Kenny Schafer, a talented composer and pianist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is making waves with his latest single, Road Racer. A classically trained musician, Schafer’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary styles shines through in this dynamic track. The song showcases his rich musical background, effortlessly blending elements of rock, Latin, and pop, offering listeners a unique and captivating listening experience.
A Journey from Classical Roots to Contemporary Sounds
Born in 2000, Kenny Schafer’s musical journey began at an early age. His deep love for music saw him composing his first pieces in high school, where he predominantly focused on solo piano works. As his passion grew, so did his ambition. Schafer soon expanded his repertoire, experimenting with different instruments, jazz, and pop music, evolving into the well-rounded composer he is today.
Schafer’s classical training has played an integral role in shaping his approach to composition. With a BMA in composition from Oberlin Conservatory under his belt, he is now pursuing a Master’s in Music (MM) at the LSU School of Music. While his classical background is evident in the structure and complexity of his music, Schafer’s contemporary voice continues to push the boundaries, creating a sound that is distinctively modern yet steeped in tradition.
Road Racer, the opening track of his upcoming album School Days, is a perfect example of Schafer’s musical versatility. Written in 2020, the song remained unreleased for four years before Schafer finally brought it to life. Now, this long-awaited release is a testament to his dedication, and it serves as a preview of the creative direction of his future works.
The Sound of Road Racer – A Vibrant Fusion of Styles
One of the most striking features of Road Racer is its eclectic blend of musical styles. Drawing from his diverse influences, Schafer incorporates rock, Latin rhythms, and pop sensibilities into the track, creating a fresh, vibrant sound that stands out in today’s music scene. The fusion of these genres not only showcases Schafer’s technical expertise but also his ability to craft music that appeals to a broad audience.
The driving beat and rhythmic energy of Road Racer give the song its namesake, making listeners feel as though they are speeding along an open road. Schafer’s piano work, a nod to his classical training, anchors the piece with intricate harmonies and melodic lines, while the guitar and percussion sections provide the rock and Latin flair that brings the song to life.
Lyrically, Road Racer reflects the themes of freedom, adventure, and determination. It’s a song for those who are always on the move, both literally and metaphorically, encouraging listeners to embrace the open road of life with confidence and excitement. Schafer’s lyrics are complemented by the vocals of Nicki Gonzalez, whose dynamic performance adds another layer of depth and emotion to the track.
The Creative Process Behind Road Racer
The release of Road Racer is not only significant for Schafer but also marks a milestone in his creative journey. As a composer with a background in classical, jazz, and pop styles, Schafer has spent years honing his craft and experimenting with different genres. He began composing at the age of 16, starting with solo piano works before gradually expanding his repertoire to include other instruments and styles.
The process of creating Road Racer reflects Schafer’s growth as a composer. The song is the culmination of years of experimentation, where he combined the formal training he received at Oberlin Conservatory with his love for contemporary genres like rock and pop. The result is a track that feels both sophisticated and accessible, with a seamless blend of complex harmonies and catchy melodies.
Schafer’s dedication to his craft is evident not only in the composition but also in the production of Road Racer. As a composer and producer, he has taken full control of the creative process, ensuring that the final product is a true reflection of his artistic vision. The recording and production process has allowed Schafer to refine the song, bringing out the nuances of each instrument and ensuring that every element of the track contributes to the overall experience.
Looking Ahead – What’s Next for Kenny Schafer?
With the release of Road Racer, Kenny Schafer is just getting started. As a first-year graduate student at LSU School of Music, he is currently working on several ambitious projects, including the recording of his upcoming album School Daysand composing a four-movement symphony titled The Malawian Symphony. His music continues to evolve, blending influences from various genres and styles, from Impressionist and Baroque to African and jazz.
Schafer’s ability to navigate different musical worlds and create something new and exciting is a testament to his talent and dedication. As he continues to develop his craft, fans can expect even more innovative and genre-defying music from this emerging composer. Road Racer is just the beginning, and it offers a glimpse into the exciting future of Kenny Schafer’s musical journey.
For those who appreciate a fusion of classical training with contemporary creativity, Road Racer is a must-listen. You can find the track on Apple Music. Keep an eye on Kenny Schafer – he’s a composer to watch.
We had the privilege of interviewing Kenny Schafer. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi Kenny, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hi, I am a composer, songwriter, and pianist. My background is in classical music, but I composed prolifically in classical, jazz, and pop styles.
Please tell us about your single, Road Racer.
Road Racer is a song I wrote in 2020 that I have finally managed to release 4 years later. It is to be the opening track on my album School Days. It combines influences of rock, Latin, and pop.
Please share your journey with our readers.
I began composing in high school at the age of 16. For my first two years of composing, I wrote mainly solo piano works. I gradually began writing more for other instruments and experimenting with jazz and pop music. I was accepted into Oberlin Conservatory, where I studied composition for 4 years. I am currently a grad student at LSU School of Music.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
The most important thing was learning how to make connections. Writing music was always a passion of mine, but as an introvert, reaching out to people to perform my music was always challenging. In order to produce Road Racer, I had to employ as much creativity in finding my performers as I did in actually composing the song. Reaching out to professionals and producers to help find the best musicians was the most important strategy I used in getting this done.
Any message for our readers?
Nicki Gonzalez, while working on this song with me, said, “I’ve never heard anything remotely like this“, and I believe she is correct. It’s not easy to find new music in the world that strikes one as truly new, but if that’s what you are looking for, this song will not disappoint.
Thank you so much, Kenny, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!