Curt Keyz

Curt Keyz, born Curtis Hayes, hails from the tight-knit town of Great Falls, South Carolina. In 2011, he began studying piano at Winthrop University, but left soon after to pursue his music career—a choice that launched a journey of passion, purpose, and creative impact.

Now based in Charlotte, NC, Curt has grown into a powerhouse of artistic expression, wearing many hats as a Stellar Award-winning songwriter, producer, vocalist, and seasoned performer. In 2019, Curt earned a Stellar Award for his work on “Keep Pushin’” by Keith Wonderboy Johnson (Spirit/SRT/Shanachie), which won Category #12: Traditional Group/Duo of the Year. A year earlier, his debut album Love or The Lack Thereof climbed into the Top 75 on Amazon Music, marking a key breakthrough in his solo career.

His 2021 follow-up album Curt(Is) was praised by Grammy-nominated artist Eric Roberson and acclaimed producer Dana Johnson, further establishing Curt as a respected figure in modern soul. In 2024, Curt co-produced “Caged Bird” by Leon Timbo and wrote/performed the single “Spend the Night” by Marcus Anderson, saxophonist for Prince.

Curt’s music has also found a home in TV and film, with his original track “Saturn Love x BRAVE” featured on OWN, and his song “They Know” placed in Season 1 of BET+’s “Diarra in Detroit.”

From 2014 to 2020, Curt toured nationally with gospel group Darrel McFadden & The Disciples, and in 2025, joined Grammy Award-winning artist Avery*Sunshine on tour. His live performances have headlined Charlotte SHOUT! (2023), sold out Evening Muse (including his 2022 The Big Picture live recording), and earned him spots at festivals like Confluence (2023), Boom Festival (2020), FTS Fest (with Keke Wyatt and The Ton3s), and NC State’s Packapalooza.

Curt’s upcoming projects include a short film-driven EP What About Bob, a live album The Big Picture (releasing Nov. 11, 2025), and a holiday release Christmas With Curt (October 2025).

At his core, Curt Keyz creates to move people—spiritually, emotionally, and rhythmically. His sound blends nostalgic soul with modern storytelling, delivered with honesty, intentionality, and Southern charm.