The Black Keys 'Ohio Players'

Akron, Ohio founded duo The Black Keys have returned with their twelfth studio album 'Ohio Players' - LISTEN HERE

The Black Keys' twelfth studio album, 'Ohio Players'—a title inspired by the legendary Dayton, Ohio, funk band of the same name—features several collaborations between band mates Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney with various friends and colleagues, like Dan “The Automator” Nakamura, Beck, Noel Gallagher, Greg Kurstin, and others.

“We had this epiphany: We can call our friends to help us make music. It’s funny because we both write songs with other people, but we got to this maturity as a band where not only can we call these friends, but we can deliver music our idols want to play on.” Carney says. Auerbach adds, “No matter who we work with, it never feels like we're sacrificing who we are. It only feels like it adds some special flavor ... But when it came time to finish the album, it was just Pat and me.”

“We were unafraid to have fun,” Auerbach says, “and dip into everything we’ve always loved”—something he and Carney do as DJs, hosting record-party nights in clubs with their favorite 45s and rare-vinyl finds. “When we’re DJ-ing, we’re playing cumbia, soul, rockabilly. It’s all over the place. When it came time to gather songs for this album, it was that spirit of tying it all together.”

“I can’t wait—I really can’t wait,” Auerbach says of The Black Keys’ tour plans for 'Ohio Players.' “I haven’t been this excited about a record in a long time. I haven’t worked this hard on one either."

“We took our time” making 'Ohio Players'," he declares. “And we got it right.”