ISSUE #3 - ANOMALY MAGAZINE WITH KEENE

The Keene duo give their hot takes on the dance scene, their journey to date and their love of Berlin clubbing culture.

Hey gents, great to chat to you for Issue 3. 'To kick things off, how did you approach your set for the Anomaly Radio Show?

For this set, we wanted to craft something personal and dynamic - a musical journey that blends the past and present. We included tracks from close friends and artists we deeply admire, as well as some unreleased gems. It’s important for us to not just showcase what's new, but also to revisit music from 10 or even 20 years ago that still feels timeless and inspiring.

Groove and percussion are central to our sound - we tend to gravitate toward housey, atmospheric textures, always with a strong rhythmic foundation. That balance between old and new, digital and organic, helps us tell a story that reflects our Afro-Caribbean roots. We like to move between genres fluidly, creating a set that feels both surprising and cohesive.

What made you want to pursue a life in the house and techno scene?

We've always been connected to music in some way. Kevin studied audio and production in Panama, and I (Lloyd) was playing in bands and making music from a young age. It all clicked when we started making music and organizing events together, it made us realize how fulfilling it could be. When we were selected to represent Panama at the Red Bull Bass Camp in Guatemala in the early 2010s, it felt for the first time that this could be more than just a hobby, that it could be a career and a life time project.

We see that you are based in Berlin currently. What made you want to make your way to the world’s clubbing mecca?

After years of making music and running venues and festivals in Panama, we knew that if we really wanted to grow as artists, we had to leave. Berlin felt like the natural next step - not just because it’s the clubbing mecca of the world, but also because we had already spent several summers in Europe, building friendships and connections. At the same time we were acting as a bridge between talent and promoters in the region, which expanded our vision of what was possible. Berlin had love, music, friends, and fun, all in one place. 

Now that you are there, how does the Berlin scene compare to Panama?

You learn to appreciate where you come from even more. Panama, though small, has a great crowd, hungry for quality music and innovation. It’s not always easy for people to access new scenes or artists, especially when compared to bigger markets like Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, or Mexico, which have more resources to attract tours. But the Panamanian scene has always shown up when things are done for the right reasons. There are still a lot of challenges, but we’re all working together to keep pushing it forward. Even from Berlin, we stay connected and support the scene back home however we can.

Is the music you grew up listening to a major influence on the music you make today?

For sure. Panama is a wild cultural mix, and that reflects in the music too - jazz, reggae, salsa, calypso, rock, hip-hop… it's all in there.

If you were to describe Cacao Records in a sentence or two, what would you say?

Cacao is our platform - where most of our music is released, and where we collaborate with other artists through original tracks, live shows, and more. It’s all done with a Caribbean spirit.

What are your thoughts on the music scene today and where do you see it going?

The scene is in flux. On one side, algorithms are shaping taste more than ever. But on the other hand, there’s a growing appetite for authenticity and deeper stories. I see the future leaning toward more hybrid experiences - cross-genre, cross-discipline - and artists with strong identities will stand out. The economy, politics, and even war are influencing how we experience music, whether we like it or not.

Who’s your favourite producer right now and why?

In electronic music, Jimi Jules hands down. He’s fearless. Every track surprises you, yet you can always recognize his signature. He balances groove and emotion in a way that’s both physical and cerebral.

In music more broadly, I’d say James Ford and Rick Beato. If you check out Ford’s discography, it’s wild - he’s produced some of the most iconic records of the past 20 years. And Rick Beato. I love how he breaks down music on YouTube. His understanding of melody and harmony is incredible. You can learn a lot just by watching his videos

What direction will you take the KEENE project in 2025? Is there anything special in the works?

We’ve got a lot of music coming out in the next 12 months, including collaborations with super talented artists from all over the world. Our Cacao Amor showcases will be popping up everywhere (next one’s here in Berlin on July 5th). And our festival in Panama, Panama Crossroads, turns 4 next year. Expect big surprises in the educational and networking programs, plus new stages and culinary concepts. You should definitely join us in Panama — it’s happening the last weekend of January.

How do you balance originality with current trends in electronic music?

Balancing originality with trends is about staying true to your unique sound while being aware of what’s resonating with audiences. Trends come and go, but your artistry is long-term. If a trend naturally aligns with your sound, embrace it. If it feels forced, let it go. I keep up with trends by listening to new releases, but instead of copying, I analyse what makes certain tracks work, whether it’s a fresh groove or a catchy vocal hook. Playing gigs also gives real-time feedback, so testing out new ideas in a set can help refine your approach while maintaining originality.

FULL MIX AVAILABLE HERE