Veteran singer-songwriter Steven Keene is back with a powerful statement wrapped in satire with his latest single, “Notice Me”, which is officially available on all platforms, today. Offering a sharp commentary on the performative nature of modern social media, the song arrives alongside a visually clever music video, which premiered exclusively on New Noise Magazine ahead of the single’s release. This acts as the follow-up to his previous single, “This World Is Your World”, which was released last year.
“Notice Me” cleverly skewers the obsession with digital validation in today’s hyper-connected world. Through witty lyrics and a dry humour delivery, Steven Keene shines a light on the daily dance of selfies, filters, and branding that dominates online spaces. His lyrical wit is undeniable, especially when paired with his Americana vocals and the subtle country-folk backing track. It’s one of those songs that can easily blend into the background—warm, melodic, unassuming—but once you actually stop and tune into the lyrics, the satire hits. That’s when the irony lands: “Notice Me” is quietly calling out the very culture of online attention-seeking, making it all the more clever in how it demands you pay attention.
The music video for “Notice Me” adds a vibrant and exaggerated visual layer to the song’s already satirical message. Throughout the video, Steven Keene appears in performance mode, donning a white shirt beneath a black waistcoat and a classic Tom Mix-style cowboy hat as he sings into a vintage microphone—an aesthetic choice that contrasts with the modern chaos depicted around him. These performance segments are interspersed with a rapid-fire montage of viral social media clips that mirror the very culture the song critiques.
From choreographed dances and make-up tutorials to trend-driven travel shots, vanity-fuelled selfies, and body art posts, the video captures the constant stream of curated content that floods our screens. By stitching these visuals together, the video doesn’t just poke fun at the absurdity of online performance—it immerses viewers in it, reflecting the compulsive nature of scrolling and the fleeting value placed on digital recognition. It’s both humorous and sharp, echoing the song’s lyrical bite and reinforcing Keene’s critical view of a culture driven by validation.
Speaking about the track, Steven Keene said, “‘Notice Me’ is about society’s obsession with projecting a curated version of individuality—a loud cry for attention often rooted in deep insecurity. It’s like ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’. Everyone applauds the spectacle, but no one admits the truth. Social media thrives on that same cycle of validation and notoriety. I grew up in a generation without social media, so I’ve watched how it’s evolved—how it connects people but also fuels comparison and insecurity. It can take a real toll on self-esteem.”
This new release follows Steven Keene’s powerful 2024 single release, “This World Is Your World”, a bold reimagining of Woody Guthrie’s legendary protest anthem. The track earned critical acclaim and, notably, secured a rare endorsement from the Woody Guthrie Estate, leading to a co-writing credit—a testament to his ability to carry forward the spirit of socially conscious songwriting with a modern edge.
With over four decades in the music industry, Keene has steadily built a catalogue defined by sharp storytelling and thoughtful observations. Never one to follow trends, his work often holds up a mirror to society, blending a classic singer-songwriter style with themes that still resonate today.
“Notice Me”, by Steven Keene, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Noble Steed Music.