Our community, no different than any other, is filled with artistic talent. Artists are a large part of our identity as a school. With the Pops concert having only recently concluded this past weekend, much of the attention was on the musical performers involved with Pops. The performance was outstanding, but it is also important not to forget the musicians who were not involved with Pops, making waves in our community and beyond.
Senior Thomas Ferguson is one of these people making waves in the community. Ferguson is a multi-instrumentalist from a young age with a passion for music production. “Music has been a huge part of my life since I have been a kid,” he said. “I have been producing music for about six years digitally now, been playing the drums for three, and I have played piano as well for a really long time.”
Producing music digitally is done with the use of DAWS. DAWS, or Digital Audio Workstations, are the computer applications used to produce music on a laptop. In the modern day, DAWS are one of the most important elements of producing music, as they allow people to create from almost anywhere. DAWS like FL Studio, Soundtrap or Ableton are some of the most popular currently. Ferguson uses Ableton when producing music.
When asked about the importance of music for him and others, Ferguson had a profound answer and explanation. “Music is a really powerful form of art. I think it really taps into something that not much else can in a human’s life. I strive to channel that feeling into my own work, and sort of reach that state,” Ferguson said.
Senior Lam Le is another person heavily interested in music and its production. Lam often produces music with his computer, sometimes even during his free periods. “I really enjoy producing music. It’s a way to express myself, and I like creating new sounds,” Le said. “When I produce music, I use DAWS like Soundtrap or FL Studio on my laptop. My favorite genres to produce are, for sure, rap, like that underground rap stuff, or electronic music.”
The two subgenres of modern underground rap and electronic actually share lots of similarities, with both genres utilizing DAWs, synths and fast drums to achieve a fast, chaotic yet blissful sound. “This music stuff is really fun, and I want to keep doing it in the future for sure,” Le said.
Walking around the halls, talk to the people involved with music and the communities surrounding it. We have a rich culture of art here, and music is one of the most vital forms of it that can not be understated. Learn more about what music production today looks like, discuss music genres, or simply talk about your favorite musicians; music is what unites us with one another.
