Project Description
The vulnerability found in Emily Keener’s music traces back to a distinctly Midwest upbringing, characterized by the canopied forests that surrounded her home. It’s here Keener pensively grappled with the rigid qualities of rustbelt spiritualism. And where she experienced the literal and figurative isolation as a homeschooled country-dweller.
On her upcoming album, I Do Not Have to Be Good, Keener colors her plaintive and introspective lyricism with a frailty that longs for connection and understanding. Her vocals smolder in a delicate spiral, ebbing and flowing in melodies that wash in and out like deep, entrancing waves. Gone is the homegrown good girl rootsiness found on the previous releases.
RELEASES
“Do You Love Me Lately?”
Release Date: February 10

“A breathtaking indie folk song exploring vulnerability and insecurity, Emily Keener’s “Do You Love Me Lately?” is heart-wrenchingly beautiful in its grace and overwhelming honesty.”
— Mitch Mosk, Atwood Magazine
In advance of Valentine’s Day, Cleveland indie-folk artist, Emily Keener, announces the February 10 single release of “Do You Love Me Lately?” The single depicts the fragility of romantic love as Keener’s smoldering vocals float around a slowly pulsing, retro groove. It’s off the album, I Do Not Have to Be Good, due out May 22.
“Do You Love Me Lately?” emerged at an intersection where Keener felt creatively lost while also reflecting on owning her desires as she navigated her early twenties. One day while staring off into space she had a fantasy about what it would be like to date a woman. Read more
“Boats”
Release Date: April 13

“It’s a showcase of raw, emotion-driven indie-folk not too dissimilar to the works of Phoebe Bridgers or Adrianne Lenker.” – Jonathan Frahm, PopMatters
Cleveland indie-folk artist, Emily Keener, announces the April 13 single release of “Boats.” Through tender, breathy vocals Keener reflects a snapshot in time, capturing what it feels to be safe and understood. It’s off the album, I Do Not Have to Be Good, due out May 22.
Keener wrote “Boats” after sailing Lake Erie on a summer night under the stars. It was her first time on a sailboat; everything was calm and there weren’t any other boats or people in sight. That peaceful tranquility exudes every note even as the chorus releases and the song concludes into a feedback-soaked space. She says, “I wanted to write a song that was so simple, just about appreciating the loves in your life and the moments we get lucky enough to end up in every now and again.”
“Nap”
Release Date: May 11

Press quote about single
“This is delicate, reflective music that demands to be heard.” – Paul McGee, Lonesome Highway
Cleveland indie-folk artist, Emily Keener, announces the May 22 album release of I Do Not Have to Be Good. On her upcoming album, Keener colors her plaintive and introspective lyricism with a frailty that longs for connection and understanding. Filled with darker, richer tones and unapologetic lyricism, the album is a call to free censored desires and doubted truths. Read more
Bio
The vulnerability found in Emily Keener’s music traces back to a distinctly Midwest upbringing, characterized by the canopied forests that surrounded her home. It’s here Keener pensively grappled with the rigid qualities of rustbelt spiritualism. And where she experienced the literal and figurative isolation as a homeschooled country-dweller.

“A breathtaking indie folk song exploring vulnerability and insecurity, Emily Keener’s “Do You Love Me Lately?” is heart-wrenchingly beautiful in its grace and overwhelming honesty.”

“Emily Keener, who started out making music at the age of 12 sings with grace, dedicated honesty and maturity beyond her years.”

“It’s a showcase of raw, emotion-driven indie-folk not too dissimilar to the works of Phoebe Bridgers or Adrianne Lenker.”

“It’s moodiness is texturized with Keener’s signature feathery Joni Mitchell-informed vocal.”

“…the passion that’s present in ‘Do You Love Me Lately?’ is electrifying.”

“It’s Emily’s sweet and rich tones that got me hooked to this song.”

“absolutely incredible”

“the vocals are beautiful and shine above a restrained musical backdrop”

“The new sound is incredibly lush and beautiful, and along the lines of artists like Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers.”

“Keener’s voice is magnetic and keeps you drawn to every note.”

“To the fore throughout is Emily’s subtly jaw-dropping vocal.”

“…a powerful and haunting indie folk tune filled with vulnerability, delicacy and fantasy.”

“Her vocals are raw and compelling…Her lyrics are relatable and beguiling.”

“Do You Love Me Lately,’ a relatable story song that epitomizes her new space-y folk sound and will make you wistfully stare out a window and think of an old lover.” – Dillon Stewart

“This is delicate, reflective music that demands to be heard.”