CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SONGWRITER AND VETERAN PERFORMER STEVEN KEENE SET TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE
Thursday, July 30, 2020
— “THEM & US” Inquisitive Statement On Human Conflict And Social Divisivenes Available Via All Digital And Streaming Outlets--Friday, August 28, 2020
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Indie singer/songwriter and recording artist, Steven Keene, is set to release his new single, “Them & Us,”* in late August. Written and produced by Keene, and recorded at Shore Fire Recording Studios in Long Branch, NJ, the original tune will be available Friday, August 28, 2020 via all major digital retail and streaming outlets (Amazon/iTunes/Pandora/Spotify/Tidal).
Addressing human conflict on a wider scale, "Them & Us” touches on social divisiveness encompassing race, nationality, political affiliation and religious denomination. Undeniably attuned to our society’s current psychosomatic ills, Keene articulates with thought-provoking musical expression leaving the window open for independent interpretation.
With vocal inflections reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen, circa The Rising of the early 2000s, the production spotlights Keene’s raspy, soulful voice. Incorporating African American musical elements, bluesy piano riffs lay between vocal phrases while the fervent women’s choir heightens the sentiment of the intricately layered storyline. The self-penned track provides intriguing commentary while the zealous chorus directs the question, “How wide’s the divide, between them and us?” to invite listeners to look inward toward a resolution.
“I believe a revolt against ignorance has to take place one mind and one heart at a time,” said Steven Keene.“No need for experts, priests, or politicians; this world is ours to create and the power is within us.”
Keene humbly possesses an uncanny gift for laying an eloquent finger on the pulse of our present-day social discontent. Similar to “The Hurricane” (Bob Dylan), the track carries a poetic and political potency calling attention to the unprecedented new era of social and racial injustice and unnecessary combativeness and tribalism of today’s environment.
Ol’ Jim Crow the hood and white robe Forever blame, forever shame
Now a knee to the head...and a poor soul’s dead Some things never change
From Selma to Montgomery
To the back of the bus
How wide’s the divide
Between them & us?
“‘Them and Us’ is about asking ourselves ‘where does ‘them and us’ reside in our lives and in our hearts?’ Who do we see as different or inferior? Even the oppressed, even those who are discriminated against, can discriminate against others. No one is pure, rarely is anyone innocent of bias. So, ask yourself, ‘how wide is your divide?’,” added Keene.
The “Them & Us” pre-sale and pre-save event begins Friday, August 7, 2019; digital retail distribution and streaming services spearheaded by Symphonic Distribution. Keene will introduce the corresponding “Them & Us” music video (produced by String Theory with photos by Photo Impressions) in the coming weeks.
ABOUT STEVEN KEENE:
Keene grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He got his start in the 90s playing the folk clubs and cafes of the Greenwich Village scene alongside contemporaries Beck, Susanne Vega, Shawn Colvin and others. Inspired by the song craftsmanship of Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Leonard Cohen, Keene is a songwriter’s songwriter who is a measured and mature artist that is seemingly, and eerily, plugged-in to the times. With consistent, powerful and timely lyrics, the folk mainstay and seasoned singer-songwriter has perfected his own unique alchemy. He’s played joints like Sun Mountain Cafe and the Chameleon and crisscrossed the streets of McDougal and Bleecker to perform at well-known clubs such as the Lone Star Cafe, Mercury Lounge, Bottom Line, Bitter End, Arlene’s Grocery, and the legendary CBGB’s.
Keene recorded and released his first album KEENE ON DYLAN (1990), collaboration with Bob Dylan band members Howie Wyeth and Rob Stoner (Desire/Rolling Thunder) featuring an eclectic mix of originals, covers and traditional tunes.
He followed with his sophomore album, titled NO ALTERNATIVE (Moo Records/1995), featuring the musicianship of former Dylan band members Tony Garnier, John Jackson and Bucky Baxter. The project was distributed through BMG in Europe in conjunction with a European tour in support of his single, "Far Better Friend Than Lover.”
Following a single series campaign, dropping a new original each month throughout 2020 including his most recent “Save Yourself,” Keene celebrated the release of his EP titled IT IS WHAT IT IS. His new project, THEM & US, is anticipated in fall 2020.