Duke Keats – Data Machinery (2024)
Celebrity culture – it’s a social phenomenon not all that new but even more prevalent with social media’s “in your face, do this now because it’s cool” aspect. Think about the Kardashians; a family people follow unquestioningly keeping to the coolness of their trends and dying to be one of the group (consider the Kardashian look popping up all over). It’s a cult of sorts, holding Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner up high. We want to be them, to be seen, but everything comes crashing down when you realise creating this persona and distorting situations in your life to match the movie just doesn’t work.
Acknowledging the distinction yet parallel existence of glamour and humdrum, singer-songwriter Duke Keats tackles a provocative issue in his music. Following his well-received singles ‘ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE’ and ‘Heavy Heartbreak’, the new single ‘Data Machinery’ carries the continuous exposition of our world. He explains:
“’Data Machinery’, a captivating creation [that]… delves into the glamourous facades projected on screens, juxtaposing them with the mundane realities of our lives. It explores the repetitive and robotic nature of societal routines while celebrating the essence of humanity…”
The second track from his upcoming EP, Bornstar, ‘Data Machinery’ is a nostalgic drag back to the golden Motown era. Breathing life into vintage funk and pop, sweetness exudes from the twinkling keyboards, bold drums, smooth bass and dynamic guitars. Co-produced, mixed and mastered by long-time collaborator Mason Le Long, the single has a mystical harmony binding listeners in a kaleidoscopic bubble of warmth.
The melody is intriguing with its comfort and contentedness, but I find Keats’ vocals the most profound. The tune represents the closed “live like the Kardashians” existence as Keats sings its narrative to “act just like the movies”. He seems in a blissful daze, like “this is what I must do” but with a calm, gentle, confident surety. No questions, no concerns, exceptional belief in the façade, making the upcoming fall from the happy bubble even more dreadful.
In addition to the single, Duke Keats released an official music video for ‘Data Machinery’. You can view the video below or on his YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Duke Keats on his Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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