House Shows and Homework

By Nyah Khan

Hi! I'm Nyah, and I’m a major in Design and Merchandising at Drexel. However, I’m also a musician at heart, so I officially embarked on my musical journey last year by releasing my first single in June. Despite a lovely initial response to the song, I still felt that I was the “fashion major” outsider in the music scene at Drexel, but I was eager to explore it further. So, I started a band (which you’ll hear about later) and began talking with like-minded creatives to learn all I could about their art and personalities.  

I sat down with a few Drexel artists/bands and discussed their experiences in the music industry. From crafting entire albums in dorm rooms to performing at some of Philadelphia's coolest DIY venues, Drexel musicians are on remarkable journeys- each with fantastic stories to tell. The following artists are more than just musicians: they are influential forces of change in the Drexel and Philly music scenes. Students by day and stars by night, these bands and solo musicians offered sincerely inspiring insight into their artistry and personal endeavors that are true to their work and lives. 

eliora:

When eliora steps on stage, audiences are transported to a fantasy land of “fairy princess music.” Decked out in fairytale fashions, eliora is a magical blend between the fashion and music worlds. She makes curated choices for her outfits for each show, aware of fashion's power in performance and artistry. “I’m always thinking about my brand,” she explains, “I want to look how I sound.” The physical elements of sparkles, energetic patterns, and dreamy colors complement sweet, smooth vocals and intimate acoustic guitar melodies to achieve the essence of this ethereal sound. Self-described as “quirky indie pop,” she tells us: “I write about my delusions and put funny little noises in it.” One time, she even recorded the sound of her anxiety medicine as a shaker to add a percussive secret to a song. 

It’s clear that eliora is a creative who thinks meticulously about every aspect of her project, establishing not only music that her fans can relate to, but a brand that they can identify with. She shares that her biggest goal is to have people listen to her music and what she has to say. Seeing people enjoy her music and connecting with her lyrics is so essential that she gives out friendship bracelets at her shows to ensure that her audience feels welcomed, loved, and connected.  

When asked about her advice for aspiring artists in the scene, she emphasized: “Don’t apologize for taking up space.” eliora notes the complicating roadblocks for women making their way in the scene, encouraging them to be unapologetic and " loud”! Especially as an artist who makes music for a generally female audience, she aspires to pave a path for other women to be heard in a highly saturated scene with more “hardcore” sounds. Artists like eliora are catalysts for change in the musical landscape, and their authenticity and unapologetic artistry are carving out spaces for diversity and inclusivity. As her ethereal melodies continue to captivate hearts and minds, she begins to pave the way for artists who aren’t afraid to do something different.  

Burke:

Natalie Puckett, known musically as the artist Burke, has been on her musical journey since her father gifted her a guitar for her 12th birthday. Fast-forward to this past December, when she just released her first album, “Peace of Mind,” and she has already made a significant mark on her audience. With over 100k streams across all album tracks on Spotify alone, she is indeed an emerging artist to watch.  

But Burke’s aspirations extend far deeper than numerical success. She shares that her sincerest goal is to establish a dedicated, loyal, personal fan base that connects with her artistry intimately: “I wish I could find every person that follows me and connect with them individually.” A masterful storyteller, Burke's music weaves a tapestry of raw lyricism and ethereal melodies, each note a thread in the intricate fabric of her narratives. She envisions her music multidimensionally, expressing that she “wants her mix to feel like a museum where there’s space between each instrument that allows you to walk through it.” Burke strives to create an immersive experience for her listeners and to foster a deep connection with them in and out of song. As a queer woman, she notes a specific artist that she feels embodies her future self and the potential connection with fans; “Girl in Red’s fanbase - I want that shit,” she says with a laugh.  

Aside from working on her music, Burke has gained experience in the music industry through an internship at Manhattan Beach Recording. Here, she gained valuable insight she will take with her throughout her music career. She admits that she had been a bit of a perfectionist when working on her music, but seeing how people work professionally made her realize that it’s not so different from how people do it at Drexel. “No one cares if there’s a buzz in the back of your mic - just record it!” she jokes. 

She emphasizes authenticity when asked what advice she would give musicians just starting out. “Learning to be authentic will set you apart from so many different people...everyone's trying to mimic other artists... give people something new. In time, your brand will show, and people will like you because that's you and nobody else”. Burke's authenticity shines in her music and every element of her being. She is a beacon of sincerity and passion, and her artistry is a testament to her genuine desire to connect with her audience. As her name begins to resonate with those far and wide, Burke emerges not just as a rising star but as a guiding light for aspiring musicians navigating the turbulent seas of the industry. 

Theo R:

On February 22, 2024, Theo R enamored Drexel Flux’s audience with a live debut of his new album “I Didn’t Imagine This!” As his fingers danced effortlessly across the frets of his guitar, he created ambient riffs that harmoniously complemented the dynamic texture of his voice and his experimental lyrics, exuding confidence through each note he played. You would never even know from this euphoric performance that he used to struggle with stage fright. In fact, before Lightning Round, Theo took matters into his own hands to prepare and conquer his fears - an intimate “Tiny Desk” concert in the comfort of his living room, surrounded by his best friends. He would later describe it as the moment he felt the most successful. 

Theo R eats music for breakfast. Growing up, music was all he thought about and all that he did. He’s lived and breathed inventive melodies and guitar riffs from an early age. His experimental approach to his music has allowed him to venture into an abstract sonic escape. When describing his current songwriting process, Theo explains, “I never decide what I wanna make beforehand; I just sit down and find out. I’m open to my music taking me wherever I go. I am overwhelmed by ideas. I never get writer's block, and I can’t stop; I’ll probably make 1000 albums by the time I die”.  

When asked how he would describe his music, he was unsure how to classify it. “My music is something that’s constantly changing and developing. It’s raw, and you can tell it’s me,” he says. With such an open, experimental mindset, Theo R is undoubtedly a musician to watch. He is a standout in both the Drexel and Philadelphia musical scenes through his individuality that transcends beyond himself through his desire to connect with his audience, making a sincere impact on anyone who comes across his profound artistry. 

Cheap 52:

Cheap 52 is a band comprised of Sophie Price (Bass and Vocals), Buster Malino (Guitar and Vocals), and Steve Valentino (Drums). Self-proclaimed as “fun rock,” this project is truly, at its core, just that: fun! The key to their success? Their free spirits. Authentically unapologetic about facing anxiety and awkwardness and all the things that make us human. When asked who their audience is, Sophie said, “Good music can be for anybody. It’s timeless, relatable, and interesting. But also, for anyone who has some anxiety or mental illness”, she said with a laugh. Considering how raw and energetic their genre is, it’s no wonder that this group has found success among a broad audience. When these three begin playing, the air is infused with electric strings and passionate percussion, developing a rhythmic audible experience with everyone wishing for an encore.  

While the band’s relatability initially captivates their audience, their stage presence has established their loyal fan base. Sophie defines a good performer as someone so authentic that they exude confidence and can enjoy themselves in the moment. “Our best shows where we sound the best are the ones where we’re having the most fun,” she says. Steve echoes this statement: “If you’re able to have fun, the nerves are down, and everything else flows through that; the energy comes from that.” Buster also chimed in, saying, “It’s not just confidence, but being able to get on stage and not think about what you’re saying to the audience- to be as loose as you can. How else are they supposed to know you’re comfortable? You want it to be as much fun for them as it is for you. To be dumb and fun- That’s one way of doing it”, he shares. 

As for the band’s advice for aspiring musicians- they put it so well that I'll just let you read it for yourself: 

Sophie: “Don't overthink it. If you love it- get ready to work your ass off and just do it. You also need to learn about the business aspect of the industry so you don't get fucked over. And network! But more than that, just make friends.” 

Buster: “You can't let your idea of perfection get in the way of greatness. You need to be able to temper it when it comes time to say you can't ‘nail it’ and need time away, accept that you're not always gonna get it 100% right. You wanna be the best you can, but you can't let the idea of perfection get in your head because it's impossible. Be authentically you and unapologetic about it. Because people can see when you get in your head on stage.” 

Steve: “When trying to keep a band enjoyable, it's important to think: are you enjoying the process? If the process is annoying, everything falls apart very easily. But bands are special in the way that people come together for a cure, they’re bigger than oneself. And you can look at it less with your own ego when you realize that. EGOS RUIN EVERYTHING.”  

As the band continues their current journey of crafting their sophomore album, these three and their manager, Max Mega, are keeping creative artistry in mind. With music videos, album art, and promotional photoshoots that are meticulously planned out to convey symbolism and thoughtfulness, it is evident that this band knows the impact that media can have on the success of musicians’ careers. Stay tuned for the album, of course, and be sure to check out fellow D&M Magazine contributor Lauren Corcoran’s editorial with this bunch: Clown 52!  

Jess Urwiler:

Jess Urwiler’s unapologetic singer-songwriter essence has made her name one that everybody at Drexel knows despite not having any music out. She proves all you need to get out there and start something special is passion and courage; being wonderfully talented doesn’t hurt either. The tenderness of her vocals, married with warm echoes created by her fingerpicking on her acoustic guitar, creates an atmosphere that feels like home. However, as beautiful as the sonic elements of her music are, lyricism is where she truly shines. After recently completing Adrienne Lenker’s songwriting class (who is one of her biggest inspirations), she tells me she has become more “carefree” in her songwriting, which is significant, considering she describes herself as a very “structured” person. “Now I just wanna write whatever comes out of me,” she shares.

With inspirations like Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Adrienne Lenker, her writing is captivating, poetic, and tells intimate, personal stories. “My music is very vulnerable; you’re not gonna get it unless you listen to what I’m saying,” she tells me. When I asked her how she has been finding herself in Drexel and Philly’s scenes, she expressed some struggle and frustration, as she has felt that acoustic acts are often not taken as seriously as those that are more hardcore. She shares that specific venues she has played have felt disrespectful, as people often talk over her and other acoustic acts. However, she expresses hope for acts like hers after her experience performing at The Coach Room this past December: “Everyone in the audience was so cool and so attentive; as soon as I got on stage, people stopped talking and started listening.”  

Jess is passionate about her craft and will not sacrifice it to “fit in” to the scene. She emphasizes that being a standout is good and that authenticity is of great value and will be rewarded. Her biggest advice to aspiring musicians is to “put yourself out there. People will want to hear you if you make yourself known.” When asked about aspirations for her music, she explained that she wants the chance to be heard and for people to listen to her music and find solace in it. Jess is currently recording her debut project, and although it is not out at the time of this article’s publishing, she says to keep an eye out for the following link, as it will be updated as she begins to put her work out! 

Pieces of Pluto:

In a musical environment that is highly saturated with men, my all-girl band, Pieces of Pluto, is aspiring to pave the way for more female energy in the DIY scene. I had been developing a solo career during my first year at Drexel, but I had always felt I was missing something. I craved collaboration and noticed a void in Drexel and Philadelphia’s DIY music scene for women and was motivated to start a project that would incite change. I had previously known bassist Liv Da Silva, and we had joked about starting a band, though neither of us knew where to start. But as boredom took over during winter break, Liv picked up her bass for the first time since summer, while I took a chance by posting a flyer on my Instagram story to recruit members. Surely enough, the power of social media brought drummer Mia Nagy and guitarists Alaina Martin and Gabi Ruiz our way. Suddenly, school was back in full swing, and rehearsals started immediately. We rehearsed for over a month before realizing we needed a name. 

When approaching the band's name, the difficulty was not due to the lack of ideas. One day, we texted for two hours in our group chat, just saying any combination of words before we came up with anything we liked. Eventually, it came down to all things “Pluto” as an ode to the symbolism Pluto represents in literature, especially poetry. Pluto, as a planet - like women as people - is overlooked, dismissed, and underrepresented in conversation. Among other similar names, we collectively decided to go with “Pieces of Pluto” as a tribute to the fact that each of the members is a “piece of Pluto,” being women in the industry and aspiring to create and be a part of a project that changes the narrative around females in the scene, combatting the misogynistic criticism they have already faced. Liv recalls a conversation where someone asked her if she started playing bass just because her boyfriend did. “I was so offended,” she expresses, “It’s as if people think women can’t do anything if men didn’t do it first.”  

As for our sound, we describe it as if bands like The Killers, Radiohead, and Nirvana felt the energy of female artists like Avril Lavigne, Beabadoobee, and Girl in Red. A juxtaposition indeed, our alternative rock influences marry poetic singer-songwriter lyricism to create a unique blend amplified by bold girl band energy to create an energetic, meaningful experience for our audiences. But more than that, Pieces of Pluto is more than a band - we strive to be a force of change by inspiring future female musicians. 

Honorable Mentions

1.) Hotel Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast is an emo alt-rock band comprised of Noah Kossowsky on vocals, Lucy Buchman and Peter Albanese on guitar, Spencer Lipp on bass, and Chris Kelly-Dutile on drums. Formed when they first got to Drexel, this group began by jamming together for fun and has gone on to play beloved Philadelphia venues like The Coach Room, Philly Style Pizza, and even World Cafe Live. Not only does the band make killer tunes, but they also are simply a great group of people, proving that a successful band takes camaraderie seriously. Spencer echoes this statement: “It’s a group of 5 people that know how to build off each other and grow together as songwriters, musicians, and most importantly, performers. I'm very fortunate to have found this group of people when I did, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world”. Visit the link below to discover why people love Hotel Breakfast! 

2.) Obvi: Oliver Vecellio, known as the artist “Obvi,” stood out for his passionate humanity and music. He shares that he genuinely wants his message to showcase his art’s advocacy for those who cannot advocate for themselves. “Art is such a tangible medium to get people thinking,” he emphasizes to this extent. But along with his music, which he describes as a “stream of consciousness of his most authentic self,” Obvi spends his time on immersive media methods of engaging his audiences with his music differently. Check out some of this work on his website, linked below!  

3.) Lev: A performance by Lev is a euphorically erratic experience. With energetic sounds that perfectly scratch that lingering itch in your brain, this DJ knows what their crowd wants. You can almost hear their thought process in the essence of their work, an articulate mind, yet everywhere all at once. Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lev was inspired by their surroundings, oddly enough drawing the inspiration for their electronic, synthetic sounds from the most natural visual components. Lev shares that nature heavily influences what they make: “The jaggedness of mountains reminds me of angular sounds,” they share. You can hear the results of these unique inspirations and methods for their music in the link below! 

Overall, it’s apparent that the Drexel music scene is infused with talented, engaging, warm people. I want to note that there are so many other phenomenal artists that I could not feature, and this article doesn’t even scratch the surface of how much there is. However, among the interviews I did get to do, there was a consensus to “explore.” Whether you’re in the scene or not, there is excellent value in conversing with people about what they’re doing and what they’re passionate about. The beautiful thing about being at a school like Drexel is that there is so much diversity among majors and types of people, and there is always something to learn from everybody you encounter. Talk to people, get out of your box, and get inspired. Establish meaningful connections, making a point to listen to understand and not just hear while talking to people.