• KUDOS:
* Top 40 Worldwide - 2004
* Grammy Contender - 2006
* Song Selected for MTV Sweet 16 Show - 2007
* Performed at Chicago Cultural Center - 2007
• Featured in the June 2008 Shore Magazine - circulates throughout Chicago, Michigan and Indiana. See Keenan's blog to read the article • EDUCATION:
Currently attending Front Porch Music in Valparaiso, studying keyboards, music theory and composing at the same time.
Recently Graduated from Music Industry Workshop, Chicago with a certificate in Record Producing. With Music Keenan believes that one should always be in education, there's ALWAYS something to learn. • GENRES:
Classical Jazz, Blues, Swing Jazz, Rock, Goth, Industrial, House, Dance, Progressive House, Funk, Celtic, Symphonic, Horror, Suspense, Romance, Hip Hop. Currently collaborating with a female vocalist, Masse, in classic rock and classic blues. • YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
I started composing 8 years ago at the age of 14. I recently started performing ..boards after only 2 years of lessons. I have recorded several local rock bands, and can help produce and compose extra tracks easily. I have written over 100 songs, and have 11 albums. • SOFTWARE:
Pro Tools, Vegas Video, Acid 5.0, Yamaha SE8, Digital Recording Studio • LISTEN TO ONLINE:
You can hear the variety of my songs by visiting broadjam.com and typing in my name (Keenan Baxter).
You can check out more about Keenan on his website: www.keenanbaxter.com or his myspace account: www.myspace.com/keenanbaxter where he has 26 songs you can listen to. Or his Myspace www.myspace.com/celticbeat
This Video Was Made by ValpoLife and shows Keenan's Smooth Jazz Performance at the Classy Restaurant Setting of Martini's Restaurant & Bar in Valparaiso, Indiana.
This Video Shows the Song Tapestry of Freedom by Keenan which has been used for the Funerals of Fallen Soldiers AND ALso for Homeland Security at Daniel Webster College, Kudos to Keenan for This Patriotic Song Creating Such an Emotional Response in Americans to Celebrate Their Freedom - Happy July 4th!
5 Albums:
Make Your
Heart Pound
I love music! I spend most of my time writing new songs, and practicing my existing songs. I am working on a new demo cd and just finished creating Christmas jazz which entailed taking existing Christmas songs and and making my own version of that song.
I have many influences, but who comes to mind quickly is Jim Brickman, BB King, DJ Bam Bam. I also listen to music on movies and get a great deal of new ideas from watching movies.
I also love to record, especially when I help compose the songs. Many artists have the guitar and a melody, but have no idea how to make the songs a finished sound. That's where I can come in and "finish" the song. After producing music for over 8 years, I have the experience to produce great sounding music. I also create quality NEW versions of cover songs.
Sounds Like
Keenan Baxter is a young (22 years old) but accomplished (award nominated) musician that has been composing for eight years now. Keenan's genre combined style music brings a fresh angle to several genres by fusing genre influences in creative new contexts. Keenan's multi-layered compositions have already garnered this musician positive critical attention including Keenan's song titled "1 Time" used on MTV's popular show "My Super Sweet 16."
Keenan is also the wearer of many hats, being involved in songwriting, production and, of course, performance, working every day in his studio. Keenan is actively seeking a record label to put its resources behind Keenan's eclectic talents, adding momentum to an already climbing career. Working in a variety of genres .. Hip-Hop, Dance, Techno, Adult, New Age, Trance, Goth, Celtic, Classical, Club, House AND Soundtrack .. Keenan is a promising talent whose abilities encompass multiple styles and skills.
Baxter's formidable aptitude in the world of music has already garnered him noteworthy praise. Keenan's most recent release .. ..Crave the Floor.., an album of high-energy dance tracks .. nabbed a pre-nomination for the 2006 Grammys in the Best Record and Best Album categories. The album's titular song made the grade, earning popularity in the Latino Market .. where it grabbed a slot on the LatinPool Jan 06 Dance Mix CD .. and making the charts in the United States Record Pools. ..Decent.. crashed into the Top 40 Indie Records listings on a global scale.
It's no surprise Keenan is a regular visitor in the Top 10 at IsOnLiveRadio.com AND HAS BEEN FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS.
Keenan Baxter casts a wide net artistically,.. according to a representative of A&R Select. ..Keenan is young but has already mastered a number of genres and ably weaves the elements of each, producing top notch representations of all the styles for which he is earning a name as both songwriter and performer.
In addition to his already complex and intelligent compositions recorded in his studio, Keenan brings new and interesting interpretations of his own work on stage. The live arena is where Keenan really shines, presenting his distinct flavors and improvising new layers and textures for his songs...
Baxter is continuing his experience in the music industry, having recently completed a record producing course at Music Industry Workshop in Chicago. While Keenan may work with familiar genres, he takes them in new and interesting directions which makes them difficult to find a similar artist. The "Jazz Master" for example is a Jazz - Blues - Funk song. Hopefully, Keenan hopes to branch off into film, as soon as someone gives him an opportunity!
More information is available by reading Keenan's blogs (above) or visiting the blogs on www.myspace.com/keenanbaxter
Keenan Made Ringtone of the Month with This Song:WELCOME TO THIS NEW myspace, recently created to show Keenan's composing abilities and performance music.
Keenan Baxter, Valparaiso's Grammy Contender and a known keyboard composer, piano player, and soloist. Keenan also performs and composes songs with various artists.
KEENAN's HAS ALSO ADDED A NEW Live Demo SONG - (based on the movie Jurassic Park) Check it out and add a comment!.
"Whispers of Love"and "Tapestry of Freedom" and were recently chosen for a pod show, (a very emotional, courageous and inspiring song written for the soldiers in Iraq - chosen for a radio show & also for the national military website.)
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After eight years of composing, Keenan's musical talents are truly coming out. His current audience is in the genres of jazz, blues, jazz/blues, blues/jazz, blues/funk, funk/jazz, Asian jazz, classical jazz, smooth jazz, middle eastern jazz, Celtic, dance, AND any combinations of these. Yes combinations such as - blues bass with middle eastern melody or a dance beat with middle eastern melody - just to name a few. His newest song combines Blues, Celtic and Middle Eastern . . . for Keenan, the songs and possibilities are literally endless.
“Performing ..boards allows me to sound like a full band, complete with a bass and drums,” stated Keenan. Keenan recently widened the musical horizons by recording tracks that the keyboard plays back while he is playing live keys at the same time. In a nutshell, Keenan composed over 100 songs and ten cds before the age of 21.
For the discerning ear, some of the Keenan’s musical accomplishments include songs with a 4 beat rhythm and a 3 beat melody. Some of his songs have 5 melodies that are counter-pointing at the same time. He composes new songs live on stage - cause he wants to!
The Song Titled "Irish Echoes —
Written for his St. Patrick's Day debut at Martinis, Irish Echoes is a combo of genres that Is Keenan's signature style - combining Celtic music with a Dance percussion, this song falls into the "Trance" genre. Although this song is loved by all age groups — Keenan has played this song from teens to seniors.
Song Titled "FAREWELL" —
"Farewell" a Celtic song, was created while Keenan was playing "Lord of the Rings," video game. This song illustrates the feeling of the Soldiers saying good bye to their families and loved ones. It is both happy and sad, courageous and fearful. Keenan also wrote "Farewell Reprise," which illustrates the death, destruction, sorrow and yet motivation to continue the fight the War - including sound effects of bombs going off! You can feel the smoldering fires and gloom overshadowing the battle field. Listen to this song on Keenan's broadjam account.
"TALTREE BUTTERFLIES" —
"Taltree Butterflies" was created when Keenan performed a concert at the Taltree Arboretum summer of 07. When Keenan practices for a new venue, he creates a new song - just for that venue. Knowing that nature preserve full of beauty and nature, he composed this song to match the environment.
ENGLISH MAN —
Song Titled "English Man," was created while he was performing for the Candlelight Tour out of LaPorte, Indiana in Dec. of 2006. at the infamous Orr Mansion. Keenan drew upon the surrounding architecture during Christmas time and created this song for the time period of the mansion - the late 1800s (it's also haunted).
Song Titled"WHISPERS OF LOVE" —
"Whispers of Love," is a Latino Waltz, filled with passion and surprises. This is a must listen. Keenan Composed the song for a Wedding Ceremony while playing the video game Star Wars Galaxy (SWG). The bride and groom were delighted with the song. Keenan performs this song live in various versions. Song Titled "GODFATHER DANCE" —Keenan has created several "Midevil" songs, utilizing the "gypsy keys" AKA gypsy chords he discovered on his own. His teacher at FRONT PORCH MUSIC in Valparaiso, Indiana says Keenan's "Midevil" songs sound like an 18th century Russian composer. Keenan added a modern dance beat, but the song actually sounds like an ancient Russian Polka.
Check back again for more stories of creation to be added later.
Keenan, Smooth Jazz, Blues's Friend Space (Top 13)
Saturday June 20th at The Outer Limits we are playing one night only and will be shooting 3 camera angles for our upcoming video for "Whole Lotta Waitress".
Not only do we need to make sure this bar is wall to wall packed for the good of the video, but also to show the owners that we can pack their club.
Click the link above for directions to the bar via google maps. The Outer Limits is located at:
Celtic Show! By Keenan Baxter on keyboards. This Sat., June 13th, Hear Never Before Performed New Celtic Music at 8:00pm, Outside in the Patio! McGinnis Pub & Grille, 227 W. 7th, Michigan City, walking distance from Lighthouse Place!
Stop by and hear Celtic Techno like you’ve never heard before. Music crafted from the signature song "Irish Echoes" is sure to please! Stop by for good music, good friends, and good drink! www.mcginnispub.com
Just wanted to personally invite you to come out tonight (may16) for some Techno & Goth & Middle Eastern at the Hookah Lounge 6638 W US Hwy 6, Portage, Indiana 46368, Cost: No Cover Relax and have fun at your local Hookah Lounge. Hear my never-been-heard before Techno and Gothic music. OOOOOORRRR Ask For YOUR Favorite Genre - I’ll play it! Jazz, Funk, Dance, Rave, Industrial, Trance JUST ASK! Enjoy the hot food, drinks, and wide variety of hookah. Support your local composer and musician. 10pm - 1pm.
Hi Keenan,thnx for the message,brilliant music,we'll be waiting for you in our website launching in April,do not hesitate to send us a message if you have any question regarding the launching,until then,take care my friend
Hey People! If You Like CELTIC MUSIC, stop by my OTHER MYSPACE and Friend Me! I'll keep you updated from there! Keenan Baxter NOW BOOKING CELTIC VENUES!
ALL AGES Celtic Techno Show! By Keenan Baxter on keyboards. Friday, March 13th, Hear Never Before Performed New Celtic Music ! Blue Room Café in Portage, 8:00pm at 6652 US Hwy 6, Portage, Indiana 46368 219-762-6500 Cost: $5| Stop by and hear Celtic Techno like you’ve never heard before. Music crafted from the signature song "Irish Echoes" is sure to please All Ages! Stop by for good music, good friends, and good coffee. www. brcafe. com
Hey, If you like RAVE or HOUSE Music, Check Out My Other Myspace! As a composer, I'm into more than one Genre and I have done RAVE concerts! Keenan Baxter