After enrolling in UD, Goetz
launched the Music Production Club, now thriving during the midst of a
pandemic. One member, Daniel Loughlin, is a human services
major considering a career in social work. He makes music both through a
DAW and an ocarina, an ancient, bird-shaped wind instrument. His
current passion project Ive devoted hundreds of hours to it is
creating the soundtrack for a friends independent, animated film about
coping with loss.
Because Loughlin is a person with both high-functioning autism and
ADHD, he said, the music has been a type of therapy something that
helps him regain his focus when he is frustrated by school work. It also
serves as an escape from an unsettled world.
Music takes your soul to a different place, he said. Even just for
a little bit, it gets your mind off of everything, which is especially
important during a stressful moment like this. Its a reminder that
there are good things out there, too. It gives us a reprieve.
Because many of the musicians upload their work to various streaming
services, outside listeners have access to this reprieve as well.
Putting something beautiful into the world at a time when so many are
struggling, Loughlin said, is definitely part of the motivation.
Consider Julian Volare, a violinist and first-year business
major who recently shared his latest project a mixed tape of melodic
rap on SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music. One of the songs,
No Roommate, is about breaking up with his girlfriend on move-in day
at UD.
I was pretty upset about it, he said
from his home in Wilmington, Delaware. But without that experience, I
wouldnt have this song, and Im very happy with it. I cant imagine not
having this creative outlet. Id encourage anyone who is not making art
right now music, painting, ceramics, whatever to start. Having that
expression is so important, especially if you dont have anyone to talk
to. Being able to engage with outsiders who appreciate your art in
online comment sections during a period of social isolation, he added,
is a nice bonus.
For those interested in joining the club, the group encourages
participation from music enthusiasts of every skill level and from any
department on campus. The only requirement is that you have that song or
beat in your head and that you come ready to grow as an artist. All
the musicians said theyre continually learning from one another and
their own creative processes. One of the takeaways? Patience is
paramount. Good things take time. If you want to be happy with your
results, you have to put in the work.
Its a lesson, they said, is applicable to this time of quarantine.
I really hope everyone is doing what they can to stay positive and
healthy, Loughlin said between ocarina practice sessions. There may be
more we need to endure, and it may not be easy. But eventually
better days are on the way.
Article by Diane Stopyra; photos courtesy of UD Music Production Club
Published April 29, 2020