A Windsor teen has won a global beat battle

From making beats in his bedroom to winning a global beat battle, a 16-year-old Holy Names High School student is making his way into the music world. 

 

On Feb. 5, it was announced on a Twitch livestream that Windsor teen, Mesho Keryakoz, had beat out more than 1000 other musicians and declared winner of the JJ Lundin Beat Battle. Not only did Keryakoz win, but it was also his first time in a music competition. 

“I was amazed,” said Keryakoz. “It was my first time heading into a competition, so I was really excited.”   

Tom Lucier, owner of the Windsor music venue the Phog Lounge, said contests like this can change careers. 

“I think any type of contest when you have online voting or stuff like that your community can get behind you is a huge help,” said Lucier. “It helps to get the word out about certain performers.” 

Keryakoz’s hit beat won him a new keyboard as well as praise from many other musicians and producers. One of those is Marco Cian, a well-known producer in the music industry and a Holy Names music teacher.  

“The beat that he produced that ultimately led him to the victory was really unique,” said Cian. “I know before he started producing the actual beat for the beat contest, I told him that ‘you need to create something that will stand out in a crowd’ and he did exactly that.” 

From a young age Keryakoz had music in his life, but it was not until age seven that he really learned to enjoy different genres. 

“I originally grew up in Iraq,” Keryakoz said. “So, it was hard to get into music, because I grew up with no English. The first time I got into rap I listened to J. Cole and his album Forest Hills Drive, and as soon as I heard that I fell in love with rapping the genre of it.” 

Prior to entering the life changing contest, Keryakoz said he found ways to be involved in music and learn anything he could to improve. 

“He is a very talented music producer with an incredible ear, and the drive to continuously improve,” said Cian. “I met him in November. One day at lunch he came to talk to me about what the music program could offer and what he would be learning.” 

Ever since then Keryakoz has worked with Cian on a couple of musical projects. And he has also had the chance to learn from Cian’s 10 years of production experience in the music industry. 

With all the work that goes into making and producing Keryakoz’s music comes great success. That is, if he learns to expand into different genres and work outside his comfort zone, said Cian. 

“I think he is capable of so many things within that industry,” Cian said. “I told him to just continue to grow, to never settle and be happy with where you’re at, and just know that there’s always room to improve.” 

Lucier has seen many bands and artists try to make it in the industry, his advice to Keryakoz is work hard. 

“You just gotta keep working and practicing,” Lucier said. “Don’t expect the world all at once,

just keep getting better.” 

After winning his first ever beat battle, even when up against many other creators, Keryakoz said he definitely sees a future in the production industry. 

“The main goal that I want create in my future is getting signed to a record label,” Keryakoz said. “Either getting signed or making my own record label. That’s my biggest dream so I could see myself heading that way.” 

With his new keyboard and drive for success, Keryakoz said he is making his way into the music industry.