Keys N Krates: Brazilian Love Song
Funk, house, and tropicalia merge seamlessly in a bracing cut.
By Kerry Doole
Keys N Krates - Brazilian Love Song (Last Gang Records): Over a decade-long career, this adventurous hip-hop/dance/electronica trio from Toronto has operated largely under the radar, while attracting critical acclaim and a loyal audience.
They won a 2016 Juno award for Dance Recording of the Year for Save Me, and a recently-signed global deal with Last Gang Records will boost their profile.
Coinciding with the announcement of an upcoming North American tour, Keys N Krates has released a new cut, Brazilian Love Song. In a press release, they explain that "Brazilian Love Song is an amalgamation of music styles that we love as a band and have been listening together a lot for the last couple of years. Baile Funk, '70s disco-sounding soundtrack music, Bollywood strings, gospel house, and trap music influences are all smashed together for a dramatic, romantic and feel good party jam. We were trying to make something undeniably dancey but also not quite identifiable in terms of style."
The instrumental cut leads off with keyboards and strings, moves into a funky groove, then switches track to and fro. It manages to sound simultaneously retro and fresh.
The new song comes on the heels of Take It Off, the group's vibrant collaboration with Bibi Bourelly. Keys N Krates most recent full-length release, 2019's A Beat Tape For Your Friends, was coined the "beat tape of the summer" by Exclaim! In 2020, KNK released an edit package they made of Frank Ocean, Lauryn Hill, and Snoh Aalegra to support the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.
The 16-day headlining tour, which will feature DJ sets from the group, kicks off in Washington, DC, with stops in Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, NYC and more. Full ticket sales launch on July 30. See the full itinerary here.
Links
Publicity: Ola Mazzuca, Indoor Recess
Management: get@keysnkrates.com
Booking - North America: Perry Gilman: perry.gilman@unitedtalent.com
