VERONICA PENOYER
Special to The Leader
For most new artists, the stage becomes a safe haven to lay everything out in the open.
“My dreams are my top priority, and I will do anything to make my dreams become my reality,” said Artists on the Rise performer Cameron Orlando, demonstrating the atmosphere new artists put out.
Spectrum Entertainment Board hosted its third and final Artists on the Rise event this past Thursday night, March 26. The Williams Center was full of music from various genres with an enthusiastic audience.
Spectrum members set the atmosphere of the Multi-Purpose Room as if they were hosting a live concert arena — multicolored lights, a full stage and great sound systems — instead of local college bands playing on campus. The night consisted of three acts divided into different genres: punk rock and roll, rap and a DJ. All artists created their own version of a genre with extensive emotion that created an overall unique vibe of excitement on the audience. Although each genre is well-known throughout the music world, all three performers had the audience mesmerized with their spin-off of cover songs that exemplified their musical influences, as well as songs from their own albums.
Overall, the three performers exhibited some of Fredonia’s young and new rising talent.
The first act consisted of HolKampany, a rock band of three men.
Separately, each member brought individual aspects of their personalities; however, together their personalities flowed into one, a craft crucial to bands that want to play successful live music.
HolKampany played cover songs from influences such as: “Back to the Shack” by Weezer, “Helter Skelter” by The Beatles and “Out of the Black” by Royal Blood.
Each artist they chose to cover previewed the type of sound their personal album, Juvenile Gentlemen, would create. They played multiple songs off of their album; in particular, “Little Mama” stood out from the list. Their use of lyrics and guitar was compelling, but the addition of the drums created a rhythmic beat, keeping the crowd intrigued.
The drummer, Mike Tomasulo, added a beat of his own, but overall the synchronicity between Holka and John Vaughan, the bassist and other vocalist, was uncanny. Their ability to “ping-pong” back and forth between guitars made for a mesmerizing guitar solo in almost every song.
Two of the most hyper performers of the night, Holka and Vaughan chatted with the audience between each song, with introductions for each song and comical commentary of random thoughts. As people would pass and wave to the band behind the crowd, Holka and Vaughn would take the time to recognize them and acknowledge their presence, making them out as people rather than separating themselves as artists on stage.
As well as commentary, Holka and Vaughn were extremely playful and energetic on stage. They jumped around, displaying the iconic “guitar jump” most pop musicians do. As a visual display of their carefree nature, Vaughan didn’t wear shoes or socks, making him barefoot on stage. Lack of shoes flowed with the overall look of cut-off t-shirts and the kitten with headphones displayed on the kick drum. They danced and jumped throughout their entire performance and ended with a “guitar jump,” slamming their guitars on Tomasulo’s symbols to the end of the song.
To go along with the stereotypical rock band atmosphere, there were hints of disorganization. Coughing attacks, miscommunication and missing lyrics were some complications; however, the complications displayed them as human figures that laugh off error, rather than taking away from their performance.
Their energy and overall stereotypical rock band actions and atmosphere made it easier for the crowd to connect to them.
The second artist that performed was a switch from rock to rap. Making the performance even more unique, Cameron Orlando performed solo.
Orlando — due to having relatable lyrics — was the only artist to get the crowd off their feet and closer to the stage, making his performance personable.
Like other local bands that had performed in the past Artists on the Rise, emotion impacted the audience, as well as the performers. Orlando successfully impressed the crowd with his ability to influence through emotion, making it the theme of his act, as well as his life.
“I take every aspect of life and form them into lyrics for my music,” said Orlando when talking about his major influences. “From happiness, depression, heartbreak and euphoria, I find that the best and most powerful songs come from the hardest of times.”
Even as a child, Orlando played into his emotions.
At the early age of eight, Orlando began his journey of writing lyrics, recognizing the culture and deep passion that lies within music. His career wasn’t serious until he started struggling in school: first from an eighth grade heartbreak that started his personable lyrics, and then from a high school bully that pushed him to continue on the band of music.
Despite having struggled throughout childhood, Orlando swears to stay true to himself.
“If I could give any artist some advice, it would be to stay true to yourself. This music industry is lacking originality, and people just need to do what they love. Stop trying to please everyone, and just have fun. I’ve found that having fun with yourself and your music is the key to happiness.”
The final act of the night was Timmy Provo, a DJ, known as DJ PRO.
DJ PRO played a genre of music that is unforeseeable, that is, nothing could be expected. Being a DJ is unique in itself because of the originality of each song.
Though the night was coming to an end, the audience didn’t disappear. Broken in from the previous two acts, the audience danced and enjoyed the different mixes DJ PRO gave them.
From his musical talent, he was able to land the behind-the-scenes capability at the Life in Color show in Rochester, where he will perform an opening spot.
As new artists, dealing with the backlash of cruel fans can be one of the tougher aspects of the music industry.
“All of the shows that a new band — and even established bands — plays will not be incredible — that cannot be expected,” advised Holka when asked on how to deal with negativity in the music business. “Most importantly, there will be people who don’t like a band’s music — a mature band must take their comments or thoughts with a grain of salt and continue playing for those who are into it.”