|
|
Jensen
Keets - December 2011
www.jensenkeets.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/jensenkeets
Music and fashion have always been great ways to
make a statement. Jensen Keets, is a singer/songwriter/fashion
designer who is ready for her close up. After spending
nearly five years perfecting her first full length,
self-titled album, Jensen is ready to share her
K.D. Lang-esque twang vocals meets Alanis Morissette’s
irreverent pop/rock style with the world.
Jensen grew up in the small town of Vestal, New
York, but always dreamed of moving to New York City.
She’d visit her grandfather at his bar in
Pennsylvania and keep putting coins in the jukebox
to hear Elton John, Billy Joel and other artists
who were big in the 1970s. The song “On the
Radio” by Donna Summer would prove to be a
huge influence on Jensen. She’d sing that
song 20 or 30 times a day at the top of her lungs
until her mother would say, “ok, that’s
enough for today honey.” She still marvels
at how her Mom must have gotten so tired of hearing
that song, but was so patient, because she knew
how much Jensen loved it. While in high school,
Jensen began taking classes in visual arts and singing
as a song leading Cantor at her church. After spending
three years in college in upstate, ny, it was time
for Jensen to make the move to the big city. She
had two equally ambitious goals—study fashion
at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology
and explore her musical aspirations.
|
Photo
Courtesy of Devon Cass
|
Jensen’s
debut album, “Jensen Keets” explores the
complexities of being a modern day woman in the city.
“Strong” is a powerful ode that starts
off with a somber tone. It is about the September
11th terrorist attacks, but it’s also about
the current economic crisis. She sings, “Empty
pocket pain. The days of golden homes are now homeless
days. But New Yorkers refuse to stunt their faith.
Cause we believe in peace and love for one planet
all race.” This is modern poetry set to music.
“Expectations” is a song that questions
this society’s constant need to “trade
up” to a better house, car, and life. The video
shows Jensen walking through cobble stone streets
as she belts out the chorus, “Come and save
me. Expectations on the rise. But they lie. So why
do you set them so high.” Jensen has the unique
ability to boil down complex ideas to their bare essence,
and she makes it jangly and singable too. This song
is reminiscent of Sheryl Crow’s “Everyday
is a Winding Road” in terms of clever lyrics
and “gets stuck in your head” chorus.
“Cry” is probably the most personal song
on the album. It is about her mother’s recent
death from an inoperable brain tumor. She says, “After
my mother died, I realized that life really is not
forever. I needed to stop putting things on hold and
start facing my fears and chasing after my musical
dreams."
Jensen credits her friend, musician Karyn Kuhl, formerly
of Sexpod, with introducing her to music producers
Charlie Nieland and Barb Morrison, of Super Buddha.
It wasn’t until she worked with Charlie and
Barb that she found the self-confidence to really
go for it in terms of her music. She says, “Charlie
and Barb really believed in me as an artist. They
were so supportive, and they were totally in sync
with me on every song.”
Next up for Jensen? Continue to create music and fashion
and develop as an artist in both disciplines. Get
out on the road, tour extensively, and continue to
build a loyal fanbase. She also plans to launch her
own fashion label that would be a nod to 1960’s
classic rock style, with a softer, more modern edge.
“I’ve had people tell me that I should
really decide between music and fashion, because there’s
not enough time to really excel at both. What I tell
them is if I’m inspired and engaged, I can work
20 hours a day, no problem. I think a lot of people
defer their dreams and I know that life is precious
and extremely short, so why just do ONE thing you
love? Why not do EVERYTHING you love?” |
Get
Jensen Keets songs
on iTunes |
|
|
“Ms. Keets
has managed to create a unique blend of what I’d
call “soft rock” or maybe “pop
rock” with some “country-sounding”
lyrics to come up with a very enjoyable creation.
To take from a famous brother and sister team of
the mid to late 70’s, “She’s a
little bit country, she’s a little bit rock
n’ roll!” in just the right proportions!
Unlike a lot of country and alternative music, Keets’
music keeps the listener awake, interested and aware
of the lyrics! I’ve never seen any of Ms.
Keets fashion designs so I don’t know if she
has a chance at a career in that field or not, but
I do believe she has a very good chance at having
a great career in music. I rate her 10 stars and
a “thumbs up!” – Gulf Coast
Music Review
“There’s not one song by this artist
that I disliked” — Women of Substance
“Hi Jensen, I’m thankful that Ariel
turned us on to you. I really dig your music! ”–
IMRadio
“Loving the music of Jensen Keets. Wonderful,
innovative sound and her vocals shine on and on.”
— WLSO.FM
“Ambitious, Awesome, Boisterous, Bright,
Confident, Dramatic” — The Cadence
Revolution
“I really like her music. I am adding
some songs to my show catalog” —
Indie on Air
“Your music is awesome. Your voice is killer
and the arrangements have really impactive dynamics.”
– Jill Hennessy
"Brilliantly written, and brilliantly produced.
WE LOVE THE RECORD!" - Michael S. Males,
MyRuralRadio.com
|
|
Photo
Courtesy of Devon Cass
|
|
|
Artist's
Award Sponsored by
|
|
