney, Australia as a member of Australia's national youth choir, Gondwana Voices. Her foundation was further laid at the Conservatorium High School (School Captain and Valedictorian), where she delved into double bass, piano, composition, and voice before focussing on developing as a singer songwriter. Her songwriting talent was recognised by some of Australia's leading contemporary music industry figures when she was longlisted for the 2023 APRA Professional Development Awards at just 17.  

Keala's songwriting is heavily influenced by being raised on the Australian beach, channeling salt-and-sunset melancholy in poetic, haunting verse. 

With  over 110,000 views on her YouTube channel - a mix of originals and covers of favourite tracks - Keala is an artist on the rise.

Vocally, she is equally at home performing jazz standards with a band, as a solo acoustic singer songwriter, or on the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage performing classical works.  This abundance of musical potential has earned her recognition, leading to an invitation to further her studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she has been awarded a prestigious 4-year full scholarship.  While she continues to write and record stunningly beautiful originals, Keala is making her mark as a jazz vocalist and arranger, imbuing the great standards and legends of the genre with a fresh perspective that both honours their legacy and reveals her own unmistakable voice.

Since relocating to the US in August 2024, Keala divides her time between Sydney and Boston.

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