Poignant, Whiskey-Infused, Lovelorn Ballad Due Friday, October 16, 2020
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — New York City based veteran indie singer/songwriter and recording artist, Steven Keene, is set to release his new single, “Cause I Can’t Have You,”* in mid October. The third consecutive single from his 2020 Single Series, the track was written and produced by Keene, and recorded at Shore Fire Recording Studios in Long Branch, NJ. The original tune will be available Friday, October 16, 2020 via all major digital retail and streaming outlets (Amazon/iTunes/Pandora/Spotify/Tidal).
Set at Levon's Barn (the famous Woodstock venue established by the late Levon Helm of The Band), the nostalgic storyline recalls an instant love connection on a serendipitous summer night and a romance that becomes mythologized. The classic lovesick ballad will hit those who have carried an unrequited flame as a devotee to tend to the embers of lost love. A composition in the same vein akin to Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” and the vibe of Dylan’s BLONDE ON BLONDE album cuts, solo harmonica plays the lead in the lonely part.
We found our little beacon It calls our name After all this time Who knew you felt the same Concert halls and pub crawls Please pick our next venue The only reason I’m with her cause I can’t have you
“This song will hit home with anyone who’s ever been in and lost love. That person, and the relationship they ignited, remains unforgettable and the fond recollections keep that fire burning,” Keene said. “As the story line goes, even years later, when he thinks he’s moved on, the chorus brings him back to her. It’s almost an assurance—as if across that expanse of space and time, he pines for her. …and in the meantime, a new relationship merely becomes a placeholder in the wait for the magic of her return.”
As an early introduction to Keene’s forthcoming CD project (due in November), “Cause I Can’t Have You” is Keene’s third single to drop following the hard-hitting and politically relevant “Them and Us,” and the debut track, “Save Yourself.” The acerbic social critique debuted on Americana Highways casts a critical eye on the selfish side of human nature as descended during the early days of the COVID-19.
The “Cause I Can’t Have You” pre-sale and pre-save event begins September 25, 2020; digital retail distribution and streaming services spearheaded by Symphonic Distribution.
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.” In 2001, Keene released the album titled SET THE CLOCK. He celebrated the release of his EP, titled IT IS WHAT IT IS, in January and continuing momentum throughout 2020, Keene launched his single series campaign, dropping a new original each month throughout 2020, as an introduction to his new album, THEM & US, out later this year.
CONNECT WITH STEVEN KEENE: www.facebook.com/StevenKeeneMusic www.instagram.com/Steven.Keene.Music www.stevenkeene.com