We Speak Music
Meet Your New Favorite Band: Deadbeat Daycare
Picture this. You’re in high school sitting at the lunch table with your best friend and contemplating what a great idea playing music together would be. So, you start the band and realize that you need a drummer and a name. You find the drummer. You decide on a name that is unlike any other. You start writing music in one member’s garage and realize that you need a bass player to round things out. You find a seasoned bass player who is a fit, and suddenly it all makes sense. That’s the story. I am just the messenger. That’s Deadbeat Daycare’s story and they’re not only sticking to it, but they’re ready to rock your world as they start to ramp up their live shows, hitting as many local venues as they can this summer. Most recently, they performed at the notable Brudder’s Bar and Burlington Bar in Chicago. The band is ready to kick it into high gear since they are all now finished with college.
Formed on the outskirts of Chicago, Deadbeat Daycare is four parts equal to one sum. Their manic energy, catchy tunes, and power punk sensibilities are what makes this four-piece unit one of the tightest bands around, as their live show is a testament to their desire to give 500% to their audience. Featuring Joaquin on vocals and rhythm guitar, Ethan on lead guitar, Bobby on drums, and Dan on bass, the band is firmly planted in a genre-less existence which doesn’t give audiences the opportunity to pigeonhole their unique sound.
Influences are many for each member of Deadbeat Daycare, which is one of the many reasons the band veers off the beaten path from many of its contemporaries when it comes to songwriting. Instead of relying on one or two people in the band to create, which they did in the beginning stages, it’s now a shared responsibility which allows the band to build their arsenal of songs at a more rapid pace. As the band states, “Songwriting has always been a mix of a split responsibility and solo. Often times Ethan or Joaquin will write a chord progression and lyrics, and bring it to the band where Bobby provides a beat, Ethan provides lead ideas, and Dan writes a bass line. More recently Bobby and Dan have been bringing lyrics and riffs to the table for the band to create a song around.”
The songwriting isn’t the only part of the band that is unique, all the members of Deadbeat Daycare make sure to stay true to who they are as individuals. They dont try to fit in with other bands or even with each other. While they recognize that a band should be a unit, they also know how important it is to be authentic, which is just another reason why Deadbeat Daycare is one of the tightest bands around!
Rome and Red, the sibling duo behind The Keymakers, have been making waves in the electronic music scene since their 2017 debut. Known for blending soulful melodies, live instrumentation, and electronic beats, the brothers are carving out a unique space in an often-saturated genre. Their latest single, “Separate,” cements their place as artists who defy genre conventions while crafting deeply emotional and resonant music.
A Unique Musical Journey
The Keymakers’ sound is shaped by their distinct musical upbringings. Rome, trained as a jazz saxophonist and R&B vocalist, brings a deep sense of musicality and emotional depth to their work. Red, on the other hand, honed his skills as a DJ, blending tracks at college parties and building an instinct for dynamic, crowd-pleasing beats. Together, their different backgrounds merge into something truly unique: a sound that pulls from jazz, R&B, electronic, and pop, creating a fusion that feels fresh and forward-thinking.
This eclectic mix of influences is on full display in their music, which has already attracted a global audience. With over 3.8 million streams and placements on 17 Spotify Editorial playlists, The Keymakers are a force to be reckoned with. Their presence on popular playlists like New Music Friday and Time to Dance is evidence that their sound transcends borders, resonating with listeners from the U.S. to Spain and Denmark.
Separate: A Heartfelt Exploration of Distance
The Keymakers’ latest single, “Separate,” stands out not only for its pristine production but also for its emotional depth. Written about Red’s personal experience with long-distance relationships, the song captures the bittersweet emotions of love, heartache, and longing. “Separate” begins with a delicate piano melody, quickly evolving into a layered sonic landscape of electric guitar, synths, and subtle percussion. The brothers strike a perfect balance between digital and physical sounds, creating a track that feels both intimate and expansive.
Vocally, Rome delivers a performance filled with vulnerability, perfectly complementing the track’s lyrical themes of separation and longing. His R&B roots shine through, especially in the chorus, which feels like a cry of both heartache and hope. The production is polished yet raw in its emotion, giving listeners space to feel the weight of the song’s message.
A Masterclass in Live Performances
While “Separate” is a testament to The Keymakers’ ability to create emotion-driven studio tracks, the duo is equally impressive live. Their performances are not simply DJ sets; they are multi-instrumental experiences. Rome and Red incorporate live drumming, saxophone, guitar, and sampling into their shows, offering an immersive sonic journey that takes electronic music to new heights. Fans in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston have already been captivated by their ability to blend live instrumentation with electronic beats, creating unforgettable experiences.
Pushing Boundaries with Every Release
After relocating to Los Angeles in 2020, The Keymakers have been steadily evolving their sound, and “Separate” is a clear sign of their growth. By balancing organic instruments with electronic elements, the duo has found a way to make digital music feel personal and human. This ability to infuse soul into electronic music is what sets them apart from many in the genre.
Their dedication to pushing musical boundaries extends beyond just their recorded tracks. In August 2024, they were featured on Sirius XM’s Diplo’s Revolution with a Guest House Mix. This appearance highlights their versatility, showcasing their talents in both high-energy mixes and emotional ballads.
Final Thoughts
The Keymakers are more than just rising stars in electronic music—they are innovators, creating a sound that resonates emotionally while thrilling listeners with its genre-defying production. “Separate” is a prime example of their ability to merge the personal with the universal, transforming Red’s experience with long-distance relationships into a track that many can relate to.
As Rome and Red continue to evolve and refine their sound, they remain artists to watch. Their unique blend of soulful, electronic music is a breath of fresh air in today’s musical landscape. With upcoming releases and their continued commitment to delivering unforgettable live performances, The Keymakers are poised to revolutionize the industry—and we can’t wait to see what they do next.
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