Keybone: The Gritty Heart of Modern Southern Rock

Keybone is an American Southern rock band known for its raw, blues-infused guitar work and anthemic songwriting. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the group achieved mainstream success with their platinum-certified second album, "Dust & Glory," which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart.

Early career

Formed in 2010, Keybone's founding members, vocalist/guitarist J.D. Vance and lead guitarist Mike "Saw" Sawyer, cut their teeth playing in dive bars across the American South. Their self-released debut EP, "Whiskey Bent," in 2012, captured a loyal regional following with its unvarnished rock sound, leading to a development deal with independent label Rustbelt Records.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2016 with the release of their sophomore album, "Dust & Glory," on the larger imprint Red Clay Sounds. Propelled by relentless touring and sharp songcraft, the album's lead single became a staple on rock radio, eventually pushing the album to platinum sales status in the United States and securing Keybone's place on major festival lineups.

Key tracks

Devil's Mile — This gritty, driving single from "Dust & Glory" became the band's first Top 5 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Carolina Clay — A slower, soulful ballad showcasing the band's lyrical depth and Southern roots, which expanded their audience beyond hard rock fans.

Gasoline & Matches — A high-octane live favorite known for its dual-guitar attack and an explosive, crowd-pleasing chorus.

Long Way Home — Featured in several major television sports broadcasts, this anthemic track significantly boosted the band's national profile.

Following their breakthrough, Keybone headlined tours across North America and Europe. Their third album, 2020's "Iron River," debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and featured a notable collaboration with veteran blues-rock guitarist Warren Haynes on the track "Burning Slow." The band continues to be a formidable live act, consistently selling out mid-sized arenas.

Fans of Keybone's brand of heartfelt, guitar-driven Southern rock should also explore similar artists featured on our site. Blackberry Smoke shares Keybone's Georgia roots and blend of country and rock. The Steepwater Band delivers a comparable raw, blues-rock intensity with a focus on musicianship. Whiskey Myers offers a similar fusion of Southern storytelling and hard rock energy. Rival Sons parallels Keybone's commitment to vintage rock sounds updated with modern production.

Keybone's music maintains a strong presence on radio, featured in heavy rotation on mainstream rock FM stations and dedicated Southern rock online radio streams. Their catalog, from early anthems to recent releases, is a staple on independent music radio stations that champion guitar-based rock.

Listeners can discover the powerful Southern rock of Keybone on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their essential tracks and latest music broadcasting live on our curated rock channels.