The Musical Biography of MSTRKRFT

Born in Toronto, Canada, Jesse F. Keeler is a man of many talents. He is best known for being a musician and producer under the stage name MSTRKRFT. This moniker is now a household name in the electronic dance music scene, particularly after the release of their hit album, The Looks. Join me on a journey to explore the musical biography of MSTRKRFT, from his early beginnings to his most famous albums and songs.

MSTRKRFT first emerged in the early 2000s, a time when electronic dance music was starting to gain popularity. Keeler started out playing bass guitar in a punk rock band called Death from Above 1979, which disbanded in 2006. This gave Keeler time to focus on his electronic project. Alongside his friend Al-P, they formed MSTRKRFT, and they released their debut album, The Looks, in 2006. The album was a huge success with singles such as Easy Love and Work on You. The album represented a new wave of electronic dance music that merged with rock music elements, which subsequently influenced other artists to follow their steps.

MSTRKRFT’s success encouraged Keeler to continue producing his music. In 2009, MSTRKRFT released their follow-up album, Fist of God. This album was another hit, thanks to singles such as Heartbreaker, which featured John Legend. Unlike The Looks, Fist of God was more dance-based, with the guitar elements taking a back seat. The album had a darker sound compared to the previous release, but it more than satisfied fans of MSTRKRFT and electronic dance music.

In 2011, MSTRKRFT made a sudden hiatus with no clear statement on why the band decided to break from the music scene. Bids on the band’s name and website sparked rumors on their possible return. The band resurfaced back in 2016, by releasing a third album titled Operator. The album retained the integrity of their previous releases by consistently delivering quality electronic dance music that shook the world like before. Nonetheless, the album left the fans wanting more from the band.

MSTRKRFT’s music is significantly identified with the Edgy, techno and indie rock sound, characterized by aggressive and robotic synthesizer sounds partnered with dance beats. It's no surprise that MSTRKRFT's music is usually played on dance floors worldwide, fulfilling the genre's popularity. They have collaborated with several popular artists like Kylie Minogue, NORE, and John Legend, who typically feature on their records, adding to the music's diversity and richness.

Jesse F. Keeler's career as MSTRKRFT has spanned over a decade, cementing them as one of the pioneers of the electronic dance music scene. His music successfully bridged the gap between rock and electronic music, setting the pace for other artists in the genre to follow suit. MSTRKRFT's music remains a fan favorite and continues to be enjoyed by many around the world. We can only hope to hear more infectious beats poring out from their studio in the future.