STEVEN R. HANSEN’S ENERGETIC “KEEP ON” IS AN ANTHEM TO POP PUNK — AND THE MANTRA OF FOLLOWING ONE’S DREAMS

STEVEN R. HANSEN’S ENERGETIC “KEEP ON” IS AN ANTHEM TO POP PUNK — AND THE MANTRA OF FOLLOWING ONE’S DREAMS

Producer and collaborator Steven R. Hansen has become a name stay in the Midwest for his work with local artists, helping to craft indelible pop punk, emo, rock and metal tracks for modern audiences to enjoy. Now with his latest solo single, “Keep On,” it’s more evident than ever just how far Hansen’s talents stretch in this much-beloved genre. The track sounds straight out of the 2000’s with its distinctive vocal work and hook-heavy guitar riffs, never once wavering in its enthusiasm and verve to keep going no matter what — or, in the case of “Keep On,” “until we’re dying,” the chorus says. Given Hansen’s skills bth for others and himself, it’s no surprise then that this pop punk anthem — a love letter to the genre — sounds like a semi-autobiographical story, according to Hansen’s explanation of the inspiring lyrics:

“This song is about a couple guys in their 30s realizing that finally, after grinding for years, acquiring all the gear, getting great at their instruments, writing recording gigging they can put out pro music. But is the brutally competitive music industry worth quitting the comfy corporate jobs and risking it all for a fading dream? You’re here to let us know.”

Be sure to check out Steven R. Hansen on Instagram and Spotify.