Interview: Keith Josiah — From Painter to Playlist Poet with Second Kings Sound
Few creatives can move fluidly between mediums, but Keith Josiah proves that artistic vision knows no bounds. Once a painter, now the lead curator behind Second Kings Sound, Josiah has carved out a new niche—crafting emotionally resonant playlists that blend storytelling, vulnerability, and musical depth. From heartache-laden collections like “I’m Pretending I Don’t Care But She’s All I’m Thinking About“ to intimate gems like “Pretending to Sleep So She Keeps Rubbing My Back“, Josiah uses music to paint new emotional landscapes.
We sat down with Keith Josiah to talk about his creative evolution, the inspiration behind some of his most impactful playlists, and his upcoming tribute series honoring musical legends.
1. You’ve transitioned from being a painter to curating music—what inspired this creative shift, and how does your background in visual art influence your approach to playlists?
Music has always been near and dear to my heart—arguably more than painting. I had been making playlists as a hobby since getting Apple Music back in 2017. I wanted to take a hiatus from painting, and I found myself falling in love with music curation and everything it had to offer. My first playlist was actually a mashup of art and music called Untitled 224 (Today Tomorrow Forever). It gave me another creative outlet and deepened my appreciation for art overall.
2. As lead curator at Second Kings Sound, you’ve created some emotionally rich playlists. What was the inspiration behind “I’m Pretending I Don’t Care But She’s All I’m Thinking About”?
That playlist dives into a mindset I think many guys have when dealing with a breakup. A lot of men struggle with expressing hurt outwardly, so they tell themselves—and others—that it doesn’t bother them. But eventually, we all run to our vices. For many, that’s music. This playlist isn’t necessarily about me—it’s for the guy who doesn’t want to admit how deeply affected he really is.
3. “If She Listens To This She’s Never Coming Back” offers a very different perspective. How do you approach crafting playlists from both male and female viewpoints?
Honestly, by being an observer. Art may be my skill, but observing and overthinking is my profession. I notice how men and women navigate breakups differently. While men often suppress their emotions, women tend to sit in theirs and eventually find empowerment and self-love. That’s why the playlist ends with “Alive and Well”. I’ve seen so many women come out of painful situations with a renewed gratitude for themselves and their lives.
4. Your playlists often tell a story—do you think of them as audio narratives or emotional journeys?
A bit of both. I aim to tell stories that evoke emotion and offer new perspectives. For example, the final two songs in “I’m Pretending I Don’t Care…”—Godspeed and You Broke My Heart—show two very different outcomes of a breakup. That contrast is intentional. It reflects the range of emotional paths we can take.
5. “Pretending to Sleep So She Keeps Rubbing My Back” has a playful yet intimate vibe. How do you balance humor and emotion in your curation?
You have to have a little of both to be great—especially in music. Many of the artists we love most blend deep emotion with moments of levity. That balance makes their work, and hopefully mine, more relatable and human.
6. “My Girlfriend Is Cooler Than I Am” is described as a “simple playlist for the girls.” What does that simplicity represent to you?
It’s really an appreciation for all the girls out there with personality. I’ve always been drawn to women who are passionate about something—whether it’s a hobby, a sport, or just being unapologetically themselves. This playlist isn’t about storytelling or emotional depth. It’s a fun soundtrack for the superstar girls out there.
7. How do you choose the songs for these playlists? Is it based on mood, lyrics, tempo—or something else entirely?
It really depends on the playlist. Some songs appear in multiple playlists because they’re so versatile. That flexibility is beautiful to me. Every playlist has a different heartbeat, and the songs need to match that rhythm.
8. Second Kings Sound is planning a series of tribute playlists this summer. Can you share more about which artists you’ll be honoring and what those playlists might sound like?
These tribute playlists are probably the most important ones I’ve worked on. I’ve been crafting them for over a year now. The first three will honor Eazy-E, Selena, and Tupac. But they’re not about finding the “next” version of those artists. They’re about capturing the energy, the spirit, and the persona each one left behind. It’s the first time I feel like I have to get it right.
9. What do you hope listeners take away emotionally when they dive into one of your curated playlists?
On the surface, I want to create a fun listening experience. But when it comes to emotional depth, I hope these playlists become a kind of home base for people—something they turn to during key moments in life. It’s humbling to think that someone might put on one of my playlists because it reflects exactly what they’re feeling.
10. As someone now curating music after painting, do you see yourself as a storyteller across mediums—and where do you see your creative work heading next?
Absolutely. I’m currently working on a poetry book, which will probably be my most personal project yet. I’ve always explored love in my art, but I’ve never gone into detail about its importance to me. With art, music curation, and poetry, I feel like I’m finally expressing myself fully—and that’s the journey I want to keep following.
Follow Second Kings Sound and Keith Josiah for more curated experiences:
📱 Second Kings Sound IG: @secondkingssound
📱 Second Kings Sound TikTok: SecondKingsSound
🎨 Lead Curator Keith Josiah IG: @JosiahWithLove
Stay tuned for upcoming playlists, including powerful tributes and poetic expressions that push the boundaries of what music curation can be.
