Getting to Know: Keaton Francis

Founder of Afterhours

Whether you still own an ACDC t-shirt or classic ‘Run-DMC’ adidas Shelltoes, music and clothing come together to tell the story and identity of its participants - Keaton Francis, founder of Afterhour, has a focus on music production and traditional clothing with a ‘modern twist.’

“Suicide being one of highest rates in Aboriginal youth it doesn’t come as a surprise. We were experimenting with substances earlier than most, just doing a lot of ‘things’ earlier than the typical age,” Keaton says of his upbringing in Northern Ontario. “Growing up in my environment there wasn’t much to do so I learned to lean on the arts to escape from reality; drawing, painting and then of course to music production,” he continues.

With an alarming suicide rate amongst Aboriginal youth already set in stone, and continuing to rise, alternative methods of healing have become especially important in these communities. “Music is my therapy, my way out; it’s what I do. Music is the path I chose - it’s my ‘thing’,” Keaton says. Instead of being tied down to minimum wage jobs he disliked, Keaton decided to create safe spaces for like-minded creatives, shifting his focus from traditional music to hip-hop.

“Taking on too much at once by yourself can wear you down and you’re motivation,” Keaton says about some struggles he’s faced. However, by establishing a great team, he’s overcome the brunt of the workload in an optimistic environment — one he wants to continue to invest in and circulate throughout more reservations and create a program where youth are given opportunities to express themselves. Although Afterhours is a music and clothing-focused organization, in all reality, it’s a way for youth to find themselves, and subsequently, find coping mechanisms that could overcome mental illnesses.

You can support Keaton and Afterhours by finding them on social media, such as Facebook and SoundCloud.

Story written by Erin Ashley

Keaton is a participant in the Hook It Up program delivered by Socent7. Hook It Up is a support program for young social entrepreneurs in Ontario. Learn more at www.hookitup.ca.

**END OF PROGRAM UPDATE** Keaton was able to get his clothing business off the ground and invest further in technology to support his recording work. His message to other young social entrepreneurs: “Start as early as possible and be determined to your work throughout.”