Luke’s room is a mess of posters, instruments, and recording gear scavenged from friends and music stores. His inspiration comes mainly from bedroom pop influences and experimenting with creative ways of production that can’t be found in a high-class studio. He embraces the DIY approach to writing songs, so the majority of his songs end up being a mash up of modern day pop elements and really strange drum hits. He feels most creative when he’s most comfortable, so he keeps all of his keyboards and guitars right by his bed in case he’s struck with an idea.
Madison is currently majoring in the Music Business program at the University of St. Thomas. “Sixteen” was originally a song written for class. However, it was decided that the song might have a life outside the classroom. It was written with a fun and light-hearted tone with simple instrumentals and lyrics.
After performing with country star Kenny Rogers at age eleven, Lydia found her passion for performing. Since then, she has dedicated herself to music in various forms. She is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Lydia is a current student of the University’s Music Business Program. “The People Were Wrong” was a song initially written for a class project, but once the writing and recording process was said and done, it was discovered that this song had a life of its own. The song was recorded and produced by Brian McDonald based out of Bloomington, Minnesota.
Eli Long is a connoisseur of fine wine and classic jazz. The Eau Claire native reflects the introspective, lake dominated, tone of the western Wisconsin area. Currently, he is studying English and Political Science at the University of St. Thomas. Eli’s song, “Evil Eye,” was made to reflect the cultural impact of lakeland nature.
Olivia was born and raised in Minnesota, USA. She is a blend of multiple cultures and communities that thrive in the midwest. This is best shown through the music she was exposed to as a kid. Motown, Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, and Country were all frequently heard in her house. Olivia started out as a storywriter but as she grew into her teen years, she found songwriting to be something she quite enjoyed. She has now cultivated a passion for the entire creative process – starting with producing the art and finishing with marketing and promoting the art.
Dreaming Heavy, aka Rob Kopas, is a junior Mechanical Engineering major from Northfield, MN. He started in music by playing piano and eventually played percussion and drums in school concert bands. He was introduced to dubstep in 9th grade and EDM became a large part of his life from that point on. He’s interested in many other genres including metal and pop but most of the music he produces is electronic. He releases under the name Dreaming Heavy and he can be found on Spotify and SoundCloud under that name.
Abby is a third-year English major from Stacy, MN. She’s been singing ever since she can remember, but in school she was more of a band kid. She loves singing and learning new instruments. She’s not in band or choir anymore, so now she just plays for her own enjoyment. As for recording, EDM is the last thing she ever thought she’d be doing, but she ended up loving it.
Christian Montgomery is a music business major, as well as a marketing management major who just recently started producing and making music. While his music varies in style, he will soon start releasing music after he graduates in May.
Broken Street is a pop-rock band that crafts original songs featuring soulful lyrics and driving melodies with powerful intensity. Founded as an indie-folk duo in 2015, Broken Street has recently evolved their sound with the inclusion of three new members. The roster now includes original members Nate Iliff (keyboard and voice) and Izzy Iliff (rhythm guitar and voice), as well as new members Charles Schwinck (lead guitar), Jeff Schultz (bass) and Brooke Catton (drums). Last Night is Broken Street’s newest single, showcasing their updated style ahead of the 2020 release of their debut album.
Bella Nardini is a freshman at St. Thomas. She plays tennis on the women’s varsity team and she loves to write and play music. She’s been writing music for 4 years now and her song ‘Where On Earth’ was actually written around 2 years ago. She is excited for everyone to hear it!
Duran is a sophomore student from St. Paul double majoring in Computer Science and Music. Music has been a significant part of his life from a young age, being part of choir and concert band throughout all middle and high school and playing guitar and piano for even longer. In addition to performing music, Duran is an avid consumer of whatever new music he comes across, some of which he promotes on his radio show on KUST, Just Wavy Air. His track on The Sampler, “Bestow Thy Flickering Light Forever”, takes inspiration from the minimalist styles of composers like Steve Reich, as well as the musical soundscapes of the dream pop genre, guiding the listener through an ethereal haze, and setting them down just as gently as they were lifted up.
