Keys N Krates: The Live Electronic Trap Pioneers

Keys N Krates is a Canadian electronic music trio known for their dynamic live performances that blend trap, hip-hop, and house. Hailing from Toronto, the group has carved a unique niche by performing their productions entirely with live instruments, leading to major festival bookings and a dedicated global following.

Early career

The group formed in 2008, initially as a more traditional production and DJ collective. The original lineup solidified with drummer Adam Tune, keyboardist David Matisse, and turntablist Jr. Flo, seeking to bridge the gap between electronic music and a genuine live band experience.

Their early releases, like the 2012 Blackout EP on Dim Mak Records, showcased their signature style of hard-hitting 808s paired with melodic synth work and deft turntablism, quickly garnering attention within the electronic scene.

Breakthrough

The group's breakthrough arrived with their 2014 single Dum Dee Dum. The track became a viral and club staple, its minimalist vocal hook and powerful drops defining their sound and amassing tens of millions of streams.

This success led to their 2016 debut album, Midnite Mass, released on Dim Mak, which further expanded their palette with notable features from artists like Katy B.

Key tracks

Dum Dee Dum — This 2014 single is their most recognizable hit, a trap anthem that propelled them to international festival stages.

Understand Why — Featuring vocals from Cise Starr, this track from the Midnite Mass album highlights their ability to weave soulful elements into heavy electronic production.

Glitter — A standout from their 2018 album A Beat Tape for Your Friends, this song exemplifies their shift into more nuanced, R&B-inflected instrumental beats.

Music to My Ears — This collaboration with singer-songwriter Tory Lanez showcased their reach into the mainstream hip-hop and R&B arena.

What You Done — A single from their 2022 project Original Classic, it marks a return to their core live instrumental sound with renewed energy.

Their subsequent work, including the 2018 Cura EP and the full-length A Beat Tape for Your Friends, continued to explore the intersection of live instrumentation and electronic beats. Keys N Krates maintains a consistent release schedule and touring presence, respected for their technical prowess and authentic fusion of genres.

Fans of the Toronto group's hybrid style might also enjoy Just A Gent for his intricate, bass-heavy productions. Ekali shares a similar foundation in crisp trap percussion and atmospheric design. The live electronic approach connects with The Glitch Mob, another group known for performing complex electronic music on hardware. For the hip-hop infused side, check out Baauer, a producer pivotal in defining the modern trap sound.

Keys N Krates' energetic fusion of live drums, keyboards, and turntables makes them a frequent feature on electronic and alternative radio stations. Their tracks are staples on forward-thinking dance music radio stations and independent music radio streams that champion live-instrument electronic acts.

You can discover the dynamic sound of Keys N Krates on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their genre-blending tracks and live performances broadcast across our network of electronic and alternative music stations.