Today we’d like to introduce you to KeySlayer Rokz.
Hi KeySlayer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From childhood through college, I was a formally trained classical piano student, with additional studies in percussion and drums. Reading, writing, composing, arranging, and even working as a music copyist were all results of my musical education.
As a music copyist, my job was to rewrite commercial jingles into formally transcribed sheet music suitable for printing. The finished scores were then given to session musicians who performed the jingles for television and radio commercials.
After adding pop and rock selections to my repertoire, my career as a professional solo pianist began. My credits include performances at many popular hotels, lounges, and bars, along with a few memorable brushes with celebrity.
One particularly notable encounter was with Neil Diamond. He heard me perform several times while visiting the lobby where I was playing. One day, Neil came up to me, shook my hand, and said, “You’re really good. Don’t stop.” That statement has inspired me ever since.
I have also opened for Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Marvin Hamlisch, Michael Feinstein, Melissa Manchester, and many others with the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops.
Local television, radio, and print media have featured KeySlayer, along with an appearance on the “London Garcia” radio show in Los Angeles. London is a notable on-air personality and actress.
I am also a winner of the Liberace Piano Competition in Las Vegas, where I earned the Liberace Crystal Piano Trophy. In addition, I have won Catch a Rising Star, Catch a Rising Superstar, and Got Talent San Diego, and was a finalist on America’s Got Talent, including a national television appearance. My own albums have also been broadcast nationally on cable radio across the United States.
As for the local “day job” gig, I perform weekends at Rei do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse in San Diego’s Gaslamp District. Through bookings with multiple agencies—including notable Southern California music agent and performer Loren Smith of Loren Smith Productions—I continue to cultivate the next level of my career by expanding into concert performances.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been fortunate to keep up with the audiences to remain relevant. As long as 10 to 21 years in the same venue. The main struggle for a live musician is over coming impacts of the current economy. That can be accomplished by cultivatring your gig and audeince, saving your money, applying your musical talent in other places. Other places like writing , arranging, recording and making tracks for other musicians. Current;y, I am invloved in a project that could rival Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.” Always have something in the background.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Liberace’s publicist, Jamie James dubbed me as the “Rock and Roll Liberace.” I can actually play Liberace arrangements. Much better than current attempts. However, I am KeySlayer. An original. Classic rock music revisited instrumentally and in an entertainment setting.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I arranged the music of Tchaikovsky for 100 pianos. All in duet form, performed on 100 pianons and broadcats on TV of the yearly Thearle Music Company Piano festival. .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keyslayer.com
- Facebook: KeySlayer Rokz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keyslayerofficialsite-anyo1141
