Keys N Krates
The Canadian trio kick ass in Sydney.
TwentyFour
Photos by April 10, 2015

Keys N Krates came all the way from Canada to kick our asses with an explosive live show. Seriously, anyone who was there will never be the same again.

The Canadian trio have made a name for themselves with their ingenious beat-making, brought to life with their dedication to instrumentation and manic onstage presence. They’ve release records on the likes of Dim Mak and Mad Decent, while they also collaborated with King Louie on a track. How cool is that? We hung out with Keys N Krates for a day in Sydney, here’s what we got up to, thanks to BBE:

JACKLWA-1

We kick off our day with a pub feed – Keys N Krates members Greg & Dave are joined by the newest BBE recruit Jack, who has the very cool task of showing these guys a good time in Sydney. You know it’s going to be a great day when you hang out with someone wearing a shirt quoting Juicy J aka the guy who once wrote a song called ‘Slob On My Knob’. Classy. #WETRIPPYMANE

JACKLWA-2

The missing link of the trio, Adam is already super turnt up on adrenaline and protein after lunch, as you can tell by this rather rambunctious and unorthodox method of walking down the stairs.

JACKLWA-3

Backseat bandits on the way to Bondi.

JACKLWA-4

No boardies or towels, so we’re limited to taking in the brilliant day by the sand. We could’ve gone full Japanese businessman style in the Bondi water (suit pants rolled up to the knees), but decide to stay clean and dry ahead of tonight’s festivities.

JACKLWA-5

This would be an opportune time to use a selfie stick, but human arms will suffice this time around. A million dollar smile in front of a million dollar view. #POSTCARDMATERIAL

JACKLWA-6

Some of my very influential friends in the fashion industry have told me that ‘budget tourist swag’ is going to be the hottest trend of SS16 because of this picture. Dave holding up this exclusive Bondi shirt that will debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Someone definitely fucked up the ‘D’ on this shirt though, it almost looks like it says ‘BONO’. Does anybody want to be wearing a Bono shirt in 2015? I don’t think so. #PRAYFORBONO

JACKLWA-7

Boogie board, plush kangaroos, convenience store sunnies, didgeridoos and a bucket hat. THIS IS AUSTRALIA.

JACKLWA-8

We decide to polish off some frozen treats at the old favourite, Gelato Messina. 1 litre tub of Tiramisu – if you choose any other flavour, you’re doing it wrong. Get involved because your waistline doesn’t have feelings.

JACKLWA-9

The new tasting panel for the next season of My Kitchen Rules. The facial expressions say it all.

JACKLWA-10

All that pub food, gelato and sunshine puts us in a haze. Time to hit the hay.

JACKLWA-11

Time for sound check. Kate Moss x Keys N Krates x Jean Michael Basquiat. We take a few minutes at Oxford Art Factory to appreciate the art because we are cultured and enlightened, you big herd of philistines. Also, remember that time a 40-year-old Kate Moss dressed up as a Playboy Bunny and was the best thing to ever grace your eyeballs? Yes, we do too. #ALLHAILKATE

JACKLWA-12

The lads meet some very lucky competition winners who get to throw banter with one of America’s livest electronic acts…

JACKLWA-13

And everybody gets free pizza. Holy hell, best competition prize ever – Definitely better than that time I won a raffle and the prize was a hamper filled with fruit loaf and stale biscuits.

JACKLWA-14

Getting tangled in the urban jungle of OAF.

JACKLWA-15

The lads get into rockstar mode at sound check, and begin blasting through tonight’s set including a very creative Waka Flocka Flame remix. If you don’t enjoy the sound of Waka Flocka Flame yelling in your ear, you’re an idiot. If you don’t consider Flockaveli the best album ever created, you’re also an idiot. Respect to Waka Flocka Flame aka the most relatable man on social media.

JACKLWA-16

These guys are playing the same venue as the singer from Bloc Party! That’s a pretty notable life achievement if you ask us.

JACKLWA-17

Backstage, Dave tells us how he used to be a B-Boy before pursuing music full-time. We wonder if he still has a full green tracksuit with Puma Suedes to match. If he doesn’t, he’ll always have this shirt with Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky on it. One of the all-time best Presidents, don’t you think?

JACKLWA-18

BBE bro Anand tells Greg that he wasn’t a fan of Drake until his last album. Greg can’t believe his ears. He opens up his laptop, and voila – there’s basically every single Drake song ever made. That’s true Canadian brotherhood. After all, we could never hate a guy that rides on a trapeze in his live show. Also, let’s all take a minute to sit back and reflect on how good this Drake verse is. #NWTS #OVO #DRAKESTRAPEZE

JACKLWA-19

Spenda C (the bro from The Mane Thing) & Nemo on opening duties. Importantly, the vodka is flowing freely at this point.

JACKLWA-20

Time to hit the stage. As you can tell, this isn’t no ‘press-play’ DJ affair – this is a full-blown live act with drums, keys, vocals and other stuff that we can’t identify because we are technical novices. Our social media feeds are immediately filled with people who can’t believe how crazy this live show is – and it’s only getting better.

JACKLWA-21

Adam on the sticks, and the sweat is literally dripping off the walls.

JACKLWA-22

The crowd seem to be enjoying themselves. This is just as crazy as the mosh pit at a System of A Down show in 2003, mid-way during that speedy breakdown in ‘Chop Suey‘. Yeah, you guys know what we’re talking about.

JACKLWA-23

After the success of the Dillon Francis shoey we captured at Field Day, we challenged Keys N Krates to also complete the feat – and they completed the task with ease and finesse. Nike really need to start sponsoring these. Who will be the next musician to complete a shoey onstage? #LWASHOEYS

JACKLWA-24

Triple selfie time to finish off. Thanks to Keys N Krates for their time and a gig that made us lose at least 7.3 kilograms in sweat. If you missed this, you messed up – but there’s always next time. Come back soon!

Editors Pick
3y
TwentyFour: Jye Kearney
Presented by Zipmex.
6y
TwentyFour: The Kid Laroi
A day with the 15-year-old hip-hop prodigy.