On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the duo behind one of 2026’s most compelling new projects, Ninth Key, joined Loudwire Nights to discuss their rapid ascent and the creative spark that brought them together. Comprised of independent hip-hop artist Ekoh and singer-songwriter Lo Spirit (Joshua Landry), the band has quickly become a standout in the modern rock landscape.
For both artists, Ninth Key represents more than just a musical partnership; it is a sanctuary from the exhaustion of the music industry. Landry, who spent years producing for others and navigating the highs and lows of a solo career, noted that the project arrived at a pivotal moment. “I feel like in a serendipitous way, we sort of saved each other from the loony bin in this business,” Landry shared with host Chuck Armstrong.
A Creative Partnership Born from Mutual Respect
The collaboration began when Landry reached out to Ekoh to work on a cover, a move that eventually led to a deeper creative bond. Ekoh, a long-time admirer of Landry’s vocal ability and songwriting, was eager to join forces. “I was a fan of Josh for everything that he was doing,” Ekoh explained. “I’d seen him online and loved his voice. I didn’t know that he was a writer as well and then once I found that out… I was just like, ‘Oh, this guy’s absolutely incredible.'”
This synergy has translated into a sound that resonates deeply with fans of nu-metal. Their track, “Happy Feels Like,” has maintained a strong presence on the rock radio charts for 20 weeks, and the duo is set to support the 2027 Rise of the Roach tour alongside Papa Roach and Ice Nine Kills.
Looking Ahead: The Debut Album
The band is currently sitting on a collection of 13 tracks for their debut full-length album, each treated with the care of a lead single. While they remain independent and are keeping the release date under wraps, the excitement surrounding the project is palpable. “We were just writing songs and so every song, to us, is basically a single,” Landry said.
For Ekoh, the stakes are personal. “If this doesn’t do anything, I quit,” he admitted. “To me, this is the shit. This is the coolest thing… I’ve been excited about it since day one.”
Ninth Key joined Loudwire Nights on Tuesday, Nov. 3. You can tune in live every weeknight at 7PM ET or listen to the full interview on-demand via Apple and Spotify.
