BC songbird Beverley McKeen combines insightfully emotional lyrics about subjects spanning the environment and sodality to heartbreak and haywire relationships. McKeen's songs grace her two gentle rock-roots CDs On Purpose, and Poetic Wax. Socially outspoken McKeen is often heard with bassist-Producer Martyn Jones and other polished players during a raft of coastal gigs.
Residing on Vancouver Island, but originally from New Brunswick, McKeen says some of the "eastern seaboard" and "classical" influence weaves its way through her music. Provocative styles to peg down into set genres, Beverley McKeen's compositions often defy the norm. While they are not standard style songs they are profoundly catchy. Countless times she has been told people find themselves with one of her melodies "stuck" in their head. This is just one of many musical inspirations, McKeen says. She was compelled to write lyrics and compose for piano and guitar starting in her late teen years.
Beverley McKeen was writing poetry very early in life, and composing music on the piano, and then the two studies merged. She has 4 works published in the American Poetry Anthology, 1989. During her career she has often written for themes such as movie, birthday, retirement, wedding, political event, anniversary, you name it; McKeen has been asked to write a song or poem to perform or read. She says she enjoys the challenge of writing on demand, about something specific, and digs into researching her subject matter for accuracy.
Music is in her genes, and her bones, McKeen muses. From a strong musical family Beverley's relatives play many instruments, sing and act and she has been surrounded with music all her life. Her very own musical style can be heard on her newest release, Poetic Wax. She is currently recording her third project.
Beverley McKeen plays festivals, coffeehouses, weddings, pubs, birthdays, political events, and any other gig where music is needed, all year round.
Songwriting is Beverley McKeen's gift, as she puts it. She feels humbled and grateful for the support she receives from so many friends and fans.