Bold and insistently experimental, the sound of speakers is impossible to pin down, dancing amid
the worlds of rhythmic pop, urban, and electronic music to create a uniquely uncategorizable
blend. The music is the result of the restless imagination of its creators: singer, rapper, and lyricist
Keon B and musician-producer Blair Taylor, who began working together last fall and decided to
label their collaboration speakers because “you can’t hear the music without speakers,” explains
Keon. Adds Blair: “And you need two, a left and a right. We are not one without the other.”
The chemistry between these two artists, both age 21, is palpable throughout the tracks they are
creating for their debut album, which will be released by Virgin Records, in conjunction with
independent label Newco (where the duo were first discovered by Troy Carter and Matt
Michelsen), in early 2012. Songs like “Bass,” “Gimme Go,” and “Kill Me” are massive party
anthems, replete with big hooks and persistently pounding beats that draw from the high energy
“bounce” sound that originated in Blair’s hometown of New Orleans. The duo also show a softer,
more introspective side on such tracks as “Natalie” and “You.” The music reflects the talent these
two young men bring to the table, not to mention their considerable determination. Both have
been honing their craft from an early age and their story is one of never giving up on your dream
regardless of the obstacles thrown in your way.
Born in Waynesboro, GA, Keon was raised by his mother after his father was imprisoned for
dealing drugs. She was an active churchgoer who encouraged her son to get involved with the
church choir and writing songs for its members to sing. A fan of Prince, the Beatles, Missy Elliott,
and Ashanti, Keon became enthralled with the writing process. Then, when he was 13, his
beloved aunt was murdered. “She really encouraged me to pursue music and make a living
through it,” Keon says. “So when she died, it became my mission to make sure it happened.” Not
ready to step out as a frontman, Keon put together several groups, but nothing gelled, so when
an opportunity to move to New Orleans with a friend arose when he was 17, he took it. “I’m just a
country boy from people who do regular things,” he says. “Nobody does music. My sisters and
aunties can all sing, but where I’m from, being a pop artist is not realistic. I grew up on a dirt road.
Wal-Mart is our local mall. I knew I had to get the hell out of there.” Over subsequent years, Keon
worked a series of part-time jobs, including as a barber, to support his burgeoning singing,
rapping, and songwriting career. He first heard Blair Taylor’s name when he asked one of the
musicians who auditioned for him, who had produced his CD. “I called and texted Blair for a
whole year after hearing this CD, and he never responded. I’m still mad about it,” he says,
laughing.
Conor Maynard:
Get ready for Conor Maynard to be the new voice, face and yes, obsession, for 2012!
Pop stars rarely emerge fully formed, but every now and again someone comes along to buck the trend; a genuine new talent discovered doing their own thing, spotted making waves and building their own undeniable fan base (dubbed #Mayniacs) before being given the platform to burst forth and show the world just what they’re capable of. The British 19-year-old Conor Maynard is that real deal.
Little more than a year ago, Conor was uploading videos of himself to the internet singing his favourite songs and getting positive comments from fans of the originals. Soon even the artists themselves started to take notice, including Ne-Yo who phoned his house offering to produce him. It was inevitable that record companies would want his signature and in a whirlwind few weeks Parlophone UK struck a deal to bring Conor to the world stage. He was also announced as the runaway winner of MTV UK’s Brand New For 2012 thanks to overwhelming voter support from his ‘Mayniacs’. With over 63 million YouTube views, it is no wonder that the buzz has made its way across the pond to North America.
Conor has been busy working on his debut album with the likes of Ne-Yo, Pharell Williams, Jermaine Dupri (Usher, Mariah Carey), Midi Mafia (50 Cent, Frank Ocean), Kevin Rudolf (Jay Sean, Lil’ Wayne), Sandy Vee (Rhianna, Pitbull), Crada (Drake, Kid Kudi) and the legendary Dianne Warren. After spending time in a Miami studio with Conor, Pharrell Williams predicted, “This kid will change the future of pop music.”
