Colin Keenan Premieres His Music Video for “Cruel World” Single

On the whole, there may not be much to feel good about, but at least we have artists like Colin Keenan who can help us rationalize and contextualize our feelings.

Keenan is at his biting best on his new single “Cruel World.” The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has also revealed the song’s accompanying music video. A largescale emphatic display, the video offers perfect emphasis to the song’s harsh statement on the indignities and bitter realities of modern society.

Commenting on “Cruel World,” Keenan states:

“At its core, I think of this as a swan song to the dream that we could make a better world. It’s a dark and sad realization, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true.”

“Cruel World” is another edgy new song from Keenan, following the release of “Happy For You” and “riverrun.” The song is both something of a call to action and also a disappointed realization. Within the song’s lyrics and theme, Keenan is lamenting at his lack of power to make a difference. With an insurmountable wall of inequities and obstacles, there’s a discouraged realization that you can’t do anything about it. The grand scale of the video does well to accentuate this point of view.

Originally from the state of Connecticut, Keenan is a highly talented and educated musician. He attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music as both a bassist and composer. Although he does not look back at that time overly fondly, it did provide him with an opportunity to develop his songwriting skills. By the time he moved to Los Angeles, Keenan had navigated his way through various musical endeavours. He spent time in various bands, including I, Claudius and Mother Eff with Rick Musallam, Bryan Beller, and Joe Travers. Nothing really stuck, but relying more and more on his instincts proved to be just what he needed. Keenan has finally found his place as a songwriter, and his relatable messaging and themes make for an endearing musical experience.

Colin Keenan “Cruel World” single artwork