The young person's guide to the studio

We talked about entrepreneurship in the arts, how a studio operates, and of course, about Nirvana! The students also showcased their artistic work because, for the MEDIA DESIGN course, they set up their own (fictional) studio. Two students recorded songs in studio quality.

It's been a while since I was sixteen years old (I am now thirty). I can't help but wonder sometimes: has technology influenced the way young people listen to and make music? How do they feel about their future place in the world as artists and creatives?

After a quick tour of the building, we asked two students to play a song so that I could show how a professional recording works. I was curious to see which songs they would pick.

Ariana Grande? Ed Sheeran? For sure they had to pick a Billie Eilish song... right? Are young people still into music at all?

The answer:

"Come As You Are" by Nirvana and "Down in a Hole" by Alice in Chains.

Songs by artists that are of similar ages as their parents or grandparents. I was stunned and somewhat relieved at the same time.

Although I really like the new artists mentioned before, I was relieved to hear that the music that meant so much to me growing up keeps finding ways to be relevant to newer generations.

It shows that making good art matters. It shows that making a powerful statement and being rebellious in life and in your art is important for now and for futures to come.