Beth Keeping
1) What's something about yourself that your fans may not know?
A: I was really shy about singing when I was younger and only ever performed once as a teenager - it was the final assembly at my high school and I sang “Photograph” by Nickelback with my best friend and we made everyone cry.
2) How has being from the UK had an impact on your music style, if at all?
A: It’s definitely inspiring growing up with the heritage of incredible music. I used to love listening to Elton John as a kid, I really admired his piano skills and his songwriting. But my Dad would also play a lot of American music like the Eagles, the Beach Boys and Motown artists.
3) Who are some artists that have influenced your music style?
A: When I was a teenager I started writing songs because of singer-songwriters like Delta Goodrem, Katie Melua and Brooke Fraser. Nowadays I’d say the artists I’m most influenced by are more pop-orientated - Lauv, Julia Michaels, Mokita, Wrabel. I love how they care about both the melody and the lyrics and take you on a journey.
4) What was the inspiration behind your latest single 'I'm Not Looking For a Friend?'
A: This single is about “situationships” - friendships that cross romantic boundaries, and knowing your worth. So many of us (myself included) have ended up in a confusing dynamic with someone where the lines are blurred and you don’t know whether the other person is thinking the same thing as you. In today’s casual dating culture you can feel like you can’t ask for clarity because it’s too “intense”, so I wanted to write a song that empowers people to know that they deserve clarity. It’s ok to ask somewhere to make a decision, and either choose to be with you or release you so you can both move on. The short film we’ve made about the song really captures the importance of taking back control and choosing well for yourself.
5) What made you want to start your initiative 'Write Like A Girl?’
A: I got the idea when I was attending networking nights and realized that I was one of the only women in the room, and that sometimes we felt taken less seriously than our male counterparts. I wanted to create a night where women had the stage and could share their songs in a safe environment. It started in 2018 with a tour I organized with fellow singer-songwriters Vic Allen and Emily Faye. We did a series of songwriters circles around the UK and invited a different female artist to join us in each city, and it grew from their into regular showcase nights that are really popular!
6) What's next for you in 2022?
A: I have more music coming in April and May, and a headline show in June that I’ll be announcing soon! I’m also planning on heading back to Nashville in the spring to write for my next EP and catch up with old friends, which will be so fun!
Follow Beth Keeping:
Facebook - @bethkeeping
Instagram - @bethkeeping
Twitter - @bethkeeping
