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The Keymakers’ Revolutionize Electronic Music with Soulful New Sound On ‘Separate’

Published

3 months ago

September 6, 2024

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.

We Speak Music

Jean-Loup Pinson ‘A Moment of Deathlessness’: A Visionary Exploration of Mortality and Desire

Published

13 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Philomena Marie

Jean-Loup Pinson’s, A Moment of Deathlessness, is a sonic revelation that brings the poetry of Emily Dickinson into the modern world with grace, complexity, and unflinching creativity. Known for his diverse work in film, television, and theatre, Pinson’s latest EP showcases his skill as a composer who is unafraid to take risks. With contributions from the revered Carice Singers and London’s hip-hop poets Armanious and Tanaka Fuego, Pinson weaves a soundscape that feels like a haunting meditation on life’s biggest questions.

The collaboration with The Carice Singers anchors the EP in a timeless aesthetic, their choral harmonies lending a ghostly beauty to Dickinson’s poetry. In these moments, the listener is transported to a world of introspective calm, where Dickinson’s words are given space to resonate. Pinson’s arrangements are delicate yet impactful, underscoring the nuances in Dickinson’s exploration of existential themes with layered instrumentation that leaves room for reflection.

Armanious and Tanaka Fuego bring a visceral immediacy to the project, drawing connections between Dickinson’s words and the lived experiences of today’s youth. Their performances are powerful yet understated, infusing the poetry with a streetwise perspective that broadens the EP’s appeal. Through their voices, themes like death and desire feel personal and urgent, transforming Dickinson’s nineteenth-century verses into something raw and universal. The juxtaposition of classical and modern elements invites listeners to think about how timeless these questions really are.

Pinson’s composition style is intricate and narrative-driven, each track unfolding like a story within itself. His film and theatre background shines here, particularly in his ability to balance tension and release. The electronic beats woven through the tracks bring a modern pulse to the project without overwhelming its emotional depth, creating a sound that is as moving as it is original.

A Moment of Deathlessness, is a standout in the contemporary music scene, proving Pinson’s remarkable versatility and vision as a composer. By bridging classical and urban sounds, he highlights the universality of Dickinson’s themes while offering something truly new. This EP, now available on streaming platforms, is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of classical poetry and modern sound.