Why Matt DeAngelis’s ‘I’m Just The Keyboard Player’ Is the Most Relatable Song About Tour Life

Yeah, that’s right, Matt’s getting introspective, but he’s also having a damn good laugh at the whole ordeal. This is a backstage confessional from a artist who’s probably seen a hundred motel rooms that all blur into the same color of beige —performing nightly, watching the guitarist charm someone new every show, dealing with drunk fans, tired bartenders, and the persistent, nagging feeling of being secondary, despite being essential.

You know, that special life reserved for everyone who tours but doesn’t necessarily headline, who provides the glue that holds the band together without ever grabbing the spotlight. Yeah, the keyboardist: essential but rarely celebrated. And …. Matt nails it. There’s an undeniable charm to how Matt navigates these waters, mixing cynicism and sincerity effortlessly. The lyrics are blunt, funny, but somehow tender at the core.

“I’m just the keyboard player, by God, I ain’t no mayor”—there it is, the genius in simplicity, giving the track the comedic yet slightly tragic flavor that keeps it addictive. Matt’s voice carries a weight, an emotional heft that grounds the humor. He’s floating above these piano chords, cruising over melodies that carry a classic vibe—I’m getting serious Billy Joel meets Queen vibes here. Is it too much to say this track could’ve been “Keyboard Player’s Rhapsody”? Nah, it absolutely fits.

Is this single better than “For Better”? Honestly, that’s a tough call—I loved the energy of the previous track. But “I’m Just The Keyboard Player” is impressive for completely different reasons. It shows Matt’s versatility, his ability to switch vibes effortlessly.

“I’m Just The Keyboard Player” does what great music often does best—it makes you laugh, makes you think, and leaves you feeling understood. Matt DeAngelis knows exactly what he’s doing here, crafting a tune that’s clever, bittersweet, and ultimately unforgettable.


Michael Filip Reed Avatar