Report by Michael Jameson of Houston Public News
Classical piano champ and current University of Houston student turns to other genre's showing us how he creates some of the hottest tracks by utilizing just a keyboard. And we're not talking about a Casio.
Houston, TX - Having recently worked on a mixtape with the likes of Mya and various underground artists from Houston who have recently gone major, Brian Styles isn't new to the game. Born in Tacoma, just outside of Seattle, while hailing from his childhood hometown of Killeen, Texas; Brian Styles has been edging his way up in the Houston music scene since 2003 with tracks ranging anywhere from hip-hop to techno to r&b and pop. "I started classical piano training when I was 9 and as a result, my life and music became very structured." Running against other bright young classical pianists from the southern states, Brian established himself as the All-State Classical Piano Champion at the age of 16. "My mother wanted me to become a classical pianist," but after arriving to Houston in 2001, Brian Styles made the conscious decision to take a different route. "As a child, true hip-hop and other types of music played a major role in my life and as a result, I grew an appreciation for so many different art forms. But my mother and classical music still remains a strong influence over much of my music and practice," Brian recalls.
One sure thing that keeps Brian Styles on top of the music composition and production spectrum is his non-conforming originality. By fusing classical-style piano and orchestral riffs into hip-hop and pop music he's created a sound so very appealing to our ears. Often times, numerous people wonder how the music is created and where the inspiration comes from. "I'm always hearing music in my head and trying to make something out of it. Something so vividly clear. When I sit down in front of the keys that's my time to let loose and bring it all out," he replies.
This year, Brian Styles has worked with a number of fresh new local artists hungry for the spotlight including folks with plugs to the majors. He is currently working with such acts as Netta, artists from local indie label, Off-Hand Entertainment, and Off-Hand Entertainment's CEO/Def Jam Recordings A&R, Bill Douglas.
Brian Styles also enjoys a bit of gaming on Xbox Live and the PlayStation 3 network. His gamertag (username) is CrashHavok so go ahead and add him!
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