In a music scene often flooded with predictable sounds and polished personas, The Kev stands out—witty, unconventional, and unapologetically absurd. By day, he’s a Mandarin tutor; by night, he’s a satirical musician crafting sharp lyrics, memorable melodies, and relentlessly original work. His journey has taken him from the karaoke bars of Hunan Province to the underground music scene of Manchester, England, where he’s carving out a unique space in alternative music.

We sat down with The Kev to discuss his inspirations, career highlights, and what fans can expect from his upcoming album, You Can’t Say Anything These Days.

Q&A with The Kev

What’s your artist name?
The Kev.

How did you come up with it?
I accidentally signed off a work email with it. Later, when I wanted to separate my music persona from my more respectable job, it seemed like a fitting choice.

For those unfamiliar with your work, tell us about yourself.
By day, I’m a mild-mannered Mandarin tutor. I used to write satirical songs in China, and after releasing two albums in Mandarin and going viral, I decided that wasn’t edgy enough. Now, I’m on a mission to shake up the British and Irish music scene with a mix of bottomless cynicism and life-affirming silliness.

What can people expect from your music?
One reviewer described it as “funny, profound, and greatly musical.” I take the music very seriously—pleasant melodies, high production quality—and I put a lot of effort into the lyrics, even though most of them dive headfirst into absurdity.

How did you get into the underground scene?
By process of elimination. I can’t even watch television or listen to mainstream radio—it’s too mind-numbing. The fringes of society are where I feel at home.

What was your first song, and do you consider it a success or failure?
The first song I wrote in this style was My Favourite Bunch of Millionaires, about the irrationality of being a sports fan. It set the tone for my work—satirical, but with affection.

What kind of music do you listen to daily?
Everything. I grew up steeped in the classical tradition, but I also love rock, show tunes—anything with intensity.

Where do you find artistic inspiration?
I read a lot of satire—not necessarily because it’s funny, but because it offers fresh perspectives on cultural narratives. I also read a lot of poetry—good writing is contagious.

What do you listen to when you need motivation?
My favorite songwriter is probably Jim Steinman, so Bat Out of Hell is perfect for getting hyped.

Any hobbies outside of music?
I study languages, teach Mandarin, swim, and read a lot. I think literature is the highest art form, but music is the one I spend the most time with.

Do you have a mentor? How have they influenced you?
None of my heroes made a living from what I admire them for. Most great poets and authors were outsiders who had to carve their own paths. Following in their footsteps tends not to work for me—I have to find my own way.

Is there a life experience that shaped you as an artist?
Teaching English in China. In 2008-09, I worked at a university in Hunan Province—an unglamorous, landlocked part of the country. One of the few entertainment options was karaoke. The tinny soundtracks and grainy videos had this nostalgic ’80s aesthetic—both aspirational and delusional. That surreal experience gave me much-needed motivation.

What’s something you haven’t tried yet but hope to?
Pure stand-up comedy—no hiding behind a guitar like a coward.

Was there a moment when you realized you could never give up on music?
When I turned 30, I got a stable corporate job. The fact that I don’t need to make a living from music is liberating. I create because I can’t imagine not creating.

Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
There’s a crazy amount of talent here in Manchester, so I should probably start approaching people.

Do you have an album out or one on the way?
Yes, You Can’t Say Anything These Days is coming out in April.

Any upcoming shows?
I’ll be booking a venue in Manchester for the album launch.

What’s your goal for this year?
I’m busy with work, but I hope to finish at least four songs for my next album.

Any final words?
Please check out my latest album, You Can’t Say Anything These Days!