The Keymakers have released their new single ‘Separate’.
‘Separate’, which sprang from Red’s experience in a long-distance relationship, is incredibly intimate. In the process of examining the conflicting feelings associated with having a loved one far away, the song transforms the idea of separation into a talent that can be taught.
The Keymakers are dedicated to making music that has an emotional and visceral resonance even as they push limits and develop their style. The pair is ready to have even more of an impact on the music business with their impending releases and unwavering commitment to their profession.
Speaking of the single, The Keymakers said: “’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.”
To celebrate their single release, The Keymakers shared with us 5 tracks that influenced ‘Separate’.
Emmit Fenn – The Table
The rawness and emotion that Emmit puts in every song is truly inspirational, but this song stands apart for me. The delicate-ness of this track is exactly the type of thing that puts me in the headspace for the more stripped back productions we do, which is showcased in ‘Separate’. From a writing stand point, this song hits a distinct but not overly dramatic note that we really reached for in Separate.
Rüfüs Du Sol – New Sky
Rufus has always been one of our biggest inspirations and favourite acts. A big part of it is the way their songs always feel like a journey, and packed with so much emotion. That emotion can come from the production: they use a lot of lush synths and pretty arpeggios, something you can hear in New Sky and ‘Separate’, and it also comes from Tyrone’s voice and the way he sings. I try to really be expressive when I sing – whether it’s on stage or in the booth – to deeply feel the song as I record it. It’s the only way I know how to do it. And I think that really comes through in ‘Separate’.
Blonde Maze (Polar Inc. Remix) – Being Pulled
This is really a dream combo for me. Blonde Maze has always been a favourite of mine from a songwriting stand point, and Polar Inc is an artist that our musical journey seems to be getting closer and closer to – on a sonic level. The marriage of dance rhythms and raw, beautiful piano comes through in this one. Additionally, the song is all about a very similar type of feeling that we tapped into for our tune. Being pulled between what you want and what you need, being far or separated from your person, and coming to terms with the fact that in the end, that may be better.
King Henry – Let You Know
This song has a certain sadness to it that takes me to the same place as separate. There’s hope there, there’s happiness, but all underneath longing and melancholy. The synths and overall production also feel like they’re from the same family. This wasn’t one we channeled directly when making the song, but this type of song has always captured my attention – and ‘Separate’ is definitely the most we’ve ever gone into that particular type of vibe.
nimino – Time Heals
nimino is simply putting out top notch music. It’s been such a pleasure watching their career build over the last few years. This song is an inspiration from the unfiltered emotion it shares. The lyrics lull you into a trance while the production builds around them. Lyrically, it’s just as ambiguously relatable as ‘Separate’. We know what the author is feeling, we can sympathize and empathize with this pain, yet it’s never explicitly explained to us what is going on. It lets us as listeners write our own story to place those emotions in. That’s one of the most beautiful things about a well written song in my opinion.
Listen to The Keymakers musical influences below::
Stream The Keymakers ‘Separate’ via Spotify:
Words by Danielle Holian