Steven van Betten is a songwriter living in Los Angeles who’s taken aim on storytelling. From reflections of the American West to the depths and intimacies of human relationships, his lyrics reveal the magic hidden in mundane day-to-day life. Born and raised in Blue Diamond, Nevada—a tiny, rural, desert community—his music is inspired by time spent playing guitar in rocky canyons, taking breaks to climb the sandstone and search for swimming holes in the sweltering sun. He fronts bands such as Fell Runner and co-founded School of Song which sees contemporaries such as Phil Elverum, Miya Folick, Luke Temple, Lomelda, and Meg Duffy (Hand Habits) teaching alongside him.
The confessional songwriter genius of van Betten is shining again on his new single, “Surrounded By All These Beautiful People I Love”. Van Betten’s voice muses delicately in a warm and uplifting sea of musical goodness, propped up by a bouncing drum groove, fluttering horn lines, and a melodically engaging chorus. Van Betten is a songwriter’s songwriter, blending indie elements with choice lyrical nuggets, one after another.
“Surrounded By All of These Beautiful People I Love” is a song of appreciation for my friend Logan Hone. He always emanates such a deep joy and love when he plays. His music is a guiding light for me in times of loneliness,” says van Betten.
