Keegan Powell Redefines His Sound with Two Electrifying Singles

Canadian musician Keegan Powell unveils a dynamic sonic experience with the release of his latest singles, “Beginning of Life” and “My Maker.” Joined by his band, The Jetpacks, Powell breathes new life into these songs, reworking them into their most definitive versions. This release merges nostalgia with innovation, capturing the raw intensity of their live performances.

The origins of “Beginning of Life” trace back to an unexpected spark of inspiration. Influenced by The Who’s hypnotic “Eminence Front,” Powell conceived the song just before a studio session. Originally featured on his 2019 EP Is+Was, the track has since transformed, evolving into what he calls “a blueprint for a song that would never end.” The 2024 revival cements its place as an ever-evolving anthem. Powell has expressed how revisiting this song has given him the opportunity to refine and enhance its meaning, molding it into a powerful live experience that resonates deeply with audiences. The Jetpacks bring a raw and electrifying energy to the track, elevating it with their seamless chemistry and collective passion.

On a different creative wavelength, “My Maker” emerged in a moment of spontaneous inspiration. Powell later recognized its deep-rooted theme of rejecting immortality. “As endless as eternity seems to be, I have to laugh in its face and ultimately thank Mother Nature for the chance to live,” he reflects. Initially appearing on his 2023 album Fear Be Gone, the song embodies a fearless embrace of life’s impermanence. The Jetpacks recorded the track live at Aaron Goldstein’s Toronto studio, capturing their raw synergy in just a few hours. The authenticity of their performance adds a fresh, organic quality to the song, amplifying its emotional weight. Powell describes the track as a sonic reckoning with mortality, infused with gratitude and defiance, making it one of his most poignant releases to date.

Powell’s music delves into the depths of pain, the release of inner demons, and the wonder of existence. His artistic path has been one of transformation, from the experimental tones of Is+Was and Headspun to the melancholic beauty of Fear Be Gone (2023). In 2024, he released Alien Radio, a compilation of unreleased material from 2016 to 2019, further solidifying his knack for crafting deeply emotional quarter-life anthems. Powell’s songwriting is deeply personal yet universally resonant, touching on themes of self-discovery, existential reckoning, and the transient nature of human experience. His ability to translate these profound concepts into compelling, emotionally charged soundscapes is what sets him apart as an artist.

Now, with The Jetpacks, he channels a high-energy fusion of classic rock influences and modern sensibilities. Their collaboration introduces a dynamic, unfiltered edge to Powell’s already distinctive sound. Their collective vision allows them to push creative boundaries, blending vintage rock aesthetics with contemporary alternative sensibilities. The chemistry between the band members is evident, bringing a palpable sense of urgency and excitement to their recordings and live shows alike. Powell credits The Jetpacks for helping him realize the full potential of these songs, creating a sonic environment where his ideas can thrive.

The double single release of “Beginning of Life” and “My Maker” stands as a landmark moment in Powell’s creative evolution. These tracks encapsulate the energy of his live performances and the boundless possibilities of reinvention, shaping a new chapter in his musical journey. By revisiting and refining these songs, Powell bridges the past and present, crafting music that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. With his unwavering commitment to artistic growth, Keegan Powell continues to carve out his unique space in the ever-changing landscape of modern rock.