Brothers Rome and Red, the dynamic duo behind The Keymakers, are steadily carving out a unique space in the music world with their genre-defying blend of soulful electronic sounds. Since forming The Keymakers in 2017, the pair has captivated audiences with their innovative fusion of diverse influences, creating a sound that is as emotionally rich as it is musically intricate.
The Keymakers’ backstory is a tale of two brothers who, despite growing up close, took different musical paths before reuniting to form their powerhouse collaboration. Rome’s musical journey began with the saxophone in jazz bands, eventually transitioning to R&B vocals, while Red gained his chops as a DJ, spinning tracks at college parties and shows. Together, these diverse experiences come to life in their live performances, which are renowned for their seamless integration of DJing, live instrumentation, drumming, and sampling—creating an immersive, unforgettable experience for fans.
Their musical chemistry and originality have not gone unnoticed. Since their debut, The Keymakers have gained significant traction in the music industry, resonating with listeners across the globe. With over 2.5 million plays on streaming platforms like Spotify, the duo has quickly garnered a loyal fan base. The numbers speak for themselves: 3.8 million song streams, 100,000 song saves, and more than 6,000 followers. They’ve also been featured on 17 Spotify Editorial playlists, including prominent spots on 'Time to Dance' and 'New Music Friday' across the U.S., Canada, Spain, Denmark, and The Netherlands. Their career-high of 60,000 monthly listeners on Spotify further cements their growing influence.
In late 2020, The Keymakers relocated to Los Angeles, a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their career. This transition has set the stage for a major breakthrough, and they've just released their highly anticipated single, "Separate".
Crafted in their Los Angeles home studio, "Separate" is a thoughtful blend of Electronic, Chill House, and Pop, showcasing their knack for fusing the digital with the organic. The track’s production features a mix of natural piano, electric guitar, hardware, and virtual synths, reflecting The Keymakers’ commitment to creating music that balances the physical and digital worlds.
"Separate" is more than just a song—it's a deeply personal narrative inspired by Red’s experience in a long-distance relationship. The track explores the bittersweet emotions of distance and the concept of separation, transforming it into a skill that can be both learned and taught. Its tender essence, coupled with the brothers’ meticulous production, offers listeners an intimate yet relatable experience.
On the release, The duo share, “Separate is a really personal song for us, and we want that emotion to come through when you listen to it. Distance, heartache, longing - these are things almost all of us have experienced, and we hope people can relate to what we’re saying with the song - and find their own story in it. We wrote the lyrics for this one first, and then let the production take shape around it, and we tried to create a sound that really allows our listeners to connect with those feelings.”
Beyond their streaming success, The Keymakers have made waves in the live music scene, performing at prestigious venues across major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. Most recently, they were featured on Sirius XM’s Diplo’s Revolution with a Guest House Mix on August 14, 2024, a notable achievement that continues to expand their reach.
As they gear up for their next big release and push the boundaries of their sound, The Keymakers are more focused than ever on creating music that resonates on both emotional and physical levels. With their distinct blend of electronic soul, innovative live performances, and an unrelenting dedication to their craft, Rome and Red are poised to make an even bigger impact in the music industry.
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