Resonance | Interview: Keith Kenniff

Keith Kenniff in conversation with Hollie Kenniff about his new album, Layers of Afternoon, out on Western Vinyl now

For two decades, Keith Kenniff has composed minimalist neoclassical piano music in the solitude of his studio, often capturing the quiet magic of late-night moments while his children sleep. Though created in private, his music has steadily reached audiences around the world. The late maestro Ryuichi Sakamoto once called it “so, so, so beautiful”, a simple phrase that captures the understated power of Kenniff’s work.

His latest collection, Layers of Afternoon, stands as another poignant chapter in a remarkably consistent body of work.

A new Goldmund album always feels like stepping back into an old friend’s home. Familiar, comforting, and quietly changed by time (or, perhaps even unchanged in all the right ways). Every corner you move towards holds a memory, and silence speaks as warmly as words. And as you gently unpack your belongings and settle in for a while, flickers of hope and beauty begin to emerge softly in the wake of the sorrows left behind.

When I asked Keith if I could interview him, the humbler among you can probably guess his response. He worried it might come off as egotistical, since I’m his partner, and declined a couple times. But today (which is now yesterday), with just 24 hours until his album release, he finally agreed. Honestly, I was a fan of his beautiful music long before we ever met, seventeen years ago. So, it’s all good! :)

I won’t attempt to describe the beautiful individual tracks on his new album, as the wonderful A Closer Listen has already done so eloquently in their review of Goldmund ~ Layers of Afternoon. Instead, I’ll dive straight into the interview…

My aim for the music in Layers of Afternoon was to find this in-between place and write from there, hoping to communicate my experience of the world as ideal - free from goals, musical training, or emotional complexity. I wanted to visit this space and let the moments float freely within the act of creation.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Where we live summer is short, so I am hoping to be outside as much as possible. I am not one who really loves or hates certain seasons, I think each season has its pros and cons, but summer is a good time to build memories free of the hustle and bustle of the school year. It’s a little more open-ended and that is a good moment to shake things up. I just recently got a new camera and I’m looking forward to learning more about it and to take some more photos.

What are a few of your favorite albums?

Any Boards of Canada, Wendy/Walter Carlos’ “Sonic Seasonings”, Robert Rich’s “Echos of Small Things”, John Adams’ “Naive And Sentimental Music, Gillian Welch’s “Time (The Revelator)”, Nick Drake “Pink Moon”, Stravinsky “Dumbarton Oaks Concerto”.

What does the title of the album, Layers of Afternoon, mean to you?

In a vague way it means a slowing of time. There’s a moment in the afternoon where one is sometimes between things, and there is a spot to recognize the layers throughout our day. I think there are moments that we experience that are small but can be very profound and that we may not tell other people either out of fear that they seem innocuous to those who haven’t experienced it, or that we can’t tangibly communicate why they are meaningful. Like a dream that you wake up from and it’s impactful, but impossible to organize or put into words.

You traveled to London and Berlin in the past month, which was your first trip to Europe in 15 years. What were your favorite parts of the trip?

I’ve been to London to perform several times, but I didn’t have much opportunity to explore. While we did see some of the big to-do tourist landmarks this time, I think the best thing was just wandering the streets experiencing unforeseen moments. Sharing meals/conversation with friends, going record shopping, taking photos.

Berlin was a shorter experience, but I absolutely loved walking around the Tiergarten just wandering around certain neighborhoods and streets, coming upon an old church where a man was playing/rehearsing really amazing organ music to nobody. We didn’t get too touristy and that felt genuine to me.

You’ve been a very prolific composer throughout the years, releasing under multiple monikers. Are there times you struggle with writer’s block?

I never struggle with writer’s block. I feel at this point I am able to sit down and at least come up with something tangible. It doesn’t always work out in the end, and in fact usually doesn’t, but I’ve found failure to be a good teacher, so whenever I have the opportunity to write, I do it regardless of the outcome and without fear that I will fail, because both success and failure are equally as productive.

“I like mistakes, I like when things don't go perfectly,” says Kenniff, “I do have a tendency to want for things to be perfect and precise, but I have to also realize that a lot of things I like about music and art are very rough and impulsive, the slight imperfections that give something or someone a unique voice.”

What things have fascinated you or captured your curiosity lately?

I have been getting into woodworking. It started out of necessity, just building functional things for the studio, but I’ve always had an interest in furniture design and so I’ve grown more and more interested in how to make things. It’s an interest I can pursue outside of music. Sawing, or planing, refining…it’s all very grounding. I’m not very proficient yet, but I have a drive to learn, and I think it’s a good outlet.

I’ve also been trying to be more mindful in everyday life. I have a tendency to want to fill my experiences with music, or art, or something pleasing, be thinking of the next thing or being nostalgic for the past, ruminating or expecting. Daily meditation helps with this and gives me perspective on how to organize or re-frame my priorities. So, I’ve been trying to do tasks in my life and just focus on what is happening in the moment and being with it, folding the laundry silently, driving without music, paying attention to walking, sitting silently, letting daydreaming be OK.

What are your plans are on the horizon for your other projects Helios, Harbors and Mint Julep? Any exciting plans or directions we should be keeping an eye on? Is there a vocal take I still need to redo?

The Mint Julep album, Wildfire, is getting completed (finally), I’m embarking on a new Goldmund album and the singles for the new Harbors album, Now We Are Free, are rolling out now.

Our 10-year-old son has popped in the studio to ask: What is the best part of your music career?

Being enveloped by the warmth the purity of the process. When I am in the state of creation, I feel connected and deeply rooted to something that is outside myself. It allows me the ability to perceive and tap into something that I feel is meaningful and continual. Sharing it with other people and being vulnerable in that sense helps to build a sense of connectedness as well.

What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?

Prince Edward Island I think is my favorite place. In the summertime it is a rich tapestry of beautiful greens, reds and yellows. The beaches are amazing, the people are warm and friendly, there are many parks and trails and places to explore. You have thankfully infused our lives with the joy of Anne of Green Gables as well, so I can feel that story come to life a bit when I’m there also.

What is the greatest song ever written?

“River Man” by Nick Drake. Every time I hear this song it’s as if it’s the first time I’ve heard it. The chord changes, the way it was recorded, Harry Robinson’s incredible string arrangement, his vocals, the patience of the arrangement…it’s all perfection to me. It straddes between emotional, intimate, calm and intense. Goosebumps everytime.

Do you have a biggest fan? What's their vibe, are they cool?

You. And, yes, quite.

Layers of Afternoon is out now via Western Vinyl. For those who cherish the tangible, a limited-edition black vinyl and CD are available, featuring beautiful artwork by Nick Prideux.

Release: June 13, 2025
Label: Western Vinyl
Composition, Recording, Piano: Keith Kenniff; Violin: Scott Moore
Mastering: Stephan Mathieu, Schwebung Mastering
Artwork: Nick Prideux

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