Latch Key Kid
Miracle Mile
Alternative-roots-rock inspired by the sunsets, scenery and culture of Southern California.
Growing up in Los Angeles with two working parents, Gavin Heaney carried a house key with him to let himself in after school. The hours he spent alone were absorbed watching TV, especially classic MTV videos by Michael Jackson, Prince, Billy Idol, Madonna and many more. A deep longing to be a rock star ensued…
As he grew up, Heaney’s key started opening new doors. He taught himself to play every instrument he could get his hands on, played in various bands and opened for many of his favorite artists such as Sublime, Jack Johnson, John Cruz and The Wailers. He became an esteemed songwriter and an accomplished musician and realized that his calling was to become a solo artist. Latch Key Kid was born.
Playing the guitar, bass, piano, drums, mandolin and harmonica on his recordings, Latch Key Kid creates his own signature sound. He composes layers of melodic harmonies that provide landscapes of emotion. His intimate lyrics, warm and inviting, are accessible by all ages. His songwriting is comparable to modern day influences like Elliott Smith and Jack Johnson as well as classic songwriters such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Paul Simon.
One of Latch Key Kid’s major accomplishments has been his ability to unlock the doors of Hollywood and license his music in Film, Television and Advertising. Most notably, the single, “Good Times” was licensed for the trailer, opening credit sequence and soundtrack of the Dreamworks’ film, I Love You Man (2009). In 2008 the song “Good Times” was also licensed in Coca-Cola’s Jinx commercial that first aired during Super Bowl XLII and reached an audience of 97 million viewers. Latch Key Kid songs also appeared in Rogers Wireless (Canada) and Gottschalks Department Stores (US) commercials and on a myriad of TV shows such as The Hills (MTV), Ghost Whisperer, The Amazing Race (CBS), Men In Trees (ABC) and Road Trip Nation (PBS).
The key that has opened so many doors is still carried by Gavin Heaney and is a constant reminder of his life as the Latch Key Kid.
"Gavin Heaney is one of those prodigious songwriters who emits melodies on an almost involuntary basis. " - Easy Reader, Los Angeles
“Heaney's biggest strengths: He produces, plays multiple instruments, is stylistically diverse and Internet-savvy.” - Billboard Magazine
"Latch Key Kid puts the “good” into good times... Smart songwriting and catchy guitar hooks that are layered with groovy bass lines." - Music Connection
Folk: Progressive Folk