Get ready to hear more talent from the students of Monmouth University! The University’s student-run record label, Blue Hawk Records, has announced their 18th studio compilation album for the spring 2021 semester. Auditions concluded on Feb. 10 in Woods Theatre, and 20 auditions were submitted from students of all majors. Six artists were chosen for the upcoming compilation album.
Michelle Etienne, a sophomore music industry student and member of Blue Hawk Records, shared her thoughts on the upcoming album and auditions. “I thought the auditions went so well this year,” she said. “We were presented with so much talent and so many amazing songs it was hard to choose only six. I’m proud of how the team came together and had a great discussion about what we wanted the album to look like and feel like and how these submissions fit and mold our vision. It was such a tough decision that came with a lot of back and forth but in the end, I think we chose six amazing artists. I can’t wait to see what they do and how these songs come together!”
The artists for the 18th compilation album are Alexander Giorgi, a senior business administration student; Brian Smith, a junior communication student at Rutgers University; Josh Heckler, a sophomore music industry student; Asad Whitehead (also known as Kid Ace), a freshman music industry student; Sarah Lambert; and Mona Ray Cobb, a junior political science student.
Blue Hawk Records is also developing a TikTok campaign in addition to music updates on their Instagram page (@bluehawkrecordsofficial).
Founded by Joe Rapolla, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Music and Theatre Department, Blue Hawk Records releases a compilation album every semester and features the top talent that the institution has to offer. A live release show takes place at the end of each semester to spotlight the artists and to celebrate the work music students poured into the record behind the scenes.
The record label is looking forward to creating this album and seeing which artists will bring new talent for upcoming semesters. Those looking to get involved in the record label can email bluehawkrecords@gmail.com.
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth University
