Students Carry Out Their Dreams By Playing to Their Own Beat
To show their passion for music, Adriana Perez and Megan White formed Shock 88.
January 8, 2014
It is the hope of many students to create their own successful band, but it is a dream that only a few fulfill. Even with the challenges that forming a band encompasses, some CHS students have managed to attain their aspiration of forming a high school band. Juniors Adriana Perez and Megan White, are collaborators for the band Shock 88, while sophomore Andrew Leahy is working with his brother, Alan Leahy, Ian Lieu, and Gavin Wride to achieve his musical dream with their band called Sunburst.
Before Shock 88 formed, both White and Perez had a love for music, as demonstrated by their involvement in the CHS band. Perez has been writing music since she was 12 years old, while White discovered her passion for creating music when she began to work with Perez. Due to Perez’s love of writing songs, it seemed logical for her to start an indie band.
“I never realized how much I wanted to create my own music until Adriana and I started writing together,” White said. “She is so talented and for me to be able to write music with her is amazing.”
Leahy, on the other hand, formed his band with his brother, who graduated from CHS last year. Leahy and his brother both believe that generic pop artists like Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus are simply images built up by corporations. These two brothers hope to change this by returning to a classic sound, drawing inspiration from various renowned bands.
“Our band formed between my brother and I with one purpose and one purpose only—to smash corporate pop music to bits once and for all,” Leahy said.
Sunburst’s style is indie-alternative with a 60’s feel, and their sound is influenced by bands such as The Kinks and Oasis. Shock 88 also chose to have an indie-alternative sound, while still incorporating other genres of music such as electronic and rock. Shock 88 draws influence from bands like Tegan and Sara and The Strokes. Shock 88 had the opportunity to perform at the school’s Sing-a-thon last year.
Sunburst has also had success and is recording a few songs. Leahy had the opportunity to visit a recording studio in Hollywood. Leahy and his band were able to record two songs, “Afterlife” and “The Rain.” These songs are intended to be used for a vinyl record 45 release from the band. Being able to record these songs provided Leahy and his brother with a new level of professionalism. Also, while at the studio, Sunburst was able to utilize an electric piano that had been previously used by other famous artists.
There is an abundance of musical talent across the CHS student body, but some of the already successful musical groups include Sunburst and Shock 88. Though the journey to achieving fame is a struggle, these students have managed to prevail due to their love of music and song-writing.
