Patrick Watson:Voice-led musicianshipwith KeyLab 88 mk3 & KeyStep Pro
Patrick Watson, a singer-songwriter and composer from Montreal, has forged a distinctive musical identity that fuses intimate vocals with elements of indie, orchestral, and electronic production. From humble beginnings singing in a 40-person church to scoring films and performing on international stages, Patrick’s commitment to expressive storytelling continues to inform his approach to composition and performance.
We had the opportunity to learn more about his creative process and go behind the scenes at a former 19th century cardboard factory for an expressive live performance with KeyLab 88 mk3 and KeyStep Pro Chroma.
From small-town choir to orchestral innovation
Born and raised in a tight-knit community outside Montreal, Patrick’s first experiences performing involved singing at funerals and weddings. “So I guess I started music from that philosophy…someone’s dying and you need to help them get through it or someone’s getting married, and you’re part of that moment in life,” he recalls. From there, his journey took shape almost by accident - teenage ska bands, formal studies in arranging and production, and a growing fascination with unorthodox recording techniques.
Watson’s major career breakthrough arrived with his Polaris Prize-winning album Close to Paradise, a bold fusion of indie pop and subtle experimentation. Multiple albums later - Wooden Arms, Adventures in Your Own Backyard, Love Songs for Robots, and Wave - he continues to push boundaries, meshing ambient electronics, processed piano, and heartfelt vocals to craft personal and immersive works.
I feel like there was no real other choice for me… it just kind of unfolded.
Experimental workflow
Behind Watson’s disarmingly lyrical songs lies a creative process that embraces experimentation, modular synthesis, and an open-ended approach. In his studio, it’s about capturing the unexpected moments, layering raw piano recordings with unpredictable textures, and letting each piece evolve organically. He calls it “throwing paint at the wall,” then refining and editing the best parts.
Beyond the gear, Watson emphasizes the importance of musical decision-making - specifically voice leading - as the subtle but vital craft that separates good music from great. Whether sketching a piano motif or shaping arrangements, it's about focusing on how melodies and harmonies interact in motion. For him, true expression lies in those small internal movements, not just technical skill.
The difference between good music and great music… it’s not that they’re playing a lot of notes, it’s just that the notes they’re playing—the decision-making—is voice leading. It’s like how the melody interacts with the chords and how all the notes are moving together. That’s the difference. It’s not the notes. It’s not how good they are. It’s not how fast they play.
From studio to stage
Translating his experiments to the stage requires an approach that’s both adventurous and accessible. He believes in an intimate connection with the audience - singing, improvising, turning knobs, and avoiding menu-diving. From his perspective, anything that keeps him from feeling fully present in the moment is a distraction. “If I’m behind a laptop, it might break that connection,” he notes, preferring hands-on gear that allows him to sing, improvise, and tweak patches in the moment.
Enter KeyLab 88 mk3
As someone who appreciates the feel of a real piano but needs to operate multiple sounds on stage, Watson found KeyLab 88 mk3 to be an ideal match. Boasting a fully-weighted Fatar TP/110 hammer-action keybed with aftertouch, it captures the subtleties of an acoustic piano while integrating seamlessly with a hybrid rig.
Real piano feel:
With a fully-weighted keybed mirroring the dynamics of an acoustic instrument, KeyLab 88 mk3 supports everything from delicate pianissimo lines to resonant chords without compromise.
Pad sensitivity & hands-on control:
A streamlined interface and responsive drum pads mean you can quickly map out beats and trigger samples in the heat of the moment. Rather than navigating cumbersome menus, he stays connected to the music with immediate control.
Layering & expression:
By combining multiple piano samples, granular synth textures, and even modular elements in one session, Watson relies on KeyLab 88 mk3 and KeyStep Pro’s flexible control layout to stay organized. He smoothly toggles layers, activates random electronic flourishes, and shapes evolving soundscapes without sacrificing spontaneity.
Beyond the KeyLab 88, Watson also relies on KeyStep Pro to manage bass lines, melodic parts, and swirling transitions and effects within his modular system. He uses it not only as a reliable sequencer but also as an intuitive bridge between performance and electronic improvisation.
It’s my favorite sequencer. I’ve tried a lot of sequencers. There’s a certain workflow to it that is unbeatable.
“For me, it’s about keeping that sense of discovery alive—and if the tools can help me do that more directly, then it all just clicks.”
Looking ahead
With a full slate of projects and more live shows ahead, Patrick’s determination to blur genre lines is as strong as ever. Whether he’s improvising hushed ballads or diving into modular noise, his music aims to bridge the gap between experimentation and melodic depth. Supported by KeyLab 88 mk3’s expressive design, he has the flexibility to let his ideas unfold in any direction, and the workflow to stay focused in any setting.
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