Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyslayer Rokz
Hi KeySlayer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
KeySlayer™ is a winner of the Liberace Crystal Piano Trophy, Catch a Rising Star, Catch a Rising Super Star, Got Talent San Diego and a Finalist on America’s Got Talent including a national TV appearance in the show’s promo. He has performed in concert with Liberace’s world famous 9 foot Mirrored Grand Piano and Elton John’s RED PIANO. KeySlayer has the honor of performing for Governor Schwarzenegger, Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney, Presidential Candidate Marco Rubio, Presidential Candidate Rick Perry and Vice Presidential Candidate Jack Kemp. This list includes Secretary of State (Under President Regan) George Schultz, Congressmen including Darrell Issa, Congresswomen , City Council Members and Mayors. Many celebrities have heard KeySlayer’s unusally bold talent. Most notably, Neil Diamond which included a personal meeting.
CDs of his own compositions have been played on the United States Air Force One Fleet and appeared globally via cable/internet radio, local TV and Radio, KeySlayer has performed for the San Diego Chargers, San Diego Padres and the San Diego Blood Bank. In addition, the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops opening for Burt Bacharach, Melissa Manchester, Marvin Hamlisch, Michael Feinstein, Neil Sedaka and others.
KeySlayer™ was formally trained by his Piano Teacher Mother, beginning at age 6. Preiodically, she sent him to other Piano Teachers for emotional growth and technique enhancements. As a result, he has an advanced musical education which includes performance, sight reading, composition, musical score notation and musical director abilities. Instruments: PIano, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Organ, Pipe Organ, Drum set and Percussion. Applied to Marching Band, Orchestra, Rock bands, Jazz bands, Latin bands etc…Junior High School, High School, College Scholarships and as a Professional Musician.
KeySlayer has made a fulltime living as a musician-entertainer. He is currently rebuilding his post shut-down career seeking an Agency/Managment company. Multiple albums are in the works to showcase a higher level of his extraordinary musical talent. KeySlayer’s next level goals include leaving the local scene and performing in concert for a living. Eventually gaining popularity for his own compositions finding performance respect like his favorite Pianist, the great Vladimir Horowitz. (1903-1989)
TV INTERVIEW (Transcribed audio)
10 News digital correspondent, Kim Edwards caught him center stage recently and brings us the man behind the moniker…If this reminds you of a certain flashy piano player…that’s a good thing. KeySlayer would love to take his playing, to the Liberace level. “This is very competitve because there are many pianists trying to do what I’m doing, still, to think they’re the next Liberace type performer.” His stats are pretty impressive he can play 7 hours straight without repeating a single song. Taught by his classically trained and dedicated mother. In the late 90s, KeySlayer couldn’t buy a gig. That’s when Lady luck stepped in. He won the Liberace contest. “I played the Great Balls of Fire thing, and turned around and the audience went crazy. They went to their feet and started to rush me and surrounded me.” And started a turn around. Elton John’s Red Piano toured the country and guess who played it in San Diego? So, yes when he’s center stage he’s channeling Liberace and all the other Legends who went before him. Kim Edwards 10 News live. (San Diego)
Anchor Carol Lebeau: Wow, bravo! That’s amazing! LeAnne, you play the piano. Can you do that? Anchor LeAnne: No, cannot do that.
A dazzling performer, KeySlayer brings a blend of Classical and Rock which he has dubbed “PianoRok” with an unexpected must see in live performance, his “Bench kick”, “Spin” and trademark “Bun-Run”.
KeySlayer, Slayin’ Those 88s!
Current local appearances: Rei do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse & Seafood (20 years) Thrus & Fri 6PM to 9PM
Live in Concert monthly: Seaport Village at the San Diego waterfront.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Post shut-down audiences react differently to live music. Technology on the small screen is consuming the audience. Nowadays, musical success is more often influenced when the audience is exposed for a longer period than usual. The great pianist, Liberace once said, “You’re slow, but you’re worth waiting for!” He didn’t compete with personal devices! The biggest challenge along the way is breaking stereotypes. There are many music industry types and audiences that see a Pianist as a lounge lizard. All too often, a pianist is equated with someone’s memory of playing the piano at their Grandmother’s house. When I get on stage, the difference is clear. My performances are energetic, exciting and fun. Creating a unique musical arrangement for each selection along with medleys is an audience favorite and a standard in entertainment. There have been times in competitions and contests when I kept quiet about my musical intentions. That allows me to sneak up on the audience and give them a KeySlayer performance! Another challenge is finding a good piano locally or on the road. If you’re lucky enough to play concerts, you’ll encounter pianos that are maintained. I also use my own Digital Piano. This creates more travel ready work opportunities due to portability. My Digital Piano is hand picked just like a guitarist would select a new guitar. An interesting challenge was taking on political gigs. Until the crowd got used to me as the musical cheerleader for keynote speakers and an event musician, someone asked, “What are you doing here?” They assumed that I was a Hollywood type.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Practice, Practice and more Practice! Breaking the stereotypical Solo Pianist expectations by song selection, genre and technique. Plus costumes! My slogan, “Slayin’ Those 88s!” is the message. It does create curiosity and ultimately, audience validation. “Slayin’ Those 88s!” is a combination of classical piano & rock keyboard technique. Inserted into piano favorites, classical, rock, pop, latin, and jazz influences. On piano, I perform song genres that other performers avoid or just can’t do. Can you imagine a Piano Player rocking out to Heavy Metal? Not just playing the notes, but giving the song a Piano/Rock interpretation that a concert audience will embrace. Musical credibility is my goal. You’ve got to sell the song successfully, no matter the selection. Years ago, I arrived at the Liberace Museum in Las Vegas to compete in the piano competition. Each contestant was dressed up like Liberace, I was not. My hair was shoulder length and the costume was a custom made creation. (Not based on Liberace at all) They called me up last. I played Music Box Dancer and Great Balls of Fire. This routine included sitting, standing, kneeling and a spinning slide across the keys which I call the “Bun Run.” After the performance, the audience went wild. They got up and rushed the stage! I was awarded the first place “Liberace Crystal Piano Trophy.” So, what sets me apart from others is my dedication to being a one of a kind musical performer, rejecting stereotypes and believing that the audience is smart. The audience will embrace you if you do it sincerely.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Stay on the lookout for opportunities. During the shut-down, I began making music videos around the same time of my weekly cancelled performances. This kept me in shape, created a healthy attitude over loss and increased my musical reach quite a bit. It also influenced me to learn more about Social Media posting and its reach. The mental focus of a performer is key. Stay on a schedule of practice and performance. If you don’t have anything scheduled, create the posture of a performance in your own studio. See it, be it. Also, create a great product and get it in front of as many people as possible. In my experience, creating spontaneous work is possible. For example, chatting with strangers in a Bar about being a musician was overheard by someone nearby. That person hired me on the spot for a Yacht Cruise!. If you feel your product is good, talk about it. I carry CDs and/or business cards all the time. Finding a mentor can be as straightforward as finding a music teacher. My last classical piano teacher also mentored my development in musical composition. This was a valuable element in my musical education. My own compositions have been played on radio and nationally on internet/cable radio. CDs of my own songs are available online. Make the sacrifices to improve your product everyday. In my case, attaining and sustaining the level of an accomplished virtuoso pianist.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.keyslayer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyslayerrokz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keyslayerokz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keyslayerofficialsite-anyo1141
Image Credits
T. Dimapilis
