FALL 2024 ARTISTS
Thankujonah is an emerging musician from Saint Paul with six years of experience in writing and recording. Currently a freshman studying Music Business, he has been using FL Studio for over two years to create a diverse range of sounds across pop, alternative pop, and hip hop. His alternative pop/rock EP released last year received positive attention, and he is excited to continue evolving his sound as he prepares for his upcoming single.
Maxwell Gaytko is a musician from Waseca, Minnesota, who has been passionate about music since childhood. He started with performance choirs and piano before picking up the guitar. At 18, inspired by Kaytranada’s music, he began creating his own tracks using Ableton. One highlight of his journey was performing at the Vatican with the St. Thomas Chambers Singers. Currently a junior studying Business Economics with minors in Sustainability and Philosophy, Maxwell hasn’t yet performed his original music but looks forward to it. The song title was inspired by max getting lost in a casino when he was little. Maxwell is excited to share his music with the with his fans!
Benjamin Barrett is a Minnesota-born artist with roots in rock, blues, and acoustic music. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Pink Floyd, John Mayer, Bon Iver, and the Grateful Dead, he merges expressive guitar work with poetic lyricism. Beyond his solo career, Benjamin is a member of the band Monarch, where he further explores musical composition.
Ojo, a new artist from St. Paul, stepped into the music scene to inspire and uplift. Rather than writing lyrics, Ojo flows naturally on each beat, crafting tracks in BandLab with the goal of giving young listeners a positive alternative to mainstream secular music. As a second-year general business student, Ojo brings a fresh perspective to music that’s all about connecting with people and spreading positivity.
Alex Leary is a vocalist from Rochester, MN, with three years of experience in the music scene. A junior studying Music Business, Alex performs solo and with two bands, Stone Ark and KIDS AT PLAY. He’s played at well-known Twin Cities venues such as Mortimer’s, White Rock Lounge, and The Garage, bringing a unique energy and passion to each performance.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Salomé has always been drawn to the stage, singing and dancing her way through life. With a passion for both performing and helping others, she crafts music that aims to resonate and connect with listeners. Salomé transforms her life lessons and obstacles into relatable singer-songwriter pop songs, drawing inspiration from artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish. Through her lyrics, she seeks to create a shared experience that uplifts and inspires.
Hey! I’m Ariana, I’ve been a musician as long as I can remember, but I fell in love with songwriting and haven’t looked back. I am so excited to release with the 480 this semester with something a little bit different than my usual folk/indie sound. Stay tuned, I can’t wait for you to hear it!
Slyda is a music producer originally from Myanmar who started making music in 2013. Slyda creates tracks with FL Studio and loves experimenting with different styles. He takes influence from multiple genres such as rap, pop, RnB, and even Country music. He’s also performed both in Minneapolis and back in Myanmar. Currently, Slyda is a junior studying computer science at the University of St. Thomas.
Katie Doreen is a Twin Cities-based artist who has been immersed in music since childhood. She began playing piano at six and discovered her passion for singing in middle school. Her latest single captures the pain of watching someone struggle silently, inspired by her own experience of loss and the support of friends. Now a senior at St. Thomas, pursuing a double major in music and marketing, Katie’s music reflects deep emotional connections and the unspoken battles we often face.
Carson Liebeg, known by the stage name c_rson, is a senior Music Business student with a decade of experience making music. In Victoria MN, c_rson has developed his own unique sound over the years, balancing his passion for production and the music industry with an academic pursuit of music and sound as a whole. His latest single, “it’s how you land,” began taking shape two years ago as just a guitar and a vocal that took up space on his computer. c_rson thrives on manipulating the software to craft sounds that are entirely his own—aiming for a track that speaks to his personal style rather than conforming to outside expectations.
Matt Neeser a musician, songwriter, and performer based in the Twin Cities, is a double major in Vocal Performance and Music Business with a minor in Music Production. Loving music since childhood he has sung in choirs for years, including the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, the Minnesota Chorale, and the St. Thomas Chamber Choir, where he fosters his love for vocal harmonies. He created his debut single, “Chances,” using a MIDI keyboard, mic, and passion. His sound blends indie influences with choral harmony, and he’s eager to release his first album. Matt has performed at venues like Sociable Works and the Finnish Bistro, sharing his original music with local audiences.
Seamus Healy is a country and folk artist from Long Lake, MN, blending heartfelt lyrics with an Americana vibe. With three years of guitar playing and two years of songwriting under his belt, Seamus is quickly making a name for himself in the local scene with his authentic sound, influenced by artists like Zach Bryan.
His latest single, Bloodline, was written during a study abroad trip to Rome. Inspired by a night in Florence when friends teased him about his drinking, Seamus turned that moment into a powerful song about addiction and personal reflection. “The song keeps getting more real every time I sing it,” he says.
Frida is an artist from Minnesota whose music draws on the rich, introspective traditions of the Midwest sound. Growing up in a church community that celebrated creativity and connection through music, Frida found a natural path into songwriting and self-expression. Inspired by personal experience and the music around her, including Midwest talents like Bon Iver, Corbin, and Adrienne Lenker, Frida’s work explores themes of self-reflection and resilience, blending raw emotion with relatable depth.
