Galen Keith Abts is a versatile rock vocalist, performer, and songwriter based in Los Angeles. Originally from rural Wisconsin, Galen moved to California in 2017 to pursue music full-time, bringing with him a passion for classic rock, grunge, metal, and soul. His diverse influences—from Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd, Pantera, and Lamb of God, to James Brown, Charles Bradley, and Earth, Wind & Fire—inform a dynamic vocal style that’s both powerful and adaptable.

As a graduate of the Musicians Institute and recipient of its Outstanding Performer award, Galen quickly established himself in the LA music scene as the founder and frontman of Illicit, a hard rock band known for high-energy performances at iconic venues like the Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, and Hotel Café. Their releases, including Live from the Institute and The Wheel (produced by Grammy winning engineer and producer Francis Buckley), showcase a sound rooted in classic hard rock with a modern edge. Galen is also the lead vocalist and co-founder of Shockproof, a 90s rock tribute band which tours across the Southwest United States. He’s also a rotating member of several tribute and cover acts, including the Fooz Fighters, a nationally touring Foo Fighters tribute band.

Outside of performing with live rock bands, Galen is singer/songwriter performing under the artist name Galen Keith. In 2024 he released his self-produced solo EP Give Up the Sky—a moody, genre-blending trip through folk, grunge, and psychedelic rock. Galen is also an accomplished session vocalist and has been featured on the blues rock records The Californian and Buckle Up by Brad “Guitar” Wilson both of which topped the national blues and blues rock radio charts. He has even lent his voice to the Star Wars universe singing as a Rokana Raider in the Star Wars Outlaws: A Pirate’s Fortune DLC.

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In additon to performing, Galen teaches voice at the Musicians Institute and continues to write, record, and collaborate across multiple genres. He is currently working Illicit’s next release and his debut full-length solo album.