Calling all music lovers! New semester means new beginnings for Blue Hawk Records as they begin preparations for their new compilation album! If their 27th compilation album, “From the Basement,” is indicative of their greatness, prepare for a rollercoaster of emotion, vulnerability, striking lyricism, and unfiltered talent. This next release will be no different!
Blue Hawk Records is an entirely student-run record label, founded in 2013 by faculty member Joe Rapolla. Students and professors alike buzz about the upcoming album every semester, and this semester is no different.
Blue Hawk Records is home to various members of the music industry program and passionate individuals, providing students with not only a transformative hands-on experience in the music industry, but also allowing student voices to be heard by a larger community. This label propels the voices of students and lets them shine. There’s a strong chance that your new favorite artist may be in this next release.
Auditions for the compilation album were held on Sept. 30, and this time, auditions were spiced up with a new facet. Blue Hawk Records launched a brand new audition category. In an attempt for singers to showcase their individual talents and artistry, this new category gave those auditioning the option to sing a unique cover song. This was incredibly exciting and unlike any other audition.
This added an another level of depth to not just the audition process, but to the voices heard, allowing students to truly share their specialities. It was a major hit.
After the audition process ended, five tracks were chosen to be part of the upcoming compilation album, all of which are sang by student artists. According to Blue Hawk Records, tracks were selected based on “originality, creativity, and exceptional talent,” laying the groundwork for a surely exceptional release.
Blue Hawk Records will commence production on Oct. 28 and prepare to vitalize these tracks and fully flesh out the album. The tracks will be recorded at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, just like their previous releases. One of the record label managers and artists, Alexa Rae, commented, “I am beyond excited and proud to be a part of the 28th compilation album! The team is amazing and so dedicated to creating such memorable music.”
There is undoubtedly excitement among the team for this upcoming project and production. This album is loved dearly by the greater Monmouth community.
To commemorate the release of the 28th compilation album, Blue Hawk Records will be hosting a release party to celebrate. The party will include giveaways, food, special guests, and even live performances of the album!
What makes these compilation albums so remarkable is that they are truly a labor of love. Passionate students come together and piece together a release to be proud of. These tracks are sure to be striking and worthwhile.
Grab your friends and mark your calendars for Dec. 11, 2026! Join the passionate students behind this album and celebrate their hard work! The compilation album is set to release just before the semester ends, making it a great way to unwind through the height of finals, and a holiday gift to the Monmouth Community.
The album will be available wherever you stream, including physical formats! Whether you’re a Spotify enthusiast or physical collector, Blue Hawk Records has something for you. Based on the buzz of this release, and the exceptional talent of the chosen tracks, this isn’t an album that you want to miss.
