480 Founders
Our Story
In the spring of 2024, eleven University of St. Thomas Music Business students gathered in SCC 102 for MUSC 480 the capstone seminar for their major. On the first day, they were asked a bold question: Do you want to start a record label? That moment sparked the creation of the 480 Collective; a fully student-led music organization built from the ground up to support, promote, and elevate emerging artists on campus and beyond.
Meet the 480 Founders
Ben Barrett '26
Benjamin Barrett is a second-year student at the University of St. Thomas pursuing a BA in Music Business along with a minor in Business Analytics. Ben works in A&R as well as outreach at the 480 Collective, and can't wait to see the development of artists on campus. His other roles on campus include being the President and founder of the UST Pop & Rock Club.
Ben has a passion for guitar, studying and performing in multiple genres such as classical, rock, jazz, pop, and acoustic. Ben loves rock bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, and Greta Van Fleet. He looks up to guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, John Williams, and John Mayer as well.
Rachel Clement '26
Meet Rachel, a current sophomore double majoring in Music Business and Psychology. As a board member in the 480 Collective, Rachel stands as our Film & Video Production lead, is a part of the Event Production & Logistics team and helps coordinate artist submissions.
Rachel’s primary instruments are voice and piano, alongside that she plays drums and guitar. At the University of St. Thomas she sings in the all women's choir Donne Unite. Music wise, Rachel loves anything and everything oldies. Specifically, 70’s Funk, Neo-Soul, and Yacht Rock (aka dad music). Rachel and the rest of the 480 Collective team can’t wait to hear what music UST artists have to share with the world.
Kaylen DeBois '24
Kaylen is a Senior Music Business and Psychology student. In her time at St. Thomas, she has performed in the orchestra as well as two choirs. She toured Southern France alongside the UST Orchestra in May of 2022 and is preparing to tour Austria and Italy with the UST Choirs this summer.
Kaylen’s primary instrument is digital music, but she also plays guitar, piano, drums, viola, and sings. At the 480 Kaylen is a fundamental part of the design and marketing team. Her favorite style of music is Pop and she has been inspired by musicians like Selena Gomez, Jeremy Zucker, Sabrina Carpenter, JP Saxe, and Noah Cyrus.
Owen Hjerpe '25
Owen Hjerpe, a Junior at the University of St. Thomas, is deeply involved in the world of music. Owen, who is majoring in Music Business and minored in Mathematics and Recording Arts, adds a unique set of abilities and passion to The 480 Collective. As General Management/Admissions and Production Engineer, he is critical to the collective's operations.
Owen has a solid background in digital music production and years of expertise as a saxophonist, and he has performed with a variety of classical and contemporary ensembles. His passion for jazz, particularly jazz fusion, bossa nova, and samba, drives his creative work within the collective.
Kori-Ann Hermitt '24
Kori-Ann Hermitt, a Senior at the University of St. Thomas, studying Music Business was raised in Kingston, Jamaica. Playful yet introspective, her very versatile tone reflects her love for musical theatre, R&B, Souls, Jazz, reggae, and Gospel. At 480 , Kori-Ann is the head of the submission oversight and management team.
Her notable past performances & accomplishments include: Representing Jamaica at the global biennial Teen Talent Competition in 2019 held in Cleveland Tennessee where herself and members of her team won gold in the small ensemble category; becoming a 2023 Greenroom Fellow at the Ordway Center For Performing Arts, performing as Princess Tiana at Minnesota’s first ever Disney princess cabaret in 2023, currently apart of Aspire Academy’s stars on Broadway show ‘24, a member of the Titambe West African Dance Ensemble and once performed as a backup vocalist for international gospel artiste, Judith Gayle.
Kori-Ann continues to be involved in choirs and acapella groups and is focusing on pursuing her goal of becoming a professional and well-known composer, dancer, actress and Broadway vocalist. She wishes to empower and instigate healing in the hearts of all through the creative arts.