We Speak Music

Victoria Justice, Keke Palmer, Louisa Johnson + more feature on new Toby Gad “Piano Diaries” album!

Published

2 months ago

July 19, 2024

Don Reed

Los Angeles, CA – July 19, 2024 – Toby Gad, the GRAMMY-award nominated songwriter and producer behind some of the biggest global hits ever written such as John Legend’s “All Of Me,” Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy,” and Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” is embarking on a new artistic journey with his project, PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS. After a remarkable career spanning multiple decades and amassing over 15 billion streams, Toby Gad continues to push the boundaries of modern pop music with this exciting new venture, available now on all DSPs and streaming platforms HERE.

PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS transforms Toby’s biggest hits into emotive piano-vocal masterpieces, featuring today’s stars like Victoria Justice, Keke Palmer & Aloe Blacc, Johnny Orlando, Louisa Johnson, Angelina Jordan, Celina Sharma, and more. This project offers a fresh take on his timeless songs, captivating a new generation.

Kelly Clarkson featured Toby’s premiere Piano Diaries Single, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” with Victoria Justice, on her talk-show alongside appearances on KTLA and Good Day New York. The positive reception laid the groundwork for the following singles:

“Skyscraper”: A powerful rendition of Demi Lovato’s career defining song, featuring Universal Republic touring Artist, Camylio.
“Little Do You Know”: With the original gaining over 1M+ Tiktok User Creates, the new version now features Keke Palmer and Aloe Blacc,
“Untouched”: Australia’s anthem, originally written with The Veronicas, reinterpreted by online sensation Johnny Orlando.
“Who You Are”: Written with Jessie J, now with the youngest winner of ‘X Factor UK’, Louisa Johnson.
“If I Were a Boy”: Beyonce’s hit reinvented with Universal Republic’s 18-year-old rising star, Angelina Jordan.

On July 19th, Toby’s reinvented “All Of Me,” originally composed with John Legend, completes the PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS album, now featuring social media sensation Celina Sharma (7 Billion TikTok likes.)

Toby Gad expresses his enthusiasm for this project: “It has been an incredible journey to watch my songs evolve and reach new audiences. Working with such talented emerging vocalists has brought a fresh and exciting perspective to these tracks. I am proud of the artistry and emotion each artist has brought to PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS, and I can’t wait for the world to hear these reimagined versions.”

Each track in PIANO DIARIES is re-interpreted as a timeless piano-vocal masterpiece, performed by Toby Gad. To further expand the project’s reach and appeal, there will also be partnerships with DJs for high-energy remixes, providing fans with dynamic new versions of their favorite hits.

Toby has begun bringing Piano Diaries to the stage with well-received live performances in Los Angeles and London, featuring various established artists and telling his untold stories behind the songs.

PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS promises to be an exciting musical journey, offering unique insight into the meaning of songs that have become staples on American radio and around the world. The album’s stripped-down nature allows the raw emotion and lyrical beauty of each song to shine through, providing a new and intimate listening experience for fans old and new.

PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS Tracklist:

All of Me feat Celina Sharma
If I Were a Boy feat Angelina Jordan
Untouched feat Johnny Orlando
Big Girls Don’t Cry feat Victoria Justice
Little Do You Know feat Keke Palmer & Aloe Blacc
Who You Are feat Louisa Johnson
Skyscraper feat Camylio
Feel Good feat Paravi

We Speak Music

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

Published

23 hours ago

September 6, 2024

Philomena Marie

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.