Bum Ticker is a project created by multi-instrumentalist musician and producer Phil Keller. Before starting Bum Ticker, Keller spent years performing with various acts in the vibrant underground music scene of Detroit, Michigan. These years proved to be valuable experience, teaching Keller how to fluidly move between a variety of genres and instruments in order to suit nearly any sound. Ultimately, Keller was unsatisfied solely with supporting others’ music projects and started Bum Ticker in 2022 as a vehicle to express his personal vision.

While Bum Ticker draws from Detroit’s rich music history and bears some sonic resemblance to acts like The Strokes or Mac Demarco, Bum Ticker’s music remains unconventional. Bum Ticker’s debut release, People Pleaser EP, consists of five songs with meticulous and minimal instrumentation, personal lyrics, and linear and non-repetitive song structures that continue to surprise the listener. As a result, the People Pleaser EP is consistently catchy and familiar while maintaining an innovative sound and identity.

Bum Ticker is truly a DIY passion project and vision of Phil Keller, who writes, performs, produces, tracks, mixes and masters all of Bum Ticker’s music.