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Keith Semple
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Keith Semple (born 20 September 1981) is a British singer and musician from Larne, Northern Ireland. He originally had his own band Keith Semple Band. In 2002, he took part and was a winner in Popstars: The Rivals, consequently becoming a member of the boyband One True Voice (OTV). After the split-up of the band, Semple had a solo career before joining the Chicago-based rock band 7th Heaven in 2006 as their lead singer. In 2010, he took a shot at the ninth season of American Idol but lost his "golden ticket" place due to his legal status and residency considerations. In October 2012, Semple announced he would be leaving 7th Heaven to pursue his original music and announced the formation of his new band, SEMPLE. In September 2015, he auditioned for season 9 of The Voice as part of Team Adam. He was eliminated from competition after the top 24 round. In 2016, he formed the progressive rock band, The Cyberiam, where he serves as lead singer and guitarist.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

2002: Popstars: The Rivals

[edit]
Main article: Popstars: The Rivals

Semple took part in the ITV television series Popstars: The Rivals, a British singing competition.

Host Davina McCall announced the names of the five contestants who had qualified for the boy band. Semple was the first member to be announced followed by Matt Johnson. Third was Daniel Pearce and fourth Anton Gordon. The last available place went to Jamie Shaw whereas Chris Park was eliminated from the boys competition.

Semple and the four other contestant winners (Anton Gordon, Matthew Johnson, Daniel Pearce and Jamie Shaw) went on to form the group One True Voice.

The same show had also produced the girl group Girls Aloud also won the competition.

2002–2003: One True Voice

[edit]
Main article: One True Voice

Semple became a band member of the boyband One True Voice created as a results of the competition. The line up of the band was decided by public vote, who voted for their favourite male hopefuls each week to form the boyband. The name of the band was later shortened to OTV.

One True Voice was made up of:

Their debut single, a double A side hit single "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone"[1] went head-to-head with Girls Aloud on 16 December 2002, for the Christmas number one spot. One True Voice lost out to the girls and had to settle for the UK Christmas No. 2 position. The group's manager, Pete Waterman, has speculated that the show was fixed against OTV, but has not said how.[1]. In any case, the single "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone" reached gold record status.

One more Top 10 hit followed, in the form of "Shakespeare's (Way with) Words", which reached No. 10 in the UK, in June 2003. A few weeks later it was announced that Daniel Pearce, who as arranger and co-writer of some of their songs had quit the group to pursue a solo career. The next day the group disbanded.

The group appeared at number 32 in Chantelle's Top 50 Reality TV Stars, ahead of both Phixx and Clea who also appeared in Popstars: The Rivals.

2003–2008: Solo career

[edit]

After the split, Semple continued his musical career reforming his pre-OTV band, the Keith Semple Band, then fronted the band Alibi.

2006–2012: 7th Heaven

[edit]
Main article: 7th Heaven (band)

In 2006, Semple moved to the United States and joined Chicago-based rock band 7th Heaven as their lead singer. This resulted in a critically acclaimed album USA-UK alluding to the co-operation of this UK act in an American band.

During Semple's membership, the band consisted of members:

  • Keith Semple – guitars, vocals (lead singer), keyboard
  • Richard Hofherr – guitars, vocals, keyboard
  • Mike Mooshey – drums
  • Mark Kennetz – bass, vocals
  • Nick Cox – guitar, vocals
  • Tamara Mooshey – vocals

With Semple the band released a number of studio and live albums: Medley CD (2007), U.S.A – U.K. (2008), Unplugged (2009), Pop Medley 2 (2009), Medley CD/DVD (2010), Jukebox (2010), Merry Christmas in Chicago (2010) and Pop Media (2011). He left the band in 2012.

In 2012, Semple left the band and was replaced by Anthony Fedorov, a contestant finalist on the fourth season of American Idol.

2010: American Idol

[edit]

In January 2010, Semple successfully auditioned for the ninth season of American Idol. He was put in the intro to the Chicago episode of the American Idol.

Semple said Simon Cowell was reportedly "unhappy" he did not tell his band members 7th Heaven in advance about his audition. But Fox Chicago affiliate offered to film Semple telling his band 7th Heaven[2] and allowed them to perform together on Fox, thus giving him a fresh chance.

At the actual Chicago auditions, he sang the Bryan Adams' song "Heaven". Simon Cowell said "I'm going to pass", but the three other judges Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson and guest judge Shania Twain approved him going to the next round on a golden ticket.[3]

But after the broadcast, it was revealed there was an immigration snafu about Semple's residency status, and that he being in the United States on a work visa and not as a permanent resident would disqualify him from applying to American Idol that stipulates that non-Americans applying to the show should at least have a permanent residency status, not a temporary working visa permit. The American Idol producers pulled the plug on Semple continuing with the competition and disqualified him.[4]

Another former One True Voice band member Daniel Pearce had attempted a comeback less than a year earlier in 2009 on the sixth season[5] of the UK The X Factor. Pearce was picked for the Final 24 but failed to make it to the Final 12.

2013–present: SEMPLE and The Cyberiam

[edit]
SEMPLE
OriginUnited States
GenresRock
Years active2013–present
MembersKeith Semple
Johnny Jannotti
Joshua Patterson
Valentine Bennett
Past membersAmy Jay
Charley Bredrup
Paulie Felice
Stevie Craig
Drew Johnson
The Cyberiam
OriginUnited States
GenresProgressive rock
Years active2016–present
MembersKeith Semple
Frank Lucas
Tommy Murray
Brian Kovacs

After announcing his resignation as the lead singer of 7th Heaven in October 2012, Semple introduced his new band, SEMPLE. With members Johnny Jannotti (formerly of Chasing the Day), Drew Johnson (formerly of Ordinary Outcasts), Amy Jay (formerly of Cat Fight) and Charley Bredrup (Fletcher Rockwell and The JR Miller Project).

At the end of 2013, Amy announced she would be leaving the band to pursue her post grad education. One year later, the band, functioning as a four-piece, mutually parted ways with Charley Bredrup. Following interim guitarists Paulie Felice (of Lexington, KY) and Stevie Craig, the position was permanently filled by Valentine Bennett (of McHenry, IL).

SEMPLE focuses on the original music Keith Semple has been writing and recording for years, as well as new material the band is working on together.

In 2016, Semple founded the progressive rock band The Cyberiam with keyboardist, Frank Lucas, and Lateralus drummer Tommy Murray.[6] Along with bassist Brian Kovacs, they have released two studio albums, one EP, and two live albums to date. The Cyberiam have played at several progressive rock festivals, Progtoberfest IV in 2018, ProgStock in 2019, Marillion Couch Convention in 2020, and ProgPower USA in 2022 receiving a host of accolades.[6] Keith and Brian toured as The Cyberiam Duo opening for Riverside in 2022.[7]

U.S. The Voice

[edit]

In 2015, he auditioned for season 9 of the American series The Voice. In the debut episode of the season broadcast on 21 September 2015, he sang "I'll Be There For You" with two of the four judges, Adam Levine and Gwen Stefani turning their chairs. Semple chose to be part of Team Adam.

Semple was paired against Manny Cabo in the Battle Rounds. They both sang The Who's "Baba O'Riley". Semple was declared the winner of the battle, thus advancing to the knockout rounds, where he was paired against Team Adam's Dustin Christensen, with Semple singing Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" while Christensen opted the song "Free" from Zac Brown Band, with Adam Levine choosing Semple as winner of the Knockout and moving forward to the Live Shows.

On 9 November 2015, in the first round of live shows broadcast, he sang "To Be with You", but failed to attract the top 2 votes of Team Adam finalists, and failed to be saved by Levine and was eliminated from competition on 11 November 2015.

Stage Song Original Artist Date Order Result
Blind Audition "I'll Be There For You" Bon Jovi 21 September 2015 1.3 Adam Levine and Gwen Stefani turned
Joined Team Adam
Battle Rounds (Top 48) "Baba O'Riley" (vs. Manny Cabo) The Who 13 October 2015 8.1 Saved by Coach
The Knockouts (Top 32) "I Want to Know What Love Is" (vs. Dustin Christensen) Foreigner 27 October 2015 12.2
Live Playoffs (Top 24) "To Be with You" Mr. Big 9 November 2015 15.3 Eliminated

Non Competition Performances:

Order Friend Song
1.75 Amy Vachal, Chance Peña, Blaine Mitchell,
Shelby Brown, Jordan Smith 		"Diamonds"

Discography

[edit]

Albums with 7th Heaven

[edit]
  • 2007: Medley CD
  • 2008: U.S.A – U.K.
  • 2009: Unplugged
  • 2010: Pop Medley 2 (2009)
  • 2010: Medley CD/DVD
  • 2010: Jukebox
  • 2010: Merry Christmas in Chicago
  • 2011: Pop Media

Singles with One True Voice

[edit]

Albums with SEMPLE

[edit]
  • 2013: Not for Radio
  • 2013: Live At H.O.M.E.
  • 2015: Learn How to Fly
  • 2016: Anytime Anywhere
  • 2017: For One Night Only
  • 2018: 5 O'clock

Albums with The Cyberiam

[edit]
  • 2018: The Cyberiam
  • 2019: The Butterfly Effect
  • 2019: Live in the Cyberiam
  • 2020: Forging Nations Live!
  • 2021: Connected
  • 2024: Unobtainium
  • 2025: Durty & Live

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Keith Semple

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Keith Semple (born 20 September 1981) is a singer, songwriter, and based in Chicago, Illinois, best known as the lead vocalist and frontman of the rock band SEMPLE. He also fronts the progressive rock band The Cyberiam. Born in , , , Semple began his professional music career at age 16, touring and performing in various venues. In 2002, he gained international prominence as the winner of the reality competition Popstars: The Rivals, which led to the formation of the ; the group achieved two top 10 singles on the charts—the debut double A-side "Sacred Trust / After You're Gone" (peaking at #2 and certified gold) and "Shakespeare's Way with Words" (peaking at #10)—and earned a gold record certification. Following the band's disbandment in 2003, Semple toured with the Young Voices choir series, headlining in 2004 and co-writing their theme song "You Gotta Have Fun," with return engagements in 2005 and 2008. In 2006, Semple relocated to the and joined the Chicago-based 7th Heaven as lead singer, performing over 1,200 shows across six years and opening for prominent acts including , , and Journey. During this period, he co-wrote and contributed to the band's #1 hits on the , "Better This Way" (2011) and "Sing" (2012), and was named "’s Top Male Singer" by Chicago Rocker magazine. Semple pursued a solo career beginning in 2005, while also appearing as a contestant on season 9 of NBC's The Voice in 2015, advancing to the top 20. In 2013, he founded SEMPLE, a high-energy outfit blending originals and covers, which continues to tour actively, including performances in 2025 such as Halloween shows and summer festivals. Semple has contributed to for the Unsettled (2015), and maintains a presence on television through shows like and TV Burp.

Early life

Childhood and education

Keith Semple was born on 20 September 1981 and raised in the coastal town of , , , where he enjoyed an amazing childhood that profoundly shaped his sense of identity. His father's frequent travels for work exposed him to diverse cultures from a young age, instilling a global perspective that influenced his later career moves abroad. Semple attended Grammar School during his formative years, crediting one of his teachers, Jimmy Christie, with fostering his positive attitude and resilience—qualities that have sustained him through the ups and downs of the music industry. His early interest in music manifested during his teenage years, leading him to start earning a living as a by age 16; he played drums and guitar in various bands, touring extensively throughout and performing in local venues, including his uncle's covers band Murage back in .

Initial musical influences

Keith Semple, born in , , developed an early interest in music. One of his formative live music experiences came from attending his first concert, a performance by the British hard rock band Thunder at venue in . This event profoundly impacted Semple, leading him to get a of the band's logo as a tribute to their influence on his burgeoning interest in . By age 16, Semple had begun performing professionally, touring with various bands and honing his skills in pop and melodic rock styles prevalent in the late and early scene. These early endeavors exposed him to a blend of influences from and pop acts, shaping his vocal and performance approach before his breakthrough on Popstars: The Rivals.

Career

2002: Popstars: The Rivals and One True Voice

In 2002, Keith Semple auditioned for the ITV talent competition Popstars: The Rivals, a show designed to assemble a boy band and a girl group to vie for the UK's Christmas number one single. Hailing from Larne, Northern Ireland, Semple's participation came at a time when he sported a shaved head and had expressed skepticism about boy bands. Despite these hurdles, he advanced through the rigorous audition process, which involved thousands of contestants and public voting. By November 2002, Semple was announced as one of the five members of the newly formed , selected alongside Anton Gordon, Matt Johnson, Daniel Pearce, and Jamie Shaw. Managed by record producer , the group was positioned as a rival to the show's , . The band quickly entered recording sessions, focusing on pop-oriented material to capitalize on the show's hype. One True Voice's debut single, the double A-side "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone"—covers of tracks originally by The One Hundred and The Escorts, respectively—was released on 16 December 2002. It debuted at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, narrowly missing the top spot to Girls Aloud's "Sound of the Underground" after selling 147,000 copies in its first week. The release sparked intense media attention, with the two acts embodying the show's engineered rivalry for festive chart dominance. The single's success marked Semple's entry into the pop scene, with performing on major television programs and promotional events throughout late 2002. Certified gold in the , the track highlighted the band's harmonious vocals and polished production, though it also underscored the short-lived nature of reality TV-spawned groups.

2003–2005: Early solo endeavors

Following the disbandment of in January 2003, Keith Semple returned to his hometown of , , , where he began performing locally as a and in his uncle's covers band, Murage, at pubs and clubs across the region. This period marked his transition to independent live performances, emphasizing original songwriting and a shift away from the format toward more versatile rock influences. In 2003, Semple was invited to join the Young Voices tour, a major event showcasing emerging musical talent in large arenas, where he performed as a guest artist alongside up-and-coming acts. Building on this exposure, he returned in 2004 as a headlining performer, during which he composed and delivered the event's title track, "You Gotta Have Fun," highlighting his growing role in youth-oriented music initiatives. That same year, Semple pursued a solo trajectory by partnering with the manager of to secure greater artistic control; he made a demo album featuring heavy material available via his website and performed it live, including a free Music Live showcase in on April 29 at the Fountain Centre, as part of a multi-act event promoting local talent. Plans for a full debut solo album were announced for later in 2004, though it remained in development amid ongoing live commitments. By 2005, Semple rejoined the Young Voices tour for another round of arena performances, solidifying his presence in the UK music scene through consistent touring and event contributions. These endeavors reflected his focus on building a solo foundation via live engagements and original material, bridging his pop origins with emerging rock explorations before relocating to the .

2006–2012: 7th Heaven

In 2006, Keith Semple, a Northern Irish singer formerly of the One True Voice, relocated to after 7th Heaven discovered his vocal performances on and invited him to join as lead singer. This marked a significant shift for Semple from his UK-based solo endeavors to fronting the established rock band, which had been active since the and was known for its high-energy sound. The lineup during this period included Semple on lead vocals, Hofherr on guitars, vocals, and keys, Cox on guitars and vocals, Mark Kennetz on bass and vocals, and Michael Mooshey on drums. During his tenure, Semple contributed to the band's creative output, co-writing several tracks that blended pop-rock elements with the group's arena-ready style. The 2008 album U.S.A. - U.K., released on NTD Records, was named to reflect Semple's transatlantic addition to the American band and featured 14 original songs, including co-compositions like "Better This Way" and "Still Be Here" by Semple and Hofherr. This release showcased Semple's versatile vocals over guitar-driven anthems and marked the band's first major project with his involvement. In , they followed with Pop Media, another studio album that highlighted Semple's songwriting on upbeat tracks emphasizing themes of perseverance and romance. Semple's time with 7th Heaven was defined by extensive touring, with the band performing over 1,200 shows across the Midwest and beyond, often opening for major acts such as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Kid Rock, and Journey. In 2010, Semple gained wider exposure through an appearance on season 9 of American Idol, where he auditioned as a representative of the band but was later disqualified due to visa issues. The period also saw commercial success with radio singles "Better This Way" (2011) and "Sing" (2012), both co-written by Semple, which topped Chicago-area charts and appeared on Billboard's Adult Contemporary listings. Semple announced his departure in October 2012 after six years, citing a desire to pursue original music projects, though he has occasionally reunited with the band for performances.

2010–2015: Television competitions

In 2010, Semple auditioned for the ninth season of in , performing ' "," which earned him a golden ticket to advance to the Hollywood round. However, he was unable to proceed due to visa complications related to his green card status, preventing his participation in Hollywood Week and resulting in his elimination from the competition. Semple returned to television competitions in 2015 on the ninth season of The Voice, where he joined Team Adam after a blind audition performance of The Rembrandts' "I'll Be There for You," which prompted a two-chair turn from coaches Adam Levine and Pharrell Williams. In the battle rounds, he faced Manny Cabo on The Who's "Baba O'Riley," delivering a high-energy rock performance that Levine praised for its arena-rock vibe; Levine selected Semple as the winner, while Cabo was not stolen by other coaches. Advancing to the knockout rounds, Semple competed against Dustin Christensen with a rendition of Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is," showcasing his vocal range and emotional delivery; Levine again chose Semple to move forward. He progressed to the live as part of the top 20, performing Mr. Big's "" in the first live show, but was eliminated shortly thereafter based on viewer votes. This appearance marked Semple's furthest advancement in a U.S. singing competition, highlighting his rock influences and stage presence.

2013–present: SEMPLE and The Cyberiam

In 2013, Keith Semple launched his eponymous band SEMPLE, debuting with a performance at HOME Bar in , on March 2. The -based rock and pop outfit, fronted by Semple on lead vocals, emphasized high-energy live shows blending original material with covers across genres. SEMPLE quickly established a local presence, releasing their debut full-length studio album, Not for Radio, in December 2013. This was followed by the four-track EP Learn How to Fly in early 2015, the single "" in 2016, and the album For One Night Only later that year. By 2022, the band had cultivated a following exceeding 25,000 across platforms, maintaining an active touring schedule in the area with performances at venues like the Taste of Polonia Festival. SEMPLE's output has since included additional singles such as "We Want It All," "No Place Like Home," and "Game Over," focusing on accessible, anthemic rock tracks. Parallel to SEMPLE, Semple co-founded the progressive rock band The Cyberiam in 2016, serving as and guitarist alongside members (keyboards), Tommy Murray (drums), and Brian Kovacs (bass). Drawing from influences in heavy , the group debuted their self-titled album in 2018, featuring 10 tracks including "Alice in Afterland" and "The Fall," spanning nearly 80 minutes of intricate compositions. This release marked their entry into the prog scene, with the band performing alongside acts like District 97 at Chicago's Reggie's Rock Club that year. The Cyberiam expanded their catalog with the EP in May 2019, followed by the full-length Connected in August 2021, which explored themes of interconnection through arrangements. They continued live activity, including openings for Riverside and in 2022 and 2023 as a Semple-Kovacs duo. They have shared stages with progressive icons from bands like Genesis, , , and . Subsequent releases include live albums such as LIVE in The Cyberiam (2020), Forging Nations LIVE! (2021), Deux-Oh (Live in ) (2023), and Durty & Live (2024), capturing their evolving sound. Their most recent studio effort, , arrived in May 2024, comprising tracks like "Are You There?" and "," reinforcing their reputation in circles. As of 2025, The Cyberiam remains active with scheduled performances, such as at Stage 119 in , blending Semple's pop-rock roots with complex, genre-spanning prog elements.

Musical style and influences

Genre evolution

Keith Semple's musical career began in the mainstream pop genre, emerging as a member of the , formed through the 2002 ITV talent show Popstars: The Rivals. The group's singles, such as "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone" reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart, featured upbeat, harmonious pop tracks influenced by early 2000s aesthetics like those of and , achieving commercial success with the single certified gold by the . This phase established Semple's initial style rooted in accessible, radio-friendly pop, characterized by vocal harmonies and dance-oriented production. Following the band's dissolution in 2003, Semple pursued a solo career and joined the Chicago-based rock band 7th Heaven in 2006, marking a shift toward pop-rock and melodic rock. His contributions to 7th Heaven's albums, such as USA-UK (2008) and (2010), emphasized anthemic choruses, guitar-driven arrangements, and a more energetic, arena-ready sound compared to his pop origins, blending his vocal prowess with rock instrumentation. During this period, Semple also released a solo EP, Slow Down the World (2011), which continued in the pop-rock vein, incorporating personal songwriting with influences from elements. This transition reflected a broadening of his musical palette, moving from polished pop to a hybrid style that incorporated rock's grit and emotional depth. In 2013, Semple formed the band SEMPLE, which expanded his genre versatility through high-energy covers spanning rock, modern pop, , and even crossovers, performing around 100 shows annually. This project highlighted his adaptability as a live performer, drawing on a wide stylistic range to engage diverse audiences. In 2016, Semple formed the progressive rock band The Cyberiam, releasing albums like The Cyberiam (2018), Connected (2021), (2024), and the live album Durty & Live (2025), which feature complex compositions, topical lyrics on social issues, and influences from bands such as , , and Rush. This evolution to prog-rock represented a culmination of his journey, integrating intricate instrumentation, extended song structures, and conceptual themes, while touring with acts like and Riverside to solidify his place in the genre.

Key collaborations

Keith Semple's key collaborations span pop, , and , primarily through his involvement in several notable groups and high-profile performances. His breakthrough came with the , formed in 2002 following his victory on the reality show Popstars: The Rivals. As a core member alongside Anton Gordon, Matt Johnson, Daniel Pearce, and Jamie Shaw, Semple contributed vocals to the group's singles, including the UK top-ten "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone," certified gold by the . In 2006, Semple joined the Chicago-based hard rock band 7th Heaven as lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and occasional drummer, collaborating with founding members Richie Hofherr (guitar), Michael Mooshey (bass), and Tony Di Giulio (drums), along with later additions like Mark Kennetz and Nick Cox. During his six-year tenure, the band released albums such as USA-UK (2008) and Jukebox (2010), with Semple co-writing chart-topping tracks including "Better This Way" (No. 1 on Chicago rock radio in 2011) and "Sing" (No. 1 on Chicago rock radio in 2012). The group performed over 1,200 shows and opened for major acts like and . Following his departure from 7th Heaven in 2012, Semple formed the rock/pop band SEMPLE in 2013, enlisting musicians Charley Bredrup (guitar), Amy Jay (bass), Johnny Jannotti (drums), and Drew Johnson (keyboards). The ensemble debuted with the single "Hand on My Heart" and focused on original material alongside high-energy covers, releasing the EP in 2016, which showcased Semple's songwriting and the band's genre-blending style. Semple's outlet, The Cyberiam, emerged in 2016, where he serves as and alongside Brian Kovacs (bass and vocals), Tommy Murray (drums and percussion), and (keyboards). The band has released albums like The Cyberiam (2018) and Connected (2021), drawing from influences such as and Rush, and has toured with acts including Riverside and . Recent lineup changes include bassist Tom Heslin joining in 2024. A standout individual collaboration occurred during Semple's appearance on season 9 of NBC's The Voice in 2015, where he battled fellow contestant Manny Cabo on a cover of The Who's "" under coach . The performance, praised for its intensity, led to post-show reunions, including live renditions of the track and covers like OneRepublic's "" at Chicago venues.

Discography

Albums with One True Voice

One True Voice, the British boy band that included Keith Semple as a member, did not release any studio albums during its short-lived career from 2002 to 2003. Formed through the ITV talent show Popstars: The Rivals, the group focused primarily on singles, achieving commercial success with their debut double A-side release but failing to capitalize on momentum for a full album due to internal tensions and declining popularity. The band's only recorded output consisted of two singles: "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone (I'll Still Be There)", which peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in November 2002, and "Shakespeare's (Way With) Words", which reached number 10 in February 2003. Despite plans for an and a supporting tour, poor ticket sales led to the tour's cancellation, and the group disbanded acrimoniously in August 2003 without further releases. This lack of a debut marked a stark contrast to their rivals , who achieved longevity with multiple records.

Albums with 7th Heaven

Keith Semple served as the for the Chicago-based 7th Heaven from 2006 to 2012, contributing his vocal talents and songwriting to several releases that blended and AOR elements. His involvement marked a transatlantic shift for the band, infusing their sound with his British pop influences from prior projects like . The first release during Semple's tenure was the Medley CD, a compilation featuring extended medleys of classic rock and pop hits performed live in the studio. Clocking in at over an hour across two main medleys—"Pop Medley 1" and "Rock Medley"—it showcased the band's versatility in covering tracks like Journey's "," Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," and Toto's "." Semple's dynamic vocals drove the energetic arrangements, helping the album appeal to fans of nostalgic rock anthems. Produced by Richard , it was released as a limited-edition digipak and highlighted the band's live performance prowess without original compositions. In 2008, 7th Heaven issued their first full studio album with Semple, U.S.A. - U.K., a 18-track effort whose title directly referenced his Northern Irish origins joining the American lineup. Semple co-wrote six songs, including the upbeat opener "Better This Way" and the reflective "Still Be Here," while providing lead vocals throughout. The album mixed new material with re-recorded tracks from the band's release Silver, emphasizing polished hooks and melodic guitar work from Hofherr. Critics praised its radio-friendly vibe, with Melodic Rock noting it as a strong debut for Semple that revitalized the band's sound. Tracks like "Gave You My Word" and "Undone" exemplified the album's blend of heartfelt ballads and driving anthems, contributing to increased touring and . Released on NTD Records, it solidified 7th Heaven's indie presence in the AOR scene. Semple also featured on the 2009 Unplugged album, an acoustic collection that stripped down select tracks for a more intimate feel. With Semple handling lead vocals and guitar, the release included reimagined versions of band staples and covers, produced and arranged by Hofherr. Though not a traditional unplugged set—incorporating some electric elements—it highlighted Semple's in quieter arrangements, such as the unplugged rendition of "Beyond Beautiful." Distributed independently, it catered to fans seeking a rawer side of the band's foundation. The tenure culminated with the 2011 double-disc Pop Media, a expansive 22-track studio that leaned heavily into upbeat confections. Semple delivered lead vocals across all songs, co-writing several with bandmates, including the anthemic "Sing" and the driving "Go For A Ride." The record's length allowed for experimentation, from high-energy tracks like "Turn Up The Radio" to more introspective ones such as "Beyond Beautiful," but reviews noted some filler amid the abundance. Metal Music Archives commended its consistency for longtime fans, describing it as a step up in production quality while maintaining the band's melodic core. Released on NTD Records, Pop Media captured 7th Heaven's prolific output during Semple's era, with his contributions emphasizing accessible, chorus-driven songcraft.

Solo and SEMPLE albums

Keith Semple's solo work emerged prominently after his early group endeavors, beginning with the EP Slow Down the World, a four-track release that highlighted his songwriting and in a pop-rock style. The EP included songs like "Makes My World Shine," the introspective title track "Slow Down the World," "Hand On My Heart," and "Spin Doctor," featuring collaborations with musicians Michael Mooshey and Mark Kennetz on the latter. Released independently, it marked Semple's transition to original material outside of band contexts. Following his stint with 7th Heaven and appearances on television competitions, Semple founded the Chicago-based rock band SEMPLE in 2013, serving as its frontman and primary songwriter. The band's debut release was the live Live at H.O.M.E., recorded during a performance at the in , capturing their high-energy rock sound with a mix of originals and covers. This established SEMPLE's reputation for dynamic live shows blending rock influences with modern pop elements. Later that year, in December 2013, SEMPLE issued their first studio , Not For Radio, a full-length collection of original tracks emphasizing Semple's charismatic vocals and the band's guitar-driven arrangements. Notable songs included the title track "Not For Radio" and "Seeing Red," which reflected themes of and personal expression; the was produced at Semple's own Sempleton Studios. SEMPLE continued building their catalog with the four-track EP Learn How to Fly in early 2015, focusing on uplifting, anthemic rock compositions that showcased the band's evolving songcraft. Semple's solo-branded releases in the mid-to-late often overlapped with SEMPLE's output, as he handled much of the creative direction. The 2016 EP explored themes of freedom and resilience through mid-tempo rock tracks, while the 2017 EP For One Night Only shifted toward a more pop-oriented sound, departing from prior country-tinged influences and featuring songs like the title track and "One's With The Money." This was followed by the 2018 EP 5 O'Clock, a four-song set delving into everyday introspection with rock edges. These releases, distributed via platforms like and , underscored Semple's versatility as a performer and producer. In recent years, Semple has maintained a steady output of concise albums and singles under his own name, often tied to SEMPLE's activities, reflecting a blend of rock, pop, and personal storytelling. The 2024 singles include , All I Had, Love Me Right, No Place Like Home, and We Want It All, each a single track emphasizing emotional depth and high-energy hooks. In 2025, Semple released the single 9 Lives on October 3, continuing his focus on original rock material.
Release TitleTypeYearArtist/BandKey Notes
Slow Down the WorldEP2011Keith Semple (solo)4 tracks; independent pop-rock release.
Live at H.O.M.E.Album2013SEMPLELive recording; debut band release.
Not For RadioAlbum2013SEMPLEStudio album; 13 original tracks produced at Sempleton Studios.
Learn How to FlyEP2015SEMPLE4 tracks; anthemic rock focus.
Anytime AnywhereEP2016Keith Semple (solo/SEMPLE)Mid-tempo rock themes; 5 tracks.
For One Night OnlyEP2017Keith Semple (solo/SEMPLE)5 tracks; pop-rock shift.
5 O'ClockEP2018Keith Semple (solo/SEMPLE)4 tracks; introspective rock.
Game OverSingle2024Keith Semple (solo/SEMPLE)1 track; streaming release.
All I HadSingle2024Keith Semple (solo/SEMPLE)1 track; emotional rock.
Love Me RightSingle2024Keith Semple (solo/SEMPLE)1 track; high-energy hooks.
No Place Like HomeSingle2024Keith Semple (solo/SEMPLE)1 track; personal storytelling.
We Want It AllSingle2024Keith Semple (solo/SEMPLE)1 track; anthemic pop-rock.
9 LivesSingle2025Keith Semple (solo/SEMPLE)1 track; original rock material.

Albums with The Cyberiam

The Cyberiam, a band formed in in 2016 with Keith Semple as and alongside Brian Kovacs on bass and vocals, Frank on keyboards and vocals, and Tommy Murray on drums and percussion, debuted with their self-titled album The Cyberiam on February 2, 2018, via MelodicRock Records. This nearly 80-minute release features nine tracks blending intricate time signatures, melodic hooks, and thematic depth, drawing influences from classic while incorporating modern production. Key songs include the epic opener "Alice in Afterland" (8:53), which explores surreal narratives through dynamic shifts, and "Don't Blink" (9:47), a standout for its emotional guitar solos and Semple's soaring vocals. The album received praise for its cohesive songwriting and the band's chemistry, marking Semple's return to progressive sounds after his pop-oriented career. In 2019, the band followed with the EP , released on May 3 via Sempleton Productions, presenting a 21-minute conceptual suite divided into five interconnected parts that examine and human impact. Structured as "i - " (5:30), "ii - Ripples" (3:41), "iii - Realizations" (3:49), "iv - Chaos" (1:40), and "v - A New Reality" (6:30), the EP showcases Semple's narrative-driven lyrics and the group's instrumental prowess, particularly in the building intensity of the finale. Often performed as a single epic live piece, it highlighted the band's ability to craft immersive, story-like compositions and served as a bridge to their fuller explorations. Their first live recording, Forging Nations LIVE!, captured a from Progstock and was released on December 4, 2020, via the band's Sempleton Productions label. Spanning seven tracks and approximately 70 minutes, the album delivers high-energy renditions of debut material like "Alice in Afterland" and "The Fall," alongside the full 21-minute "" suite, emphasizing the band's stage dynamics and Semple's commanding presence. Recorded amid the , it preserved a pre-lockdown show and received acclaim for its raw intensity and faithful reproduction of studio complexities. The second studio album, Connected, arrived on August 6, 2021, self-released through Sempleton Productions as a pandemic-inspired concept work addressing themes of isolation, technology, and human bonds. Clocking in at over 70 minutes across ten tracks, it features Semple's introspective lyrics paired with evolving arrangements, from the atmospheric "Sunset on Mars" to the anthemic "Be Connected." Notable for its shorter, punchier songs compared to the debut—such as "Wakeup Call" (6:03)—the album blends prog rock with accessible melodies, earning positive reviews for its relevance and production quality. In 2024, The Cyberiam issued their third studio , Unobtainium, on May 22 via Sempleton Productions, recorded at Sempleton Studios earlier that year with a focus on concise tracks to deliver hooks more directly. This 50-minute release maintains the band's edges while incorporating symphonic elements and varied tempos, with standouts like the title track and "Double X" praised for their free-form intros and emotional builds. Semple's vocals anchor the thematic exploration of rarity and aspiration, and critics noted it as a mature evolution, more immediate than predecessors yet retaining epic scope. As of November 2025, the band released singles "Endless Whispers" on September 19, "9 Lives" on October 3, and "Moore's Law" later in the year, signaling ongoing activity.

References

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