Inside College of the Canyon’s recording studio, students in Hipified Records are learning what it takes to work in the music industry, from recording tracks to performing live and building professional networks.
“I’m hoping that students get a real-world experience of what it takes to be a professional musician and doing the actual recording process of coming into a studio like we have here and recording something that sounds extremely professional, and you can put it out there and be proud as a musician, and it feels like a professional piece of work,” said Zac Imperial, the club advisor.
The club held its first meeting this month. Members are already taking on roles, including one student helping others write and produce original music.
“You know, a lot of times, people write music based on their emotions, and they don’t necessarily have the tools to do it themselves. So, my job is to kinda help them create what they hear inside their head, as well as help them perform and help them find places to be able to express themselves,” said Brady Mac, a COC student.
Currently, advisors are still working with COC’s legal department to ensure that students can release their music while retaining the rights to their own songs recorded in the studio.
“One of the projects we need to work on is just getting copyright issues decided on, in terms of the administration, how students can use the material that they record here. Right now, we’re trying to sort out some legal issues,” said Bill MacPherson, Chair of the Music Department.
As plans move forward, the club hopes to release a record by the end of the spring semester, giving students a platform to share their music, connect with others, and gain real industry experience.
“It’s very important for all creatives and all artists, either through music, through art, through photography, videography, everything, to collaborate and grow,” said Orion Kwon, the club’s president.
For now, Hipified Records is focused on creating, collaborating, performing and growing, all while bringing the club back to life.
