Ottawa’s live music scene thrives on bands that can lift a room, and The Keystrings have become one of the city’s most reliable draws. Known for high-energy covers that span the 70s, 80s, 90s and modern rock, the five-piece has built a reputation rooted in tight musicianship, natural chemistry and setlists that consistently fill dancefloors in local venues, breweries and summer festivals. Alongside their covers, the group has been steadily developing original music that reflects years of playing together and learning each other’s instincts. What began as a small duo project has grown into a band with a clear identity and a growing catalogue that blends familiarity with a sound that feels distinctly their own.
The story begins in 2012, when pianist Jill and songwriter Dan formed a duo with the goal of gaining experience onstage. It was a leap, especially for Jill, who had never sung publicly before. “It all started with Dan and I forming a duo to play covers and cut our teeth on performing,” she says. “We started writing songs together almost right away.” Their writing process quickly took shape. Dan would bring an idea, Jill would help refine it, and the two would shape the piece collaboratively. Within a short time, they realized they wanted to expand their sound, and a chance encounter with guitarist Todd during a live performance completed the early formation. “We got together and jammed, and it instantly felt right,” Jill says.
Before joining forces, each member came from a different musical path. Todd had long been part of the Ottawa scene, performing in and out of various groups before taking a short break. The Keystrings reignited his spark. “The freedom to experiment on stage really rejuvenated me,” he says. Jill, who grew up playing classical music, only fell in love with live performance after meeting Dan. “When we got to start actually playing live music and making fans, that is when my inspiration to sing and write took off.” Dan had been writing poetry and songs since high school but only gained confidence after years of open mic nights around the city. “Ottawa is a great town for building a stage presence. The people were forgiving and appreciative,” he says.
Over time, their wide musical tastes shaped the band’s eclectic identity. “We started out in jam bands and as a cover band, so naturally that bleeds into our writing,” Dan explains. Todd credits the grind of Ottawa’s music corridors, from Rideau Street to Preston, for sharpening their performance style. Jill describes their journey through bigger venues, festivals and milestones as motivation to keep evolving. Today, The Keystrings see a Bluesfest main stage appearance as the top item on their musical bucket list.
Relationships have been central to the band’s growth. For Jill and Dan, who share both a marriage and a creative partnership, making music together has deepened their connection. “The joy of finishing a gig and taking the car ride home to discuss everything we did not get to talk about on stage is really a joy,” Dan says. Todd notes that collaborations with close friends, including drummer Jeff Cameron and producer Gene Charbonneau, have helped shape their identity.
Their songwriting process remains anchored in Dan’s initial concepts, which the band then develops collectively. Recently, Dan experienced a shift in his guitar playing that inspired him to rewrite their upcoming album. “We believe the music will be more thoughtful and more intuitive,” he says. Jill confirms that the new material has already taken on a fresh energy.
One of their most memorable creative moments unfolded far from Ottawa, on a beach in New Brunswick. Dan and Jill had been building a long-term duo project called Kiss Me I Love You, inspired by their life together. During a cottage stay, inspiration struck suddenly. “Dan comes running in and scoops up his recording gear and says meet me on the beach, I just wrote us a song,” Jill recalls. They recorded the entire track, later titled Forever Home, in a single afternoon before the tide came in. “It was pretty amazing to see Dan commit to the idea. It was an awesome music milestone.”
As performers, the band keeps their mission simple. “Get people moving and having a good time,” Todd says. Dan offers his own tongue-in-cheek version. “We
came to entertain, and if you are not entertained…well… (laughs). I’m kidding, but I hope you have a good time because we definitely are.”
Looking ahead, The Keystrings are preparing to release the reworked Out of the Woodwork album while continuing to expand their duo project. They plan to tour more widely, with upcoming East Coast dates already booked, and have submitted applications for Bluesfest and CityFolk. As for their place in Ottawa’s music landscape, Dan puts it plainly. “We would love to be a household name in Ottawa and represent the 613.”
Even with their momentum, the band has not forgotten its roots. Jill encourages new artists to perform live as often as possible. Todd advises musicians to lean into the influences of their collaborators. Dan keeps it simple. “You are fine, you got this.” And together, The Keystrings offer the advice that has shaped their own rise. “Show up, be humble, meet people, and play as much as you can. You will not be amazing sitting at home.”
Stream The Keystrings music on Spotify and follow the band’s social links for their upcoming live performances:
