Chris Keegan
Gig Seeker Pro

Chris Keegan

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | INDIE

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | INDIE
Band Rock Singer/Songwriter

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Q&A With Chris Keegan - by Lauren Proctor"

By LAUREN PROCTOR
lauren.proctor@markedmagazine.com

Chris Keegan is a songwriter originally from Baton Rouge, La., now living in New York who strums his acoustic guitar while singing about women, personal experiences and life in general. His talent for telling intimate stories while letting listeners into his welcoming song are just part of Keegan’s appeal.

Q: In 10 words, how would you describe you or your music?

A: “I write mostly about girls and life experiences. That was eight words.”

Q: What have been your proudest moments as a musician?

A: “I’ve played in a lot of great venues, but when I started, I always wanted to play in a venue called The Varsity in my hometown of Baton Rouge, La. A lot of amazing bands have played there, including Dave Matthews Band, Toad the Wet Sprocket, John Mayer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I used to dream of playing on that stage in front of a capacity crowd. About three years ago, I finally got the opportunity. I think I played one of my best shows that night.”

Q: You recently moved from Louisiana to New York. What are some of the biggest differences you noticed between the two places?

A: “It was weird for me to experience how many venues there are for the droves of people that are all chasing the same rock ’n’ roll dream. On any given night, it seems like there are a million places each with 10 bands playing, and all have a different atmosphere and crowd.”

Q: There are many musicians who are doing a lot to speak out and try to make improvements in society through their music. If you could make a difference in any one facet of current affairs, what would you choose and why?

A: “I think there are some incredible bands that all have a great collective message of peace and social justice. I’d love to be a part of that, in the sense that I would love to see a song that I’ve written have a positive impact in people’s lives.”

Q: Do you have any superstitions when it comes to your music and performing?

A: “Not particularly. Some people behave as if they’re pitching a perfect game prior to their gig. Don’t talk to them, or it’ll jinx the whole show. For me, I like to get to the venue a little early, get my bearings, grab a beer or two and just relax. I always get a couple of butterflies in my gut right before I go on stage. I like that feeling. I think it keeps me on my toes and keeps the show moving without it getting stagnant.”

Q: It’s clear that you developed your musical talents, but how about any hidden talents that don’t get showcased on stage?

A: “I used to do a pretty spot-on impression of former President Bill Clinton. In all reality, my impersonation was just a dead rip-off of Darrell Hammond on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Sometimes silly voices just pop out. I like to make fun of people. I’ve been heckled enough that I try to be quick with a quip to get the upper hand and make other people in the crowd laugh.”

Q: What’s your favorite song that you’ve written and why?

A: “Well, so far I would have to say ‘Asleep.’ It’s probably the most radio friendly song that I have, but I actually like it more for its structure. It’s two verses and a repeated chorus with a musical bridge in the middle. I was very proud of myself for the chord voicings that I discovered for that song.”

Q: If you could be in an Olympic event, what sport would you like to compete in the most?

A: “I’m a huge baseball fanatic, so I’m really disappointed that baseball will no longer be included as an Olympic sport. I’d love to play baseball on any level, but the Olympics would be great! I did run track in high school, so I guess my backup plan would be running the 1,600-meter or the 800-meter on an Olympic level.”

Q: If you could tour with one artist who would you choose?

A: “My dream tour would be to open for a recently reunited Toad the Wet Sprocket. I’ve been a huge Toad fan for years, and I was super excited to see them on tour this summer! I’m actually really excited because this August, I’ll be touring the Southeast with one of my best friends and one of the best musicians I know, David Loti. We’re headed to cities like Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Birmingham. It’s gonna be a blast!”

Q: If you were invisible for a day what would you do?

A: “I’d love to say that I’d be a perfect saint and do something positive with the ability to be invisible, but sadly, I’d probably just get things for free -- food, beer, cash. That’s probably it. Maybe steal a way into a model’s dressing room during Fashion Week. Yeah, that sounds nice."

- www.markedmagazine.com (August 2006)


Discography

"Pinehurst" (2009 - EP)
"Don't Wake Me Up" (2006 - LP)
"5 Songs" (2001 - EP)

Photos

Bio

Singer/songwriter Chris Keegan delivers five brand new songs with the release of his Pinehurst EP. Louisiana born-and-bred, off to NYC and now in Nashville, Keegan has spent the majority of the last few years honing his writing skills and recording the parts that would eventually form songs such as "My Life", "Love is War", and the title-track "Pinehurst". For fans of Matt Pond PA, Death Cab For Cutie and Coldplay.