Exploring the Creative Journey of Casey Keyworth aka Breakfast: Music, Technology and Beyond

From humble beginnings in Maryland to stages across the world, Casey Keyworth aka DJ Breakfast has carved out a reputation as one of electronic music’s most inventive and enduring names. Known for his cinematic soundscapes, meticulous production, and ability to connect emotion with energy, Breakfast has spent nearly two decades shaping trance, progressive, and EDM with equal parts precision and passion. This blog explores his journey, from early inspirations and global recognition to launching his own label, pioneering digital platforms, and now offering services in music consulting, mixing, and production.

Casey Keyworth

3/8/20257 min read

group of people gathering on part
group of people gathering on part

Like the Most Important Meal of the Day, DJ Breakfast Can’t Be Ignored

Early Inspiration: A Radio Signal That Changed Everything

Casey Keyworth, better known to the dance music world as Breakfast, discovered electronic music by chance as a child. Growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, Casey tuned into late-night broadcasts on 99.1 WHFS, where he first heard live sets from Washington D.C. clubs. When Daft Punk’s Around the World cut through the airwaves, he knew he had found something extraordinary. That single moment planted the seed for a lifelong pursuit of sound design, rhythm, and euphoric melody. In search of how to make the extremely unique sounds of Daft Punk, Casey stumbled upon MTV Music Generator at age 9. He began learning the basics of music production on his Sony Playstation, where he would load up the MTV Music Generator disc and let his creativity go wild.

Discovering Trance and Musical Nourishment

Not long after, Casey encountered BT’s Dreaming, where an MP3 version was included on his new Gateway PC. This opened a new world of lush, emotional trance music. For Casey, it felt like the next step up from Daft Punk’s futuristic beats. At 14 years old, with a modest home studio centered on a Yamaha CS6X synthesizer, Casey started producing music every morning before school. Instead of eating breakfast, he made music—fueling his spirit. That daily ritual inspired the alias Breakfast, symbolizing creativity as his first meal of the day.

A Chance Meeting with Ferry Corsten

By 17, Casey’s productions had matured into a distinctive sound blending deep textures and cinematic build-ups. In 2006, a pivotal night arrived when he attended Ferry Corsten’s performance in Washington D.C. Too young to enter alone, Casey went with his mother—and managed to hand Ferry a CD with nine original tracks. On his 18th birthday, Ferry called: Breakfast was signed to Flashover Recordings. His debut single The Air Between marked the start of an international career.

Living the Dream on Flashover

Ferry Corsten quickly recognized Breakfast’s potential, not only releasing his music but also inviting him on tour as his supporting DJ. Tracks like The Horizon and The Sunlight cemented his reputation, with Ferry including them on compilation albums and landing in top DJ's biggest setlists. Corsten himself cited Breakfast’s Remember as his “Tune of 2009.” For Casey, it was a validation of years of persistence, proving that his unique voice in trance could resonate globally.

Launching Moodymoon: A Sub-Label of Exploration

As his artistry grew, Casey launched Moodymoon, a Flashover sub-label dedicated to deeper progressive sounds. This platform allowed him to explore beyond mainstage trance while giving opportunities to rising talents. Supported by global icons such as Above & Beyond, Armin van Buuren, and Sander van Doorn, Moodymoon quickly became a respected outlet for forward-thinking releases. For Casey, it was a chance to push the envelope while nurturing a new wave of producers.

A Distinctive Sound of Crafted Precision

Breakfast’s music has always stood apart for its layered tension and cinematic beauty. His productions balance dancefloor energy with emotional resonance, avoiding overindulgence in favor of carefully measured impact. Tracks like Dancing In The Moonlight and his remix of DJ Eco's Lost Angeles showcase his ability to merge subtle elegance with driving rhythm. Whether evoking sunsets or autumn landscapes, his sound paints pictures in motion.

Recognition from the World’s Top DJs

Breakfast’s catalog found support from the most respected DJs in the world. Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, ATB, Markus Schulz, Paul Van Dyk and BT all championed his tracks, with BT even commissioning Breakfast for a remix of The Unbreakable, while Above & Beyond brought him on for a remix of their track Buzz on Anjunabeats. Tiësto featured Remember and The Horizon during his Elements of Life tour, further amplifying Breakfast’s global reach. For a young artist from the United States, sharing stages and recognition with these international luminaries was a dream realized.

Touring the Globe

From being the youngest artist to ever play at Dance Valley in Amsterdam to A State of Trance 450 in New York, Casey’s performances spanned continents. He supported Ferry Corsten on countless dates and headlined stages across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Clubs like Zouk Singapore, Gatecrasher Sydney, and Webster Hall New York became regular stops. For DJ Breakfast, touring was as much about connecting with fans as it was about delivering high-energy sets.

Reputation as a Master Remixer

Breakfast became one of the most in-demand remixers of his era. His reimagining of tracks by Above & Beyond, Ferry Corsten, Naden, The Thrillseekers, Saints & Sinners, Smith & Pledger, Dubfire, Matt Lange and Andrew Bayer showcased his versatility and adaptability to new styles. Each remix carried his unmistakable touch—balancing dancefloor firepower with lush atmospherics. Few producers earned praise as consistently from peers and fans alike, with Above & Beyond describing Breakfast as one of the rare producers with a "great new sound so perfectly formed," adding that "few producers have such a distinctive style and produce hit after hit."

Innovating with Free Mixtapes and Digital Platforms

Never afraid to experiment, Casey launched BreakfastExclusive.com in 2010. The site hosted exclusive tracks, mixtapes, and curated talent, quickly gaining over 100,000 visitors. His mixtape series became a fan favorite, blending unreleased originals with cutting-edge selections from the global trance scene. This digital-first approach showcased his entrepreneurial side, long before streaming dominated the industry.

The Evolution into New Genres

In the 2010s, Casey launched a fresh project: BRKFST. With tracks like Raze and You Are, he expanded into modern EDM, drawing praise from industry voices like Universal Music Group’s Leo Rodgers and songwriters such as April Bender. This project fused his trance roots with new stylistic directions, reflecting both his evolution as an artist and his refusal to be confined to one genre.

Collaborations and Cross-Genre Experimentation

Throughout his career, Casey collaborated with artists like DJ Eco, Marcus Schossow, and Andrew Bayer. His willingness to remix diverse acts—from progressive pioneers to dance legends—proved his adaptability. Each project expanded his skill set, enabling him to navigate the evolving sound of dance music while retaining his identity.

EDM Recordings: A Label for the Next Generation of Sound

Founded by Casey Keyworth (Breakfast), EDM Recordings is more than just a record label — it’s a creative hub for emerging and established talent across the electronic music spectrum. With a focus on high-quality production, innovative artistry, and global distribution, the label has built a catalog reaching millions of streams worldwide. From guiding artists through release strategy to curating a forward-thinking sound that balances underground edge with mainstream appeal, EDM Recordings is dedicated to amplifying voices that push the boundaries of dance music and shaping the future of the scene.

Continuing Influence and Fan Devotion

Fans worldwide still regard Breakfast as a pioneer. Messages of gratitude, describing his music as “addictive and emotional” or “the most awesome music I’ve heard in a while,” continue to pour in. For many, his tracks were the soundtrack to pivotal moments of their lives. That enduring connection underscores his legacy as more than just a producer—he is a storyteller through sound.

Consulting: Sharing Industry Wisdom

Today, Casey offers music business consulting services, helping emerging artists navigate contracts, branding, and distribution. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of breaking into the industry, he now guides others with practical insights. His consulting bridges creativity with strategy, giving artists the tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive space.

Mixing and Mastering Services

In addition to consulting, Casey provides professional mixing and mastering services. With years of experience producing tracks that resonated with the world’s biggest DJs, he knows how to polish music for maximum impact. His ear for balance, tension, and clarity ensures that client tracks meet industry standards without losing artistic integrity.

Music Production for Artists and Brands

Beyond technical services, Casey continues producing original tracks and collaborations. He also works with brands and media projects seeking high-quality, emotionally engaging music. His experience crafting both club anthems and cinematic soundscapes makes him a versatile partner for any creative endeavor.

The Complete Breakfast Catalog

Fans and collectors can now purchase the entire Breakfast catalog directly from his website. This includes his classic releases, rare remixes, and hidden gems spanning over a decade. For long-time followers and new listeners alike, it’s an opportunity to own a piece of trance history curated by the artist himself.

The Artist’s Philosophy: Trust in the Sound

For Casey, music has always been about trust—trusting his instincts, trusting the process, and trusting the connection between artist and audience. His career reflects a journey of innovation and resilience, proving that authenticity can cut through an oversaturated market.

Looking Toward the Future

With his latest projects, consulting, and production services, Casey continues to push boundaries. Whether mentoring the next generation of producers like Naden or delivering powerful mixes, his focus remains on creating art that resonates deeply. The same curiosity that began with a late-night radio signal still drives him today.

A Lasting Legacy in Trance and Beyond

Casey Keyworth, aka Breakfast, is more than just a DJ or producer. He is a craftsman of sound, a mentor, and a visionary. From underground beginnings to global stages, his journey proves that with passion, persistence, and originality, one can leave an indelible mark on the music industry. And like the most important meal of the day, Breakfast is something you simply can’t ignore.

Visit DJ Breakfast at the links below

https://www.djbreakfast.com
https://www.soundcloud.com/cookbreakfast
https://www.instagram.com/cookbreakfast
https://www.facebook.com/cookbreakfast

About the Author

Casey Keyworth is a seasoned music industry professional with over 15 years of experience spanning performance, production, and label management. From his early success as an internationally touring DJ and producer signed to powerhouse labels like Armada, Anjunabeats, and Flashover, to founding EDM Recordings, Casey has built a career at the intersection of creativity and business. His journey has taken him from festival stages and global tours to the behind-the-scenes work of artist development, music distribution, and strategic promotion.

With a deep understanding of both the artistic and operational sides of the industry, Casey has earned a reputation as a trusted partner to artists, labels, and collaborators worldwide. His focus on fair treatment, creative freedom, and forward-thinking distribution models ensures that EDM Recordings provides a platform where talent can thrive and careers can grow.