Parenting Panel with Keyth Jones
Being both a parent and a working artist requires more than time management. It calls for heart, improvisation and an openness to chaos and wonder in equal measure.
For many musicians, the arrival of a child reshapes not only daily routines but also the creative process itself. Suddenly, late-night jam sessions share space with bedtime stories. Studio time competes with snack time. And in the midst of it all, something new is born - not just a child, but a deeper sense of purpose.
In this edition of our Parenting Panel, we catch up with multi-genre artist and songwriter Keyth Jones, who shares how fatherhood has added a fresh dimension to his musical journey.
From his early coffeehouse performances and time with avant-rock and psychedelic bands, to his recent solo work shaped by reflection and family life, Keyth's story is one of adaptability, and playful reinvention.
With his son Kiran by his side, sometimes quite literally with a toddler drum kit in tow, Keyth has discovered how creativity and parenting can harmonize rather than clash.
In this exclusive interview, Keyth talks candidly about fears and surprises, the emotional lessons of parenting and how his son’s presence sparked new songs and softened old ambitions in all the right ways.
Whether you’re a fellow musician, parent or simply curious about how artists keep their spark alive amid the chaos of family life, Keyth’s reflections remind us that love, inspiration, and growth often arrive in the most unexpected of rhythms.
How many children do you have? And what are their names and ages?
Just one, Kiran. He’s a pre-teen.
Did you have fears or concerns about how becoming a parent would interfere with your artistic endeavors?
I had just joined a new band about a year before he was born. It never crossed my mind to stop.
Have those fears come true, or no?
No, it seemed pretty natural to include him. He used to come to shows and sketch pictures of the band performing. And he’d request band songs at home. It was a win-win - he got attention from me and I got to practice. Then we bought a toddler drum kit to add to the fun, and he actually got pretty good! I hope someday he’ll reflect fondly on that time and maybe start his own band.
In what ways has parenthood helped your creativity, if any?
Being a parent is like reliving childhood in a way. It injects some free play back into the daily routine. That made me want to create more. Also, let’s be real - one needs a break from parenting, so playing in a band was my adult time.
What has parenthood taught you about yourself, your music, or your creative process?
It gave me vision, passion, and purpose. Sometimes I wonder why I wake up and play society’s games. And then I realize, there’s no better motivator than tending to a small human. And I want him to see me doing all the things: working, being creative, experiencing the ups and downs of life.
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a parent? Any advice for others?
To throw the rulebook out the window. There’s no plan, there’s no way to know what’s next until it happens. Be spontaneous, be fun, be funny. I’ve taken parenting (and life) way too seriously at times. I’ve gotten more anxious and upset than I’m proud of. So, my advice to myself and others is to relax and enjoy the ride.
Have you ever written a song for or about your kids? If so please share a description and a link.
I wrote a song for Kiran called “Finding Your Way” that was released on a 7-inch record.
It’s my homage to him and being a parent. I’d wanted to write such a song for years, but I think we had to go through Covid for me to actually realize it.
During that time, family life took on a new and deeper meaning that really inspired a whole new era of songwriting for me. The song is kind of a nod to John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy,” which I’ve always admired. It never saw a digital release, but you can hear it on my website: Keyth Jones
Listen to Keyth Jones’s latest single “Run To Me” here:
Keyth Jones has carved a distinctive path through the musical landscape, embracing a spectrum of genres and continually evolving as an artist. His journey began in the late 1990’s, performing original songs that balanced golden oldies and grunge at coffeehouses across western Maryland and the West Virginia panhandle.
In the early 2000’s, Keyth co-founded the avant-rock band Pläns Pläns in rural eastern Maryland. Known for its largely instrumental sound, the band released two albums and delivered ear-ringing performances throughout its eight-year run.
Seeking new horizons, Keyth moved to Baltimore, where he shared vocal and songwriting duties with Miles Gannett in the psychedelic ensemble Fractal Cat. The group released three albums, became a favorite on local radio, and played extensively along the East Coast, sharing stages with notable acts like Cris Jacobs and Rising Appalachia.
After a two-year hiatus from music - shaped by love, a global pandemic, and the cold mountain air—Keyth returned with a new collection of songs. These works combine quirky romanticism with his trademark blend of eclectic musical styles. From garage rock and soul to bluegrass, the twists and turns reflect the restless spirit of a lifelong musical wanderer. Following lead single "Run to Me," the new EP "Love Yourself" drops in April 2025.
Keep up to date with Keyth Jones on his Website