Robert Earl Keen on 'Western Chill,' Storytelling Songwriting, and the Americana Scene

The 'Western Chill' Album and Songwriting Evolution

• 🎶 'Western Chill' is described as a band-inclusive record with a laid-back, bluesy, and quiet feel, incorporating a light touch of western swing.
• 💡 Keen learned he wished he had explored western swing music earlier, finding it a fun and light way to write songs with a broader scope.
• ✍️ He enjoys writing story-based narrative songs, finding the challenge of conveying a lot of information in 3-4 minutes engaging.
• 🎭 Songwriting allows him to explore his own experiences or observe and comment on the world, focusing on who, where, and how a situation makes one feel.

Live Performance and Storytelling

• ✨ Keen describes the 'magic' of live performance as a moment where another being takes over, allowing for improvisation and spontaneity.
• 🎤 He shares that for songs like "The Front Porch Song," he intentionally riffs on anything coming to mind during live shows, aiming to be present in the moment rather than repeating the same stories.
• 🤣 He recalls incorporating Aggie jokes into live performances of "The Front Porch Song," highlighting the risk and thrill of improvising.

Musical Influences and Collaborations

• 🌟 Keen expresses admiration for songwriters like Evan Felker and Tyler Childers, noting Felker's mastery of self-observation and love songs, and Childers' blend of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Hank Williams.
• 🤝 He cherishes the experience of sharing the stage with Evan Felker, enjoying the opportunity to be an "audience of one."

Food, Americana, and Future Plans

• 🍽️ The inclusion of food in songs is seen as an everyday experience that connects with the audience and peaks their interest, though not always intentionally.
• 🚀 Keen feels deeply connected to the Americana music scene, describing himself as "washed in the blood of Americana."
• 🎙️ He plans to continue his "Americana Podcast," which has expanded to include discussions with artists, chefs, fashion designers, and filmmakers.
• 📈 He notes that the Americana scene is currently exploding, with many artists touring successfully, and he intends to remain a part of it.