Growing up as a military brat offered Keith Youngin George II a unique perspective that shaped his passion for music and career trajectory. Spending his early years in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, England, due to his father’s service in the U.S. Air Force, Keith was granted dual citizenship and an appreciation for cultural diversity. This exposure to different cultures and sounds, especially during his formative years in Dallas, cultivated a versatile musical taste and a deep understanding of how music resonates across various audiences. This background laid the foundation for his passion for music, driving him to pursue a career where he could bridge cultural gaps and bring diverse sounds to the forefront.
The turning point in Keith’s career came when he transitioned from producing music in Dallas to becoming a mixtape DJ in San Antonio. While producing offered a solid technical foundation, he realized his true passion lay in sharing music and connecting with audiences. San Antonio’s vibrant music scene presented an opportunity to innovate and make a mark as a mixtape DJ, allowing him to blend production skills with his love for curating and promoting music. The move to San Antonio in 2005 was a strategic decision that aligned perfectly with his desire to elevate his career and expand his influence within the music industry.
San Antonio College played a crucial role in Keith’s growth and opportunities in the music industry. The environment at SAC helped him hone essential skills like marketing and communication, which are vital in the music business. During this time, he gained insights into the business side of music, complementing his creative pursuits. The connections made and knowledge acquired at SAC were instrumental in establishing himself in San Antonio’s music scene and eventually led to significant opportunities, including an internship with a Def Jam executive.
Working with Sarah Alminawi from Def Jam, who was part of Maino’s management team, was a transformative experience for Keith. Promoting Maino’s “Hi Hater” provided an in-depth introduction to the music industry’s inner workings at a major label. He played a role in executing marketing strategies that contributed to the track’s success. The success of “Hi Hater” and “All The Above” taught him the importance of strategic promotion and networking within the industry. This experience also earned Keith his first Gold and Platinum plaques, validating his efforts and solidifying his reputation as a capable music executive.
Keith’s time in New York was pivotal in shaping his approach to building his career back in San Antonio. The fast-paced environment and high level of talent he encountered there pushed him to elevate his game and taught him the art of networking and strategic positioning within the industry. These lessons were invaluable when he returned to San Antonio, where he focused on creating a solid network of artists and producers, carving out a niche in both local and national music scenes. Success in the music industry is as much about who you know as what you know, a lesson he carries with him today.
Keith also collaborated closely with Big Lo Entertainment, under the guidance of Lorenza “Big Lo” Lennon. This partnership allowed him to deepen his expertise in artist management and promotion. Working with Big Lo Entertainment, Keith embraced the importance of building long-term relationships in the industry. Big Lo’s emphasis on patience and persistence was crucial in shaping Keith’s approach to nurturing talent and fostering an environment conducive to creativity and growth.
Mentors like Lorenza “Big Lo” Lennon and Sam Jacobs Sr. provided invaluable lessons to Keith. From Big Lo, he learned the importance of patience and persistence, emphasizing nurturing relationships and understanding that success doesn’t happen overnight. Big Lo’s guidance on artist management and promotion was crucial in developing Keith’s approach to working with talent. Sam Jacobs Sr. taught him the importance of recognizing and preserving the legacy of those before us, inspiring him to honor both established and emerging artists. These lessons shaped his philosophy of blending respect for the industry’s history with a forward-thinking approach to discovering and promoting new talent.
Working with Grammy-winning artists like Joe Little III has been a privilege and a learning experience for Keith. Consulting with such artists requires understanding their vision and navigating the complexities of the modern music landscape. His role often involves marketing strategies and connecting them with collaborators. These collaborations have enhanced his reputation as a trusted executive and refined his skills in artist management and strategic planning, expanding his network and reinforcing his commitment to excellence.
Keith became involved with Fliiks as Director of Regional Development because he saw the app’s potential to impact how people share and interact with photos significantly. His role involves promoting the app and expanding its reach in key regions like San Antonio. His goal is to establish Fliiks as a leading platform in the visual content space and position San Antonio as a tech-forward city. By focusing on regional growth and community engagement, Keith aims to contribute to Fliiks’ success and boost the local tech sector, attracting more startups and innovation to the area.
Managing various roles requires time management, delegation, and a strong support system. Keith prioritizes tasks based on urgency and impact, relying on a talented team to execute his vision across different projects. In the music industry, he focuses on strategic decisions and relationship-building, while in the tech startup world, he concentrates on marketing and growth strategies. Community involvement is important, and he allocates time to give back and stay connected with the local scene. Balancing these responsibilities is challenging, but Keith’s passion for each area keeps him motivated.
Keith’s future goals include supporting emerging artists and helping established artists adapt to the evolving landscape. He aims to expand his influence globally by working on projects that cross cultural and geographical boundaries. Beyond music, he’s committed to growing his involvement in the tech sector and contributing to San Antonio’s development as a tech hub. To inspire the next generation of artists and executives, Keith plans to share his knowledge through mentoring, speaking engagements, and writing, leaving a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
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