• 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.
• 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.
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 local bands and hearing local band perform, especially if they have original music, or create quality 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
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 and soloist is now performing and composing new songs with a female vocalist, Masse. Masse has been singing all of her life and has performed with a couple of bands before running into Keenan. They are preparing a new single titled "Away" which you will hear at these performances listed above They are also preparing classic rock cover songs for your enjoyment in addition to some more originals.
KEENAN's HAS ALSO ADDED TWO NEW SONGS - "HOT OR NOT" (Progressive Rock) AND "WALKING DOWN CHINA TOWN," (Arena Rock) Check it out and add a comment!.
"Tapestry of Freedom," was recently chosen for a pod show, and is also very timely for the Celebration of July 4th (a very emotional, courageous and inspiring song written for the soldiers in Iraq - chosen for a radio show & also for the national military website.)
..
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.
"TALLTREE BUTTERFLIES" —
"Taltree Butterflies" was created when Keenan performed a concert at the Talltree Arboretum in the summer of 2007. Everytime Keenan is practicing 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, Classical Jazz, Blues's Friend Space (Top 16)
Thanks I loved your stage show too. It was a pleasure to watch. Thought you did a great job on those keys. And loved her vocials. I will get back to you with the details for the loop fest. Can't wait to hear you again.
KEENAN, "AWAY" IS A VERY NICE SONG. THE VOCALS BRING OUT YOUR MUSIC GREAT. YOU AND MASSE SEEM TO BLEND VERY WELL TOGETHER. I HOPE YOUR COLLABORATION OPENS MANY MORE DOORS. YOUR TALENT SHOULD BE HEARD! ALICIA
Smooth Jazz musician, Keenan Baxter Keenan & Masse performing This Friday Juy 25th at 4:30 at Pieorgi Fest, Right Before the Parade, next to the Beer Tent in front of City Hall!
Greetings from the rock and roll hall of fame city: Cleveland OH
Thanks for the add,great stuff, btw! I am a blues/jazz/rock musician, currently #1 in Jazz and #2 in Blues for the state of OH, and looking to climb. Please check out my mp3s and comment/rate them if you like
Keenan Baxter Stop by the Green Olive on Friday June 13th for Friday After Work and Hear Smooth Jazz by Keenan Baxter from 4:30-6:30, Chicago’s South East Side, 13501 S. Avenue N, Chicago, Il 60633, Hegewisch Neighborhood, 773-646-6200.
hey I'm djing at the "Sahara Lounge" in Michigan City MAy 31st. Come out and slide me your cd and maybe I can spin some of your beats. I'm digging the music and keep bringing it!
Keenan, I got to view the article in the June "Shore Magazine, it was real nice. I hope you have a great week! I saw Mario Moreno a couple weeeks ago, I hope things are coming along great. Take care, Alicia
Thanks so much for your friendship, John
