Billy Keane, a beloved figure in the Berkshire indie-folk scene, recently reached out to share exciting news about a pivotal chapter in his musical and personal journey. Known for his impactful work with The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow and his well-received solo career, Keane has cultivated a devoted fanbase over the years. Yesterday, I had the chance to sit down with him and learn more about the next phase of his evolving career.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m focusing on writing a new record. My last one, Oh, These Days, came out in 2023, and I’ve released some singles since then. I have enough material for another album, but I’m really taking my time with this one. I’m stepping back from playing a ton of shows to reflect on where I am in life and to write from that place.
I’ve started working on a new set of songs over the past couple of months. Being an independent musician gives me the freedom to create at my own pace. I’ve been sharing new music on Instagram, and I’ve got some festivals lined up, like the Winter Hoot Festival with the Mammals. I’m exploring what I’ve been calling “soul-folk” as a genre.
You mentioned you had some big news. Do you want to fill our readers in?
Yeah, absolutely. Back in August, I talked to the guys in The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow about stepping away as a primary member at the end of the year. We had our 10-year tour, and life kept moving forward. I had a lot going on with other projects—I was in a play, writing, and then I moved down here to North Carolina. We didn’t announce anything at the time, but I realized it was time to let people know what was going on with me and the band.
Stepping away from the Whiskey Treaty allows me to fully focus on this soul-folk creative direction. The band was such a beautiful, community-oriented project, but I’ve realized I’ve grown in a different direction. Life is short, and I want to live it as fully as I can.
How did the band take the news when you told them?
We’ve all been close friends for so long, and it feels more like family than a band. I think they were supportive overall, though it’s natural for there to be mixed emotions. You’d have to ask them for their individual takes, but it’s a big change for everyone. For me, stepping away felt like the right move for my personal journey. I’ve always felt the need to follow the path that’s in front of me, and this was part of that. The guys understood and supported me, but it’s still a significant shift for all of us. The Whiskey Treaty will absolutely continue as a fantastic touring act, and I think the band is excited about what’s next for them, too.
How would you describe the new music? Is it similar to your previous work, or are you going in a new direction?
It’s been a different writing process this time around. Oh, These Days came from a very specific head and heart space, and it flowed easily. Now, the themes I’m exploring feel deeper. I’m writing about soul growth, a sense of feeling lost, and trying to find what feels real and meaningful.
Looking back, I’ve always written with a certain yearning, and that hasn’t changed. I want this music to reflect the life I’ve lived and the growth I’ve experienced since my early days as a songwriter. Whatever the final sound turns out to be, the intention is to create something authentic and full of meaning.
Tell us about your move to North Carolina.
My partner Claire and I were looking for a change of scenery. I’d been running a business that didn’t align with my soul work, so I decided to close it. I’ve got a lot of friends in the Asheville music scene, and I really admire the music coming out of this area.
We found a farm in Marshall, just outside Asheville, where we live for affordable rent in exchange for helping with the animals. It’s been an interesting experience—we take care of them in the evenings and on weekends. The area was hit hard by flooding recently, but the property owner encouraged us to move here, so we did. It’s peaceful and a big change from the Berkshires, but we’re excited to get involved in the community here.
Do you think you’ll be back in the Berkshires?
Definitely. The Berkshires have been home for so long, and the community there is amazing. I expect we’ll always have a footprint there, and I’ll definitely be back to play shows.
Any dates set yet?
Not yet, aside from the Winter Hoot Festival. I’m focusing on writing right now, but I’ll share updates as I book shows. I love performing—it’s what I’m best at—but for now, I’m letting things happen naturally.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Just that The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow will continue. It’s such a big part of my life, and I’m grateful for everything we created together. While I’m stepping away as a primary member, I’ll still do occasional shows with them, and the band will keep moving forward. That’s the beauty of the Whiskey Treaty—it’s a community project at its core.
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Following my conversation with Billy, I contacted The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow members to get their reaction. The band members (Greg Daniel Smith, David Tanklefskey, Tory Hanna, and Chris Merenda) expressed their feelings in this statement:
“The beauty of this project over 10 years has always been, first and foremost, the love and respect we have for each other as people. That means we respect each other’s choices, both personal and creative, and give each other space to follow our hearts. There are too many miles, shows, laughs, and memories to possibly sum up what Billy has meant to us all for the past decade. We support his decision and are excited about the future for both Billy and the Treaty, and we’re all leaving the door wide open for more collaborations either in the studio or on the stage.”
-Greg, David, Tory, and Chris
You can learn more about Billy Keane at billykeane.com. You can find his music on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can also follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
You can learn more about Whisky Treat Roadshow at thewhiskeytreaty.com. You can find their music on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Youtube. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
— Mark @ Music in the Berkshires