It’s always a great day in Houston when you get to hear local musicians on the public airwaves; emphasis on the word public. It’s an even better day when you can hear Houston musician Keeton Coffman on those airwaves singing a new song from an upcoming, yet to be released album. “Great Day Houston” host Deborah Duncan kicked off the segment with a music video clip of Keeton with his former band The 71’s to give some background to those who might not be familiar with Keeton’s musical trajectory before becoming a prolific solo artist.
Duncan highlighted Keeton’s desire not just to make music, but to pass the gift of music on to future generations through his music school The Rehearsal Room. Keeton explained how his school teaches music lessons, but it also offers a year-long program called “Becoming a Band,” where students are grouped like an athletic team by similar talents and personalities. The students play gigs throughout the year and record at the end of the semester. In addition to mastering the art of making and playing music, Keeton pointed out, that being a part of this experience helps the students, who range in age from 10 to 16 years old, develop a positive identity which they can carry through life.
Duncan then turned it over to Keeton to play his new song “The Mountain,” where he showcased the identity he himself has developed and refined as a solo musician and performer over the last several years. This identity is one of an introspective, authentic, and captivating storyteller whose songs reflect on the simple, everyday moments many take for granted, while also pondering the deeper complexities of life that others often set aside for another day.
Keeton’s identity has a lighthearted side as well, which he demonstrated when Duncan asked him what his favorite feel good song of all time was. He unapologetically answered “Tracks of My Tears.” Then, following Duncan’s lead, he launched into a brief, impromptu verse of the classic Smokey Robinson tune. This spontaneous reaction revealed yet another facet of Keeton’s identity, his versatility and appreciation for his music predecessors and peers. Keeton’s appearance on "Great Day Houston" was a reminder and a wake-up call that Houston is home to a large community of his peers, local musicians who are performing below the radar of most of the local mainstream media.
“Great Day Houston” has proven repeatedly it’s possible for a local media outlet to take the high road, the road less traveled by local commercial radio, and provide a platform for voices which actually represent the local community.
If you enjoyed Keeton Coffman’s performance and want to see more local musicians on the show, contact “Great Day Houston” to let them know and offer your suggestions for future local music guests.
If you missed Keeton’s appearance on "Great Day Houston," you can click here to see it in its entirety.
To learn more about Keeton and to download his most recent EP “The Ghost” for free, you can visit his website.
Keeton will be performing live Thursday, February 12, at the Dosey Doe Music Cafe in Conroe with 2012 finalist from “The Voice” Nicholas David.