Kiefer delivers a perfect blend of jazz and hip-hop beats here.
Kiefer is a jazz pianist and beatmaker based in Los Angeles. He started playing piano as a child and producing electronic music at 12 years old. After leaving San Diego to live in Los Angeles to study with jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell, he perfected his jazz technique. He then began to think about blending the jazz and piano he studied with the beats he created outside of school. "Happysad" is his first album on the Stones Throw label, following his album "Kickinit Alone." On this new album, he effortlessly blends his jazz, hip-hop, and electronic influences. Kiefer is a long-time collaborator of Kaytranada and Anderson Paak, notably in the production of their releases. He has shared the stage with Terrace Martin and Moses Sumney, and is also a live partner of Mndsgn, who is also on Stones Throw. "Kickinit Alone" was nominated in the "Best Jazz Album" category at the A2IM Liberia Award.
The inspirations for Happysad and Kiefer's music in general are Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans, but also his label mates Karriem Riggins and Knxwledge.