Biography
Keeler started off playing in a number of different Toronto based pop punk outfits, his best known early project being Black Cat #13. They toured with The Locust and released several, now collectible, 7" records. Once Black Cat split, he formed his own 7-piece music project, Femme Fatale. Keeler recorded all 3 of the released EPs himself, which were produced by longtime friend Al Puodziukas, with whom he would later go on to form MSTRKRFT.
In 2001, Keeler had recorded three bass and drum instrumental demos which he showed roommate Sebastien Grainger, who then expressed a desire to sing on them. After trying to find a drummer with no luck, Grainger tried singing and drumming at the same time, the result of which became Death from Above 1979.
After touring extensively for 4 years with Death From Above 1979, the band took time off. In this time Keeler finished building MSTRKRFT studios in East York, Toronto, and started MSTRKRFT alongside producer Al-P. On August 4, 2006, Keeler officially announced Death From Above 1979's breakup via their website, at which point he admitted the breakup had actually happened a year prior. Since then, MSTRKRFT as well as solo production and DJing as JFK have been Keeler's full-time occupation.
Working with more indie and disco influenced ideas on their first album The Looks, MSTRKRFT gradually introduced more Hip Hop and R&B influence leading to the Fist of God LP. They have performed at many major music festivals around the world, and have amassed a dedicated group of hardcore fans.
At present, Keeler and Al-P are touring as MSTRKRFT, doing select remixes and are working on their third LP.
On February 5, 2011, it was officially announced via the Death From Above 1979 website that the band would be reforming to play the Coachella Festival. It is currently unknown whether this reunion will include releasing of new material or is long term, although the number of shows the band are due to play frequently increases.
In 2011, Keeler produced and composed tracks for the Mortal Kombat reboot.
Read more about this topic: Jesse F. Keeler
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