(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Over the past few weeks, student life at Monmouth University has been bustling like never before as campus life recovers and adjusts to post-pandemic life. Similar to other national universities, Monmouth has moved back to in-person classes. This has led to the development and execution of many on-campus events and activities. Blue Hawk Records is one of the student-run organizations that thrived with the in-person comeback. This semester, the group has been actively creating their 20th studio album together, titled “Twenty”. This album, which will be released on April 22nd will be a remarkable milestone for not only the organization but the University.
Under the direction of Professor Joe Rapolla, students work together in their Record Label Strategies course to release the Blue Hawk Records compilation EP each semester. This requires that students hold auditions, select artists, prepare them to record, develop marketing strategies, decide on artwork, and plan and produce live events. It is a significant amount of work, but with a talented and creative group of individuals, these students produce an amazing album each year.
Professor Rapolla agrees stating, “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. Additionally, this class strives to simulate a current day music company. Everything we are doing directly relates to aspects of today’s music industry so students get real-world experience they can reference as they pursue their careers post-graduation.”
Monmouth students continuously rise to the challenges that are presented to them. Professor Rapolla conducted live class meetings weekly, where the team devised plans to accomplish all the required tasks. With just a few recording sessions able to be conducted, at Lakehouse Recording Studio in Asbury Park, student managers and producers worked with artists all hours of the day to perfect their sound. The tracks are then mixed and mastered by local producer and Monmouth University Professor, Connor Hanson. All the while, artwork was being designed by Art Majors from Monmouth’s Professor Finn’s class to help promote the album. Furthermore, online promotions were being executed by the marketing team to get people excited about the album.
The Social team has been keeping consumers up to date with the team's plans by producing weekly vlogs. These short films can be found on the group's Instagram page @bluehawkrecordsofficial
Student Nick Garrecht who serves as the label operations said, “The past 10 years of records serve as a testament as to how a small major can make big things happen” and other students agree. One student furthers this point stating, “We are a small major and even smaller class but together this album brought students closer; not only because they share the same major but also because they share a passion for music with one another.”
General Manager Abby Garcia added, “Though everyone has different jobs, we are learning about the broader aspects of the album production process. I enjoy this because as I watch not only the artists grow, but myself and fellow classmates”
Artists on “Twenty” include Monmouth students, Jordan Tyler, Delaney Rivera, Chris Lynch/ The Bavaros, Elena Worton, Double G (Gabe Garza), and Madeline Knight along with an ensemble of accompanying student musicians and producers. It is going to take a lot of effort to make this album happen but as a team we know it will be a pivotal moment for the label.
Blue Hawk Records also announced that they will be collaborating with Hawk TV’s for a tiny desk-inspired series this month featuring Monmouth University's own Danny Ogrady.
“Twenty” will be available for streaming on all digital platforms on April 22nd.
You can find and follow Blue Hawk Records on Instagram at @bluehawkrecordsofficial.
Blue Hawk Records is Monmouth University’s student-run record label and music organization designed to provide music and hands-on experience for the students. Its mission is to equip music industry majors, as well as others in the University, with relevant, real-world experience and familiarize them with the typical workings of different occupations in the current music industry.
Blue Hawk Record label carries out the functions of a commercial recording company, with students holding all requisite roles and positions inherent in the corporate model. Students are able to capitalize on this specialized experience as they function in performing and recording, talent scouting, artist management, promotion, branding and development, and live music production.
Blue Hawk Records has active affiliations with major music industry organizations, such as Warner Music Group, the Music Business Association, and the GRAMMY Museum, and with notable Jersey Shore music scene organizations, including Lakehouse Music Academy and The Stone Pony, in Asbury Park.
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