WE WILL NOT HIDE: INTERVIEW WITH “WE’RE HERE” CREATOR and musician TALIA KEYS

Talia Keys is a prominent Utah-based musician who has a passion for equality and LGBTQ rights. In their music video entitled “We’re Here,” a kaleidoscope of Utah talent is showcased, including performer/educator Madazon Can Can, MEd. The Zepstone Film Awards team was honored to interview Talia about how they got started in the music industry, the making of We’re Here, and important messages that they hope to spread with art. The project won Best Music Video and Best Wardrobe Design this season.

ZFA: What got you started in the music industry?

Talia: We got our start making music videos at a music festival Desert Rocks in 2012, in the deserts of southern Utah. I was playing drums and singing lead in my band Marinade, and we had this song called "Tie Die." We felt like this festival and the art on the property created by the Jenk Stars would be the perfect location. The song is about the infamous “Hippie Killer,” who lurks around at live music events. The Jenk Stars had a set called the “Sollun,” a junk art Saloon complete with an old piano and bar. The vibe was set - we worked on the storyline, and away we went. Melahn Atkinson did all the filming for this one, and our friend and collaborator Ismene Vetas edited the video. We also played our set right at sunset making our footage even more beautiful. We had so much fun, and it was a success… we knew we wanted to make videos together. Here is the video.

ZFA: Who/What was your biggest influence?

Talia: Music and art have always inspired me. Going to Disneyland as a child and seeing what the imagination can create was super inspiring to me. The details in the theme park are astounding, right down to the designs in the ground you walk on. I fell in love with what a scene could do for your imagination. I also loved going to haunted houses as a child for the same reasons. The costumes, set design, and audio always excited me. I was also lucky that my mom and grandma would take me to musicals at The Capitol Theater, where I fell in love with the combination of music and acting.

ZFA: Where did you film We’re Here? How long did it take?

Talia: We filmed our video for We're Here at The Capitol Theater, a long time dream of mine. We filmed it in 4 hours.

ZFA: What was your biggest challenge during this project?

Talia: The time constraint. It isn't cheap renting out the theater so we only had 4 hours to film every scene. Our lead actor Madazon Can Can had 3 complete costume and makeup changes and they pulled it off! We also had our group number with so many different moving parts, but it worked out beautifully and we finished filming at midnight!

ZFA: What was the most memorable moment on set?

Talia: For me it was the group number. Seeing all of our queerness so loud and proud, taking up space on that legendary stage, it really meant a lot.

ZFA: What would you like your message to accomplish?

Talia: We human beings are all here, on this planet, to be the best versions of ourselves. Specifically, this song is my love letter to the Queers. We will not hide - we are here.

ZFA: Where can we find you? How can we follow your work?

Talia: The Talia Keys website!