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Artist
The J. Arthur Keenes Band
12+ albums
chiptune8-bitbitpopelectronicalternative
about
The J. Arthur Keenes Band is the project of multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Dan McLay from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. McLay is known for combining vocals, guitar, and an expansive and eclectic variety of instruments with chiptune programming, lo-fi electronics, and influences ranging from '60s pop to reggae. McLay first began posting songs to chipmusic community 8bitcollective in 2006, and later released his debut EP, Pamplemousse, on Pause on October 28, 2009. Written and recorded while still in high school, the EP was warmly received and praised by many of the chipmusic community’s most well-known members. Its follow-up, Computer Savvy, was released by 8bitpeoples a year and a half later on May 31, 2011. The EP contained reworked versions of older 8bitcollective songs alongside new material, and heavily expanded upon and refined Pamplemousse's sonic palette. A third EP, The World's Smallest Violin, followed on August 18, 2012, and marked a massive shift in sound for the project. It featured a lesser emphasis on chiptune elements and a greater focus on McLay's vocals and lyricism, and eschewed his past reggae and ska influences entirely in favor of a more delicately-arranged, ‘60s pop-inspired sound. McLay's first full-length, entitled Mighty Social Lion, was similarly self-released on August 10, 2013. It expanded upon TWSV's sound with more intricate arrangements, psychedelic textures, and the inclusion of live drums. The LP was preceded by a single, “Congratu
