Liv Keegan on her single 'Queen Is A King': "I wanted it to be a pop female anthem"
Although, Liv Keegan's debut original single, 'Queen Is A King', was released earlier this month, it has already taken the world by storm and is most definitely enjoying the status of being an anthem for women empowerement. Moreso, it has been taken up to be played as the score for the television series 'The Real Housewives of New York' on Bravo.
She might be new to songwriting but her passion for acting has already made her a well-known name. Liv has featured in films like 'Salvation Street' and 'Decoding Annie Parker', also featuring Helen Hunt, Aaron Paul, and Samantha Morton. She also landed roles in shows like 'Modern Family', 'Wilfred' and 'Amnesiac'; and is a series regular on NBC's 'Days Of Our Lives'
In a conversation with Meaww, Liv talks about songwriting, women empowerement and why the world should stop gender stereotyping.
Q. How different is songwriting in a theatrical presentation, as compared to films or TV?
A. It’s pretty different. In film and television, you are kind of playing a character, where you get to be and show a different version of yourself. But, when you are writing a song, you are just being yourself. So, there’s nothing to hide behind and that is what makes it exciting and fun.
Q. How different was it working for 'Modern Family' from 'Salvation Street'?
A. ‘Salvation Street’ was a project that I did a very long time ago. It was a low-budget feature film, so it was definitely different than a high-profile TV show like ‘Modern Family’. But it was real fun to work in projects, so poles apart. In ‘Salvation Street’, I essayed one of the principal characters and therefore was a part of the entire process, so I learned a lot. Whereas my character in ‘Modern Family’ was very well placed, so it was interesting to see different aspects of work. Two words: Super fun.
Q. What does "woman empowerment" mean to you as an artist? How conscious are you about incorporating it in your work?
A. It means everything. Especially right now, when we have all voted (we voted a while ago). I think, we must use women empowerment on every platform to push issues that really matter. That’s what I think. I just wrote a song called ‘Queen is a King’, it’s pretty important to me.
Different songs come from different places. Some songs might not be about women empowrement in particular, even though I would like “her” to be seen, you know. Some songs come from a place of heartbreak or imagination or just something different, or happiness, but I would like that to be a common thread. I just kind of say what I want to say, and what’s on my mind about it. I think it’s a problem that’s been going on for way too long and it’s unbelievable that some people can get away with it. So I think it naturally comes from the place of the things that I am thinking.
Q. What's your idea for women empowerment, especially for those who may not even be aware of what it or feminism mean?
A. The best way to empower people...is to help them discover their inner power. Empowerment comes from the self and that can be done in countless ways. Like telling someone, just straight up or...you cannot tell anyone to feel empowered and they will feel empowered, everyone kind of has to do it by themselves.
Q. In the recent years, we have seen a lot of female musicians opening up about the injustice done to them, some way or the other. Have you ever been subjected to one? What do you think seasoned members of the industry can do to prevent such situations from arising?
A. Thankfully no, I haven’t faced any such issues. But I have heard about it too many times from friends in the business. I believes I have been super lucky because I have a great team of assistans, my music manager and my parents, who have been there for me, every step of the way. So, I have been lucky. But it’s heartbreaking when you hear such stories from your friend or a stranger about injustice being done.
I think the seasoned members should put in more effort to empower women, especially by appointing them on position in the top management. If you look at the statics, it is appalling to see how many women are running the record label and how many of those are actually working on top levels. So, I think they should really consider giving women equal oportunity for top positions.
Q. Despite female musicians doing a kick-ass job in this genre, they are often subjected to gender-biasedness. Did you ever encounter such thing in your career?
A. Well, I have only been in the music industry for about two years, but just from the stuff that you read in the media about all these high-powered people finally being taken down, and being punished for getting away with these terrible things for way too long, is a relief. If that continues to happen, it definitely will boost women empowerement.
Q. Do you think female sexuality is being sufficiently explored through art?
A. I think there can never be too much exploration as they can take it as far as they can. And we won. But there’s always work to be done. So, yeah it can be explored more.
Q. Tell us about your song 'Queen Is A King' and what do you think of the makers of ‘The Real Housewives of New York’ taking it up as a score?
A. I wrote the song with Dylan Kelly with whom I collaborate a lot. We were catching up and talking about our lives, which is how most sessions usually start. And then the topic of misogyny came up. We both kind of believe that it was still happening. And so we wrote a song about it, naturally. And we wanted it to be a clear, simple, pop female anthem.
Q. Lastly, don't you think Kings and Queens have very separate roles to play in a kingdom?
A. No, I think you should be wherever you want to be in the kingdom. If you want to be all together, then we should be all together. You know I don’t think there should be a separation. If you want to go to the other hemisphere, then go for it. I think it’s about what you choose.