From ‘This Land’ to ‘This World’: Steven Keene’s Collaboration with Woody Guthrie Transcends Borders

In a remarkable collaboration that transcends time and space, NYC-based singer-songwriter and folk poet Steven Keene joins forces with legendary songwriter Woody Guthrie to create “This World is Your World,” a stunning reinterpretation of Guthrie’s beloved American classic, “This Land is Your Land.” This new single is a testament to the enduring power of music and the human spirit in today’s global community.

Originally written in 1940 by Guthrie as a critical response to the archaic sense of nationalism and “manifest destiny” expressed in Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” “This Land is Your Land” has since been covered by a myriad of notable artists over the years. Yet, in Keene’s hands, the song feels oddly relevant and at home in the particular chaos of the present. Expressed through the unique, spectral lens of a post-Covid society teetering on the brink of global conflict, the original song’s call for unity, empathy, and a renewed recognition of our common humanity across traditional lines of division is brought to universal bloom in the context of an unprecedentedly globalized world.

Steven Keene’s Musical Journey

Steven Keene’s journey in the world of folk music has been one of passion, perseverance, and artistic evolution. From his early days in the vibrant folk scene of New York City in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Keene has consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft, exploring new musical and lyrical territories while staying true to his roots in the American folk tradition.

Keene’s early albums, such as “No Alternative” and “Set Clock,” established him as a talented singer-songwriter with a knack for crafting introspective lyrics and memorable melodies. His live performances during this period were equally compelling, with Keene’s raw, emotive vocals and deft guitar work captivating audiences and earning him a dedicated following.

However, it was Keene’s decision to step away from the spotlight in the early 2000s that would ultimately prove to be a defining moment in his artistic journey. During this period of self-imposed exile, Keene embarked on a journey of personal and creative exploration, seeking to reconnect with his musical roots and rediscover his artistic voice.

This period of reflection and growth laid the groundwork for Keene’s triumphant return to the music scene with the release of his album “Them and Us” in 2021. The album marked a new chapter in Keene’s career, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to tackle complex themes with honesty and insight.

Recent Works and “This World is Your World”

Building on the success of “Them and Us,” Keene’s most recent album, “Woke,” released in February 2023, further cemented his status as a leading voice in contemporary folk music. “Woke” paid homage to some of Keene’s major creative influences while chronicling the evolution of his own sound as he explored musical and lyrical motifs around love, loss, social responsibility, and political resistance.

“This World is Your World” is Keene’s first single to drop following the release of “Woke,” and it represents a natural progression in his artistic journey. The decision to reimagine Woody Guthrie’s classic song “This Land is Your Land” was born out of a desire to create a modern anthem that speaks to the urgent issues of our time, while also honoring the rich tradition of American folk music.

For Keene, the opportunity to collaborate with Guthrie was a dream come true. As a young artist coming up in the New York folk scene, Keene was heavily influenced by Guthrie’s music and his commitment to using his art as a tool for social change. In reimagining “This Land is Your Land” for the 21st century, Keene sought to carry on Guthrie’s legacy and create a song that would inspire a new generation of listeners to work towards a more just and equitable world.

“This World is Your World” represents a bold new chapter in Steven Keene’s musical journey, one that sees him stepping into the role of a global troubadour and using his music to bridge divides and bring people together. As he continues to evolve and grow as an artist, Keene remains committed to the power of folk music to inspire change and unite people across boundaries of race, nationality, and creed.

This World Is Your World: A Modern Anthem

“This World is Your World” is more than just a cover song; it’s a bold reimagining of Guthrie’s original that speaks directly to the challenges and hopes of our current moment. Keene’s interpretation maintains the song’s original spirit of unity and empathy while expanding its scope to encompass the entire global community.

The process of adapting “This Land is Your Land” for the modern era was a delicate one, requiring Keene to balance respect for the original with a fresh perspective that reflects the realities of the 21st century. Keene’s version incorporates new lyrics that address issues such as climate change, social inequality, and the need for global cooperation in the face of shared challenges.

“As one of the first, if not the first, true Americana protest songs, ‘This Land Is Your Land’ has become not just a landmark folk song for America, but a folk song for the world,” says Keene. “It has significance everywhere, in every country, on every continent. Woody wrote one of those perfect songs that will resonate forever. But the world is more of a powder keg now than it’s ever been. Very scary times. So that kind of music is more important than ever in this global moment for inspiring people towards a unified movement against war.”

Global Resonance

The universal appeal of “This World is Your World” lies in its message of unity and shared humanity. In an age of increasing division and conflict, Keene’s reinterpretation of Guthrie’s classic serves as a powerful reminder of the things that bind us together, regardless of nationality, race, or creed.

Keene’s perspective on the song and its importance in today’s world is rooted in a deep belief in the power of music to inspire change and bring people together. “This World is Your World” is not just a song, but a call to action – a rallying cry for people around the globe to stand together in the face of adversity and work towards a better future for all.

Dreamentia’s Behind-the-Scenes Role

In bringing “This World is Your World” to life, Keene once again partnered with Dreamentia Creative Laboratories, his long-time creative collaborator. While Dreamentia’s role in this latest project was more subtle than in previous releases, their influence can be seen in the branding and marketing of the single.

From the striking visual imagery that accompanies the song to the carefully crafted messaging that positions it as a modern anthem for a global age, Dreamentia’s fingerprints are evident throughout. Their partnership with Keene has been instrumental in helping him to bring his artistic vision to a wider audience, and “This World is Your World” is no exception.

A Historic Collaboration

“This World is Your World” represents a significant milestone in Steven Keene’s career, and a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of folk music in contemporary society. By reimagining Woody Guthrie’s classic song for the modern era, Keene has created a new anthem for a global age – one that speaks to the hopes, fears, and dreams of people around the world.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that Keene’s music will continue to play a vital role in shaping the cultural conversation and inspiring positive change. With “This World is Your World,” he has once again proven himself to be one of the most important voices in contemporary folk music, and a true heir to the legacy of Woody Guthrie and the great American folk tradition.