On the daily grind producing Guyanese music
Those in the local music fraternity may have heard of Ken Andrew Taylor, a sound engineer who works out of the Brutal Recording Studios. This mad, sick, creative kid called Ken Da Beat Maker is quietly making his positive input to ensure that Guyanese music is kept in production motion.
He is a sound engineer like many others but somewhat quite different because he does his work in and out of studio.
Out of studio he ensures that artistes are heard with sound clarity but in studio his work is more technical as ‘da beat maker’ and a music producer combined.
His first love is Computer programming but about two years ago that took second place when he got into the swing of “in studio” music production, in a major way.
Exciting and refreshing are words he uses to describe his job where he always gets to try new things daily learning even more as he grows. He says “I hope to make a huge impact in the development of Guyanese music eventually”.
At age 25, his work has seen him involved in studio productions for quite a few Guyanese artistes such as Sophia star boy, Mystic, Star Guyana Queen Lisa Punch, International artiste Natural Black, the ‘Ah de real thing Jory and the now England-based Hip Hop artiste Don Gialiani.
His magical fingers have touched many tracks that are heard on 98.1 FM for all these artistes including ILaman, Brains, Mr. Tcri$, Et Tu Brutus, Malo and Jomo among others on the local and international music circuit.
He’s extremely proud of having done live engineering on stage for countless international artistes when they come to Guyana for shows.
Priding himself in being a “real Guyanese, not a fake Guyanese,” he grew up in Roxanne Burnham Gardens, before moving to Kitty. His life’s Philosophy is: Try to make the best decision when you are given the option. He’s influenced by producers such as Timbaland, Dr. Dre and a few others.
Ken believes that the local music industry, despite many obstacles in its way, is making progress and trusts that his talent and the love for what he does continues to contribute greatly and makes a positive impact.
Taylor encourages artiste to be more “out-there” because it’s how people get to know you and know your work. Ken doesn’t plan on leaving the scene anytime soon so look out for great things ahead.
Entertainer: Is Sound engineering what you always wanted to do?
Ken: Music was never my first choice. Years ago I wanted to do Computer programming.
But I believe that Guyanese music can and will eventually hit main stream so here I am. I wouldn’t be wasting my time behind it if I thought I couldn’t get there. The local music industry is struggling at present but I am certain we will make it we just have to keep focused and make every song better than the last.
Entertainment: What keeps you going and what do you use for inspiration?
KEN: International music gives me that kick to jump up and go build a track or aim to get a certain sound in the studio. Plus the less stressed I am the more creative I am so I try my best to be happy.
What would you like to see happening for sound engineers in Guyana?
KEN: I don’t have many complaints on my part. I like a challenge so I’m looking forward to the hurdles. I’ll jump them.
Music lovers who know Guyanese history would reflect on the “good old” 1960’s when Eddie Hooper’s crooning abilities saw many relationships blooming way beyond ‘Passing Memories’ through his musical genes that have flowed to his children. One of them is the popular Cid Hooper of ‘We linking fame’ and her siblings.