Keys N Krates

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Keys N Krates

| image =KNK 4.jpg

| caption = Keys N Krates members 2019

| landscape =

| alt = Keys N Krates

| origin = Toronto, Ontario, Canada

| genre = {{Flat list|

Electronic
hip hop}}

| years_active = {{Start date|2008}}-present

| label = Dim Mak Records, Mad Decent

| associated_acts =

| website = {{URL|www.keysnkrates.com/}}

| current_members = * Jr. Flo

Matisse
Adam Tune

| past_members =

}}

Keys N Krates is a Canadian electronic music band formed in 2008 out of Toronto, Ontario. The group consists of drummer Adam Tune, keyboardist David Matisse and turntablist Jr. Flo (Greg Dawson).{{cite web |title=Keys N Krates are warmer and more soulful than their contemporaries on Cura |url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/album-reviews/keys-n-Krates-cura/ |website=NOW Toronto |date=10 February 2018 |accessdate=24 January 2020}} The band started as a live hip-hop act reliant on rough a cappella loops on top of heavy bass-driven beats.{{Cite web|title = Bio|url = http://keysnkrates.com/bio/|website = keysnkrates.com|access-date = 2016-01-12|publisher = Keys N Krates}} The band has had their music synced via EA Sports, FIFA, SkySports/SoccerAM, Toronto Raptors, Apple and more.

Career

= 2013–2017: Debut =

In 2013, Keys N Krates released their EP titled SOLOW on Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak Records. The first single off of the EP, "Treat Me Right" was premiered on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 program and received support from electronic music artists Diplo, Major Lazer, Flosstradamus and TNGHT.{{Cite web|url = http://www.mixjunkies.com/keys-n-krates-new-single-treat-me-right-out-march-5-free-bbc-radio-1-guest-mix/|title = Keys N Krates New Single 'Treat Me Right' Out March 5th + Free BBC Radio 1 Guest Mix|date = |accessdate = |website = mixjunkies.com|publisher = Mix Junkies|last = Grimalda|first = Matthew|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141105050841/http://www.mixjunkies.com/keys-n-krates-new-single-treat-me-right-out-march-5-free-bbc-radio-1-guest-mix/|archive-date = 2014-11-05|url-status = dead}}

Their second single off of SOLOW, "Dum Dee Dum" was also premiered on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 program.{{Cite web|title = Out Now: Keys N Krates – Dum Dee Dum (Single)|url = http://www.dimmak.com/keys-krates-dum-dee-dum-single/|website = dimmak.com|access-date = |publisher = Dim Mak Records|last = Gauthier|first = Tim}} The music video for "Dum Dee Dum" was directed by Amos LeBlanc.{{Cite web|url = http://earmilk.com/2013/10/21/keys-n-krates-dum-dee-dum-video/|title = Keys N Krates – "Dum Dee Dum" [Video]|date = 21 October 2013|access-date = |website = Earmilk|publisher = Earmilk|last = Saunders|first = John}} The video was nominated for a Prism Prize in Canada, as well as a Berlin Music Video Award in Germany.{{cite web|url = http://exclaim.ca/News/videos_by_arcade_fire_drake_shad_nominated_for_prism_prize|title = Videos by Arcade Fire, Drake, Shad Nominated for Prism Prize|work = exclaim.ca|publisher = Exclaim!|first = Alex|last = Hudson}}{{cite web|url = http://www.berlinmva.com/round1_nominees_2014/|title = The first Nominees for the Berlin Music Video Awards 2014|work = berlinmva.com}} Keys N Krates later remixed the track which featured G.O.O.D. Music’s Cyhi The Prynce, King Louie, and Tree.{{Cite web|url = http://hypem.com/track/200s2/Keys+N+Krates+-+DUM+DEE+DUM+(REMIX)+FEAT.+KING+LOUIE,+TREE+&+CYHI+THE+PRINCE|title = DUM DEE DUM (REMIX) FEAT. KING LOUIE, TREE & CYHI THE PRINCE|date = |accessdate = |website = hypem.com|publisher = Hype Machine|last = |first = }} On September 23, 2016, "Dum Dee Dum" was certified Gold by The Recording Industry Association of America for selling 500,000 units.{{Cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Keys+N+Krates#search_section|title=Keys N Krates song 'Dum Dee Dum' is certified Gold by the RIAA|website=Recording Industry Association of America }}

In June 2014, Keys N Krates teamed up with Canadian producer/DJ Grandtheft and released the single Keep It 100 on Diplo's Mad Decent Records.{{cite web |title=Grandtheft & Keys N Krates - Keep It 100 (Official Music Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OMAhykJp5Y |website=YouTube |publisher=Mad Decent |accessdate=24 January 2020}} The single was later featured in a TV ad for the animated film Minions (2015).{{Cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saoC5bU8pEA|title = MINIONS - TV Spot #4 (2015) Despicable Me Spinoff|date = |access-date = |website = youtube.com|publisher = Monde Animation|last = |first = }}

In September 2014, Keys N Krates released their second EP via Dim Mak Records titled Every Nite. The first single off of the EP titled "Are We Faded" was premiered on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 program as well as the YouTube channel All Trap Music.{{cite web |title=Annie Mac BBC Radio 1 Premiere of "Are We Faded" |url=https://soundcloud.com/keysnkrates/keys-n-krates-are-we-faded-preview |website=Soundcloud |publisher=Keys N Krates |accessdate=24 January 2020}}{{cite web |title=Get 'Faded' With The Latest Offering From Keys N Krates New EP 'Every Nite' |url=https://thedjlist.com/news/faded-offering-keys-krates-ep-nite/ |website=The DJ List |publisher=Amanda Pearl |accessdate=24 January 2020}} The release of Every Nite ran in conjunction with the band's first headline tour across North America.{{Cite web|url = http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6203553/keys-n-krates-new-ep-every-nite-and-us-tour|title = Exclusive: Keys N Krates Announce New EP and Major U.S. Tour|date = |access-date = |website = billboard.com|publisher = Billboard|last = Buerger|first = Megan}}

In June 2015, Keys N Krates released the single Save Me featuring British pop singer/songwriter Katy B. The single was featured on Pitchfork Magazine and was later nominated for 'Dance Recording Of The Year' at the 2016 JUNO Awards.{{Cite web|url = http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/17536-keys-n-krates-save-me-ft-katy-b/|title = Keys N Krates - Save Me (feat. Katy B)|date = |access-date = |website = pitchfork.com|publisher = Pitchfork|last = Lau|first = Melody}}{{Cite web|url = http://junoawards.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2016-Nominee-List.pdf|title = 2016 JUNO Awards Nominess|date = |access-date = |website = junoawards.ca|publisher = |last = |first = |archive-date = 2016-02-05|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205115142/http://junoawards.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2016-Nominee-List.pdf|url-status = dead}} The Fader premiered their next single, "U Already Know", online and announced the release of their next EP titled Midnite Mass along with a coinciding tour.{{Cite web|url = http://www.thefader.com/2015/11/10/keys-n-kratess-u-already-know|title = Keys N Krates Announce Midnite Mass EP, Share "U Already Know"|date = |access-date = |website = thefader.com|publisher = |last = Thomas|first = Amara}} The track "Nothing But Space", featuring Aqui, off of Midnite Mass was premiered on Zane Lowe's [https://www.apple.com/ca/music/radio/?itscg=1001&at=1000lGN&ct=CA-google&cid=wwa-ca-kwg-music Beats 1 Radio] program on January 6, 2016.{{Cite web|url = http://www.youredm.com/2016/01/07/keys-n-krates-debuts-new-single-on-zane-lowe-beats-1-ep-tour-to-follow-soon/|title = Keys N Krates Debuts New Single On Zane Lowe Beats 1, EP + Tour To Follow Soon|date = 7 January 2016|access-date = |website = youredm.com|publisher = Your EDM|last = Yau|first = Jeffrey}}

On January 15, 2016, Keys N Krates released Midnite Mass making it their third EP release on Dim Mak Records. The release ran in conjunction with the Midnite Mass Tour, with dates across the United States and Canada featuring support acts Stooki Sound, Hermitude, GANZ and Jesse Slayter.{{Cite web|url = http://www.musictimes.com/articles/54086/20151110/keys-n-krates-midnite-mass-tour-ganz-hermitude-stooki-sound-supporting.htm|title = Keys N Krates Midnite Mass Tour: Ganz, Hermitude, Stooki Sound Supporting N.A. Dates|date = |access-date = |website = musictimes.com|publisher = Music Times|last = Middleton|first = Ryan}}

= 2018–2022: ''Cura'' and ''Original Classic'' =

On February 2, 2018, Keys N Krates released their debut album Cura on Dim Mak Records. The album consists of nine songs and features artists such as New Orleans–based R&B singer/songwriter Ambré Perkins,{{Cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/glitter-feat-ambr%C3%A9-perkins-single/1302499893|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201074748/https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/glitter-feat-ambr%C3%A9-perkins-single/1302499893|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 1, 2017|title=Glitter (feat. Ambre) on iTunes|website=iTunes }} Tory Lanez, and hip-hop artist 070 Shake (G.O.O.D. Music).{{Cite web|url=https://www.edmsauce.com/2018/02/02/keys-n-krates-cura-album/|title=KEYS N KRATES DROP DEBUT ALBUM 'CURA' VIA DIM MAK RECORDS|website=EDM Sauce|date=2 February 2018 }} Keys N Krates also set out on the 'Cura World Tour', with dates spanning across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Hungary and more {{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/8097630/keys-n-krates-break-down-debut-album-cura-exclusive|title=Keys N Krates Break Down Their Debut Album 'Cura': Exclusive|last=Rishty|first=David|magazine=Billboard}}

In July 2019, Keys N Krates self-released a new project titled A Beat Tape For Your Friends. On a statement released by the band, the project displays them "paying homage" to beloved influences like J Dilla's Donuts.{{cite web |title=Keys N Krates Release Smooth, Dilla-Inspired Project 'A Beat Tape For Your Friends' |url=https://www.magneticmag.com/2019/07/keys-n-krates-j-dilla-inspired-project-a-beat-tape-for-your-friends/ |website=Magnetic Magazine |date=11 July 2019 |accessdate=24 January 2020}} The all instrumental project is composed of 11 tracks and features California-based producer Jansport J. Subsequent to the project's release, Keys N Krates embarked on a tour spanning across the US and Canada.{{cite web |title=Keys N Krates A Beat Tape For Your Friends Tour Poster |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BzyNswRggBM/ |website=Instagram |publisher=Keys N Krates |accessdate=24 January 2020}}

On November 12, 2021, Keys N Krates released their album Original Classic on Last Gang Records. Complex Magazine called the album, "A richer musical niche [with] balmy Brazilian melodies, vibrant Bollywood samples, and other such offbeat elements." The album consists of 13 tracks, including singles Original Classic and Pull Up and featured artists such as Juicy J, Chip, Haviah Mighty, Lido Pimienta, and Marbl. The Original Classic Deluxe album was released in September 2022, and included remixes from Soul Clap, Justin Martin, TEK.LUN, Byron The Aquarius, etc.

= Since 2023=

On November 10, 2023, Keys N Krates released their third studio album, In: Tension via Last Gang Records, {{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/in-tension/1712556207|title=Keys N Krates - In: Tension|website=Apple Music|date=November 10, 2023|access-date=November 10, 2023}} along with the album's fourth single "Fantasy", in collaboration with American singer, Ciara.{{cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2023/11/ciara-joins-keys-n-krates-fantasy/|title=Ciara Joins EDM Trio Keys N Krates on New Song 'Fantasy'|website=Rated R&B|last=Samuels|first=Keithan|date=November 10, 2023|access-date=November 10, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/fantasy-single/1712360943|title=Fantasy (single) Keys N Krates, Ciara|website=Apple Music|date=November 10, 2023|access-date=November 10, 2023}}

Discography

=Albums=

Cura (2018)
Original Classic (2021){{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/original-classic/1590609239 |title=Original Classic by Keys N Krates on Apple Music |website=Apple Music |accessdate=27 December 2021}}
In: Tension (2023)

=Extended plays=

Blackout (2011)
Lucid Dreams (2013)
Solow (2013)
Every Nite (2014)
Midnite Mass (2016)
A Beat Tape For Your Friends (2019)

=Singles=

"Treat Me Right" (2013)
"Dum Dee Dum" (2013) (US: Gold)
"Keep It 100" (2014)
"Are We Faded" (2014)
"Save Me" (featuring Katy B) (2015)
"I Know U" (2015)
"U Already Know" (2015)
"Glitter" (featuring Ambré Perkins) (2017)
"Flute Loop" (featuring Ouici) (2017)
"Do What U Do" (2018)
"My Night" (featuring 070 Shake) (2018)
"My Soul Is Falling" (2018){{Cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/08/keys-n-krates-my-soul-is-falling |title=Premiere: Keys N Krates Return With Hypnotic New Single "My Soul Is Falling" |date=August 24, 2018 |website=Complex |accessdate=August 27, 2018}}
"Getaway" (featuring Mickey Shiloh) (2018)
"Get Up" (2022)
"What Girls Do" (2023)
"Fantasy" (with Ciara) (2023)