Styalz Fuego

Styalz Fuego is an Australian music producer, vocalist and songwriter. The multi-instrumentalist, born Kaelyn Behr, specialises in a diverse range of sounds and is best known for his forward-thinking production, distinct vocals and unique songwriting. He has produced, written and performed on music across a number of genres including hip-hop, pop, R&B and electronic music.

His most notable works include his recordings with 360, including the four-times platinum "Boys Like You" and as executive producer and producer/co-writer on all tracks for 360's double-platinum selling album "Falling & Flying".^[1]

He was named the 2012 ARIA Producer of the Year,^[2][3] and the 2013 APRA Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year.

He has been based in Melbourne, Australia since 2003.

History

Fuego was born in Byron Bay, Australia. In 2007, Styalz produced Chamillionaire’s hit "Not a Criminal" featuring Kelis, which received negative reviews for its lacklustre lyrics and a pointless Kelis cameo.^[4] Around this time, he also began to remix a number of songs for artists including Sneaky Sound System, Savage, and Chris Lilley’s Summer Heights High character Mr. G.

Across 2009 and 2010, Fuego continued working with a number of local and international acts, producing for hip-hop artists (Illy, Stylah, Ja Rule), US based gospel artists (Terrell King, Karima Kibble) and beginning his foray into dance music production and songwriting.

A year later in 2011, Fuego had multiple successes as a producer. As executive producer on 360’s album "Falling & Flying", Fuego produced and/or co-wrote all tracks. The album went on to reach double platinum selling status in Australia. The album included three platinum selling tracks in "Killer", "Run Alone" and "Child".^[5] Fuego was chosen by Chris Lilley to compose music for his HBO/BBC/ABC Angry Boys series in 2011.^[6]

Fuego's record with 360 "Boys Like You" achieved quadruple-platinum status in Australia with sales of over 250,000. It maintained its position in the Australian Top 50 Singles chart for 29 weeks. 15 weeks in the Top 20 and 10 weeks in the Top 10, with a peak of 3rd position.

Vocals & Songwriting

In 2012, Fuego's vocals were used on Tommy Trash’s collaboration with Aston Shuffle "Sunrise (Won’t Get Lost"), which was released on Axwell's Axtone label in October 2012. It went on to top the Beatport charts for just under four straight weeks.^[7]

Fuego's vocal has since appeared on several works, including a collaboration with UK grime artist Wiley "Tomorrow", Seth Sentry’s "Float Away", Diafrix’s "Running It", 360’s "Child" (all of which he also produced) and the subsequent The Aston Shuffle single "Can’t Stop Now". His vocals are also in the background of The Knocks/St Lucia collaboration "Modern Hearts" of which Styalz also wrote.

In 2013, Fuego co-wrote the song "Astronaut" for UK singer/songwriter Joel Compass, which was added to BBC 1.^[8]

In October 2013, Fuego's first official credit as a vocalist - under his given name Kaelyn Behr on the Thomas Gold collaboration "Remember" from Axwell's Axtone label - premiered on Danny Howard's BBC Radio 1 Show^[9]

’96 Bulls

In 2010, Fuego began producing disco-house tracks and remixes, and DJ’ing with partner Zac Hayse, under the name '96 Bulls.

Under the ’96 Bulls moniker, Fuego has created acclaimed official remixes for a number of notable acts, including Miami Horror, The Wombats, St Lucia, The Knocks, PNAU and Barbara Tucker and has gained a small cult following amongst nu-disco and house circles.

Fuego is currently working on the first ’96 Bulls original material for release in 2014.

Awards

He won the ARIA Award for his work on the 360 album, "Falling & Flying" in late 2012.^[10][11][12] In July 2013 Styalz and 360 won the APRA Award for "Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year".^[13][14]

Discography

References