Monmouth University’s student-run record label Blue Hawk Records released its 20th studio compilation album, “Twenty,” featuring an ensemble of student musicians and producers, including artists Jordan Dilone under the artist name Jordan Tyler, Delaney Rivera, Chris Lynch and his band The Bavaros, Elena Worton, Gabe Garza under the artist name Double G, and Madeline Knight.
Blue Hawk Records hosted a release party at the Doherty House on April 22, featuring live performances and interviews with the student artists and additional students involved in the release of “Twenty.”
President Patrick F. Leahy, Provost Pamela Scott-Johnson, Vice President for Enrollment Management Robert McCaig, and interim Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Richard Veit were in attendance, along with faculty, parents, students, and other guests.
The milestone album is available to stream on all digital platforms, while CD and limited-edition vinyl copies are available at the Monmouth University Store.
“It is always such a pleasure to see how the projects come together—watching them from the early stages when songs are being auditioned and then watching them develop into professionally produced tracks,” said Joe Rapolla, specialist professor and chair of the Department of Music and Theatre Arts.
Each semester, students collaborate—in Monmouth’s Record Label and Strategies course—on the construction and release of the album; beginning the creative process by hosting auditions, hand-selecting artists, and preparing the artists to record at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park.
Additionally, students planned and produced live events and developed marketing and social media strategies to help promote the album, while music industry and musical theatre major Mia Heim designed the album’s artwork and Adjunct Professor Connor Hanson, also a local producer, mixed and mastered the tracks.
“Though everyone has different jobs, we are learning about the broader aspects of the album production process. I enjoy this because I watch not only the artists grow, but myself and fellow classmates,” said Abby Garcia, general manager.
Following the excitement of an album release, Blue Hawk Records is also announcing a collaboration with HawkTV. The partnership will produce a monthly feature mirroring NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts hosted by Monmouth student Danny O’Grady.
Weekly vlogs keeping fans and followers up to date on the label’s projects are featured on the Blue Hawk Records Instagram page.
