The Black Keys' twelfth studio album, Ohio Playersâa title inspired by the legendary Dayton, Ohio, funk band of the same nameâfeatures several collaborations between band mates Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney with various friends and colleagues, like Dan âThe Automatorâ Nakamura, Beck, Noel Gallagher, Greg Kurstin, and others. âWe had this epiphany: âWe can call our friends to help us make music,â" Carney says. Auerbach adds, âNo matter who we work with, it never feels like we're sacrificing who we are. It only feels like it adds some special flavor ... But when it came time to finish the album, it was just Pat and me.â