An Interview With Steven Keene
From “GirlattheRockShows.com” June 7, 2024
When I first heard that Steven Keene was doing a new rendition of Woody Guthrie’s famed “This Land Is Your Land”, I couldn’t help but laugh a little. Okay, laugh isn’t quite the word but who did this Steven character think he was to do a new version of this timeless classic. Even though I had my doubts, I hit play on Steven King’s “This World Is Your World” and I instantly regretted those feelings of doubt and judgement I had prior to hitting play. Steven’s version of this song is a beautiful nod to the uber-popular and famous single while being a moment for Steven to really highlight his own style and personality. Long story short, he nailed it and I was so thrilled to be able to ask him some questions about this song and other random things that I was just selfishly wanted to know.
Favorite lyrics of all time?
“There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” From Anthem by Leonard Cohen. “To Live Outside the Law You Must Be Honest.” Absolutely Sweet Marie, Dylan.
Everyone says that every crowd is their favorite but, what city has the best audience and why is it Minneapolis?
Never played Minneapolis. NYC, hometown favorite
What’s your go-to coffee order?
Quad espresso
Have you ever been able to finish a Rubik’s Cube?
Never tried.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Dylan – Lehigh University
What’s the worst concert you’ve ever been to and why?
No Comment
What’s one thing I should know before listening to “This World Is Your World”?
Keep an open mind to an old classic
Why did you feel compelled to re-write this track?
Woody spoke to me in a dream and that’s the truth
You got to co-write with Woody Guthrie for this song. Honestly, how amazing was that?
Well, I was honored that the Guthrie family let me. It’s like messin’ with the Bible. I tried to be honest and true to Woody’s intention.
Did Woody give you any pointers or say anything that really stuck with you?
Woody said everything. He said it all. I only had minor adds. It was full on inspiration from him.
I love the imagery you put into the conjoining video to this song. How did you come up with what images you wanted where?
My editor really took the wheel on it. He saw it from a worldly view. Thematically global, environmental, promoting peace through humanity.
Out of all of the lines in the original Woody Guthrie song, what one was your favorite?
“The other side was just like my side, both sides were made for you and me”
When it comes to this new version, what line holds the most weight in your mind?
“Freedom has no border”
Out of all of the lands in this world, is there a particular place that you hold near and dear to your heart?
I’ve been going to Woodstock since I’m a kid. Feels like home up there. Rivers, streams and mountains – my speed
Say a metal band had to cover this song– what metal band would you want it to be?
No metal band should ever touch it
Is there anything else you would like people to know about this song?!
I hope it can make a difference. I hope it will open a door, open a mind to acceptance, understanding and empathy.
Although Steven’s answers to my quirky questions were very short and to the point, I feel like they show the way that Steven does everything with a sense of intention and heart behind it. What he has done to this classic is, again, amazing and I highly suggest you all check it out. I also think we all need to keep Steven’s final answer in mind. Although his answer was specifically in reference to “This World Is Our World”, I felt like it’s something that we all need to keep in mind when it comes to our daily life. We can all make a difference by holding doors open for everyone.
