An Interview with Liverpool's Keyside
INTERVIEW
By Serenna Zingg
2/16/26
Courtesy of Apple Music
Liverpudlian music, in all its permutations, tends to be an easily-identifiable product of its environment: amicable, yet a bit gangly in its Scouse pride. Cilla Black, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Swinging Blue Jean, other, smaller artists from Liverpool; it’s undeniably a city of fertile artistic turf. With sonic fingerprints spanning from several generations dotting their music, Liverpool’s up-and-coming Keyside straddles the barrier between the traditional nostalgia of The La’s and the keen, sleek pep of modern independent pop styles.
Despite being a bit of a fledgling collective, their hit single “Runaway” established the band as distinct from the others soon after the band’s synthesis: the butter-smooth, festival-conscious airiness of the track style with sandy, hopped-up guitars interplay into a coasting, character-filled pop earworm.
“‘Runaway’ was actually three songs originally, but we sort of mashed them all together - to be fair it worked out alright because it’s been our most successful track.” says Parker. “It’s done the most for us and it all came from a big change in the studio.” Then, of course, there’s his rolling, lilted style animating the lyrics with a sense of lived-in immediacy. “I know, I roll my Rs a lot in the songs - it comes from Edith Piaf from France. That’s sort of an unexpected influence, and I’m not on her level yet, but I’m so inspired by her.”
While talking about influences, I had to pop the question: as assumed culture-vultures of the Liverpudlian scene (no journalist will ever have as pristine of music recommendations as almost any band, I’ve found), they emphasized the changing tide of the city’s music scene from its blaringly obvious heritage. “I’d say the foundations of The Beatles’ music could probably be heard in a lot of bands; but it’s changed drastically since the 60s.” Parker remarks. “We’ve got Red Rum Club, The Cheap Thrills, Jamie Webster. There’s quite a sway of new artists, and I think it’s no coincidence that it’s all happening at the same time.”
While they’re not carbon-copies of each other, the prevailing residue still appears to be “Working-class UK guitar music with terrace-song roots and an emphasis on crowd-driven tunes.” Undeniably, Keyside is in good company.
Undeniably early-Smiths style “Rock My Love” exhibits a strengthening cohesion from the band, as well as the knack for sticking a melody - there’s a sturdying natural confidence in their sound, yet still boyish and uninterested in cosplaying a style that they don’t inhabit. “I’m probably most happy with my part in the most recent single, ‘Rock My Love’” affirmed Parker. “I’m pretty happy with how it turned out and how my voice and the drums lock in together. That was the kind of song I needed to write before I popped my cogs (meaning kicking the ol’ bucket).”
Although their upcoming record has yet to be announced, it’s in the works. “It’s classic indie, but has more of a theme than a sound.” says Parker. “With social commentary and escapism. It’s got a bit of a concept to it. Anyway, the material from the next record is probably what I am proudest of yet! Everything is still confidential, but it will be released in 2026.”
For now, stream their first and finest EP Nikita: the slope of their growth rate shows promise for that the band could comfortably sit in the company of whirring young artists such as Phoenix and The Backseat Lovers - without, of course, fully ironing the wrinkles out of their signature Merseyside gait.
Listen to "Rock My Love"
