Keven Daken drives forward with “Brand New Truck” and a bold new chapter
Nova Scotia’s country music scene has no shortage of talent, but Keven Daken continues to stand out by doing things his own way — steady, honest, and rooted in real-life storytelling. With a career spanning more than two decades, the singer, songwriter, and producer has built a reputation for crafting songs that feel lived-in, pulling listeners in with relatable moments and strong, memorable melodies.
Now, he’s shifting into a new chapter with the release of his latest single, “Brand New Truck.” More than just a radio-ready country track, the song leans into that classic theme of freedom, fresh starts, and chasing what’s next — all wrapped in Daken’s signature authenticity. It’s the kind of song that feels right at home on back roads and long drives, but still carries a deeper sense of personal reflection underneath the surface.
“Brand New Truck” also offers a glimpse into what’s ahead, serving as the first taste of his upcoming EP produced alongside award-winning producer Jason Barry. With this release, Daken isn’t just continuing his momentum — he’s sharpening his sound and stepping confidently into his most polished and personal era yet.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Sure! My name is Keven Daken and I’m a singer/songwriter/producer, originally from Oxford, NS and now living in Bedford, NS a suburb of Halifax.
Growing up in Nova Scotia, how did the East Coast music scene help shape you as an artist and songwriter?
The East Coast music scene is a diverse landscape. On any given night, you can hear pretty much any genre of music. Growing up in that environment forces you to learn music from different styles and artists. I think that experience has given me a unique approach to writing and performing as I draw from many different influences, especially when writing.
You released your new single, “Brand New Truck” last month. Can you tell us the story behind the song?
Well Brand New Truck almost never got finished. While writing for this new EP, I knew I wanted a George Strait-ish song on it and wanted something that told a compelling but fun story. I honestly don’t recall where I came up with the theme for the song, but I wrote the first verse and chorus and really liked where I was going with it. I kept going back to it but I just couldn’t figure out where to go with the second verse, etc. After a while I decided nothing I was coming up with was worth keeping so I shelved it.
Fast forward several months later to a writing session with my good buddies Brandon Davis and Chris Pottie. We started our session like most by throwing some ideas around to get things started and then for whatever reason, I thought of Brand New Truck. I sifted through months of voice recordings and finally found it. I showed the guys the idea and they thought it was worth finishing up so we went to work on it. We spent no more than an hour writing the second verse and bridge and that was that. I had the song I was looking for. When I took it to my producer Jason Barry and described the idea I had for it, he knew exactly what I was looking for and in true Jason Barry fashion, he hit the production out of the park.
How would you describe the overall sound and themes of your upcoming EP compared to your previous releases?
The best way I can describe the sound of my new EP is modern country while keeping my 90’s country roots intact. I’m influenced by so many different singers and I feel like I’ve put all of those influences into a blender and came up with this EP. Thematically, the songs touch on topics like love, small town life, and more socially significant themes like homelessness. I’m really proud of how this EP has turned out and I can’t wait to release it.
Beyond your music career, you founded Country Cares, which has quickly become a meaningful annual charity event. What inspired you to start that initiative?
A dear friend of mine has Myasthenia Gravis, and she asked me to sing at a charity walk a couple years ago as she was raising money for the non-profit she had founded, Single Snowflake. After I’d performed at her event, I got to thinking there must be a better way to raise funds for her newly found charity so I called some of my musical friends and asked if they’d be interested in helping me put on a fundraiser for Single Snowflake. All 7 of the people I asked instantly said yes. Since that first fundraiser in 2024, we have raised several thousand dollars and during that time my friend Nadine, the founder of Single Snowflake, led a charge to have June be designated Myasthenia Gravis month here in Halifax which was an incredible accomplishment for a non-profit that was barely 3 years old. It’s been a wonderful thing to be part of.
We will be holding our annual Country Cares again this coming October and we have expanded to a 2-day event with 14 performers. It has become the event I most look forward to each year and I am very thankful to the Country Music community here in the Maritimes for their generosity and support.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals for this next chapter of your career?
I’ve been very focused on growing my brand as a singer, songwriter and producer. The EP comes out late spring this year and we have Brand New Truck on the radio now. I expect to release at least two more songs this year. I have a lot of performances lined up for the rest of this year as well, including a couple of festivals. I’m also really looking forward to playing some shows in the USA late fall/early 2027 and hope to be able to play over in Europe at some point soon.
Songwriting wise, I’ve been very busy with a number of new songs coming out by other artists this year and I’m really excited to see those tunes get released. As a producer, I’ve been working with a couple of really talented local artists and will have some songs and EPs released later this year from that standpoint as well. So all in all, music life is good. I get to say I’m busy and I know that, in itself, is a true blessing in this industry.