The New Deal is a three-piece electronic band formed in 1998 in
Toronto,
Ontario,
Canada. With a
drummer (Darren Shearer),
bass guitarist (Dan Kurtz, now playing with
Dragonette), and
keyboard player (
Jamie Shields), the music incorporates many elements of modern
electronica, which they have branded live progressive breakbeat
house. The band formed in 1998 after a friendly, impromptu jam session they had at the Toronto venue the Comfort Zone. Upon listening to a recording of the show, they were transfixed by how much it sounded like a DJ mix. They subsequently released the jam session as their first album,
This Is Live.