Draft:MayNard Keith Batiste, Jr

MayNard (Recording Artist)


Genre: Pop, Sytnh Pop, Jazz, Country-Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B
 * Born: Maynard Keith Batiste, Jr.
 * Occupation: Independent Artist, Vocalist (Mezzo-Baritone), Music Producer, Songwriter, Audio Engineer, Gamer
 * Birthday: February 3
 * Birth Place: Chicago, IL
 * Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
 * Height: 5'11"
 * Zodiac: Aquarius
 * Fav Food: Pizza

Maynard Keith Batiste, Jr grew up in the capitol area of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended LSU Laboratory after moving to Louisiana at the age of 3. Grandson of the late Alvin Batiste, he developed a love for the arts at a young age. Maynard grew up singing and dancing, but it wasn't until his enrollment in a studio piano class at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, that he fell in love with the art of creating music. He started writing songs at the age of 14 and would often record them on his family's voicemail. After graduating from High School and with his parents wanting him continuing his education, Maynard moved to Tennessee to study Audio Production where he received his bachelors degree in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University. He studied Production & Technology under the RIM program while studying at MTSU and gained performance experience through the Nashville Songwriters Association. He also worked unpaid studio internships before deciding he was ready to take his music to next level.

Unable to secure any form of employment in music business (Sony ATV), Maynard worked many part time jobs including a Laser Tag Arena, Fitness Center, and as a movie extra until he gained a full time position with the State of Louisiana in Telecommunications in late 2012. While still wanting to pursue music, Maynard set up a home studio inside of his condo and began working on creating many demo versions of his songs. A few months into writing and recording, he decided to place one of his songs on Facebook. Motivated by the positive feedback, Maynard eventually began uploading original songs on SoundCloud. One song caught the attention of ML1 Records (a local indie label based out of Lafayette, LA), who quickly signed him to a single song deal in June of 2013. On July 14, 2013, Maynard’s debut single “Like a Movie” (which would later be remastered and distributed as "Just the Way that You Are") was released through Amazon, and other major distributors. His single caught the attentions of radio stations in Chicago, the UK, and has even been placed in rotation on John Lobban Radio, an online radio station listed under iTunes Pop/Top 40. A music video was shot for the single, but never release due to creative differences. After cutting ties from the Label, the singer admits he felt discouraged and decided to place his music on the back burner to focus on other aspects of his life. During his hiatus, Maynard continued to record his songs independently while also focusing on learning how to mix and master his own music.

MayNard's second single, "First Thing in the Morning" was released on March 11, 2019, while still working for the State of Louisiana. FTITM is a digital pop/r&B break-up anthem that speaks about having to let go of your first love. A lyric video was made & and released via the singer's Youtube Channel. In 2020, amongst the outbreak of COVID-19, Maynard felt compelled to take inspired action and quit his job of 8 years to pursue his music fulltime. Shortly after quitting he got the idea to create an OnlyFans page, which he says helped him embrace his sexuality and strengthen his confidence.

On February 3, 2021, MayNard's third single "Love Me Down" was made available on all streaming platforms. The song has influences of trap, synth pop and hip-hop and also features the singer rapping on the third verse, while talking about the ups and downs of a relationship. On March 27, 2021 the singer announced the release of his 4th single "Do It (All Night)" via social media. Followed by the release of his 5th single "Right Here With Me."

On May 8, after his initial YouTube Channel was deleted, the singer decided to start a gaming channel alongside his music. " I love gaming, I grew up playing Donkey Kong Country and Mario Kart and was always a big fan of Nintendo and the gaming community as a whole." His channel includes racing games like Asphalt 9, action-shooters, and walkthroughs of Action-Adventure games like Tomb Raider and "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End."

On May 22, 2021, the singer released his debut EP entitled Walls. Inspired by the lead single Walls, the EP focuses on dealing with personal strife and insecurities but finding ways to overcome them despite the circumstances. The EP consist of 4 tracks: Walls, Running Away, Soul Survivor, and R O M L.

On June 14, 2021, MayNard released his 6th official single "Bubblegum" which later hit viral success and prompted him to release a string a singles (Love Me Down (Remix), You Take Me High, & H.A.T.E.U.). Bublegum is the first single that features the singer rapping through the majority of track. It is heavily hip-hop influenced with elements of grunge and pop/rock. Released during pride month, the singer wanted the song to cater to the LGBTQ community. After releasing 3 follow up singles throughout the end of 2021, the singer released a Christmas Mixtape via YouTube, which he recorded live on his iPhone and uploaded on December 22, 2021.



In 2022, after a year of releasing singles, the singer went to work on releasing his second EP, "Fear". He produced and remixed his single Fear, which talks about dealing with the concept of fear. "I wanted Fear to have a deeper meaning, but didn't want it to be depressing or sad. I wanted it to be more upbeat and insightful to help us deal with our own fears that sometimes lay dormant in our minds and our memories.  It's something that we all deal with and shows us what we don't want.  However, you shouldn't let it control you." Fear is a mid-tempo track turned into a pop anthem. The EP consist of a remix, the Instrumental, and the studio Acapella, which was recorded and mastered in his home studio. A lyric video was release via YouTube.

After the release of "Fear" the singer focused on creating a concept album. "Old School Love" is the third EP from the singer and a passion project that takes inspiration from the sounds of the 1920's, 60's and 70's, with an updated groove of today's hip-hop/pop crosssover. The album consist of 5 tracks Freakshow, Old School Love, Take It Back, Up All Night Long, and Be My Baby Tonight. The latter being the lead single. The singer produced each track in Fl Studio and recorded, mixed, and mastered in Pro Tools 10 while also using LANDR to finalize 3 out of the 5 tracks. "Old School Love" talks about relationships in different facets, while keeping it cozy with the sounds of the past. "Old School Love" was distributed through CD Baby on April 28, 2022.

Discography/Film
Gaming