The Sounds of Popular Music at Catawba


Singular Voices, One & All

A growing number of Catawba's current popular music students and recent graduates have released recordings of origional music that are capturing radio play, online sales, and the attention of the music industry. These releases also show the talent and stylistic diversity that are becoming synonymous with popular music at Catawba.

Derek Daisey

Senior music business student and 2nd place finalist in the 2007 BMI John Lennon Scholarship contest (out of some 1300 entries), has received much praise and many fans with his debut release of original works, All Behind Me.

"Josie" is one of the most popular songs from the album. To hear more of Derek's music visit his GarageBand page. You can also sample and purchase Derek's songs at the iTunes store.

"Josie" by Derek Daisey

Melissa Alesi

Junior music business student Melissa Alesi released her own debut CD of original songs, simply titled Alesi.

Melissa's rocking "Ten Feet Little" displays both her wonderfully soulful voice as well as her knack for writing a memorable song that carries a real punch. Listen to more of Melissa's music at ReverbNation.

"Ten Feet Little" by Melissa Alesi

Dennis Reed

Recent music business graduate and now Catawba Young Artist in Residence Dennis Reed took home first place (out of some 1300 entries) in the 2006 BMI John Lennon Scholarship contest. He has gone onto perform and record with a growing list of gospel industry luminaries, including LaShun Pace, Donald Lawrence, The Murills, Tamela Mann, John P. Kee, Smokie Norful, Ted and Sheri, Lucinda Moore, Patrick Love, Christopher Brinson, Christopher Gray, Ricky Dillard and Shirley Caesar.

Dennis and his gospel ensemble, GAP, have even recorded with Queen Latifah and Mavis Staples.

"Awesome God" has become something of Dennis' signature song and was even covered by gospel great Ricky Dillard on his 7th Episode CD. To hear more of Derek's music, visit his website.

"Awesome God" by Dennis Reed

Katie Bragg

Senior music business Katie Bragg's fall 2008 EP of original songs shows her notable gift as a songwriter and has brought Katie both radio play and the attention of music industry insiders.

At the same time, the wonderful musical gumbo of a song like "Unbreakable" shows the musical diversity of the performing songwriters who study at Catawba.

"Unbreakable" by Katie Bragg

Mason Jewett

Sometimes a song captures a special Mojo, one that grabs you hard from the first bar and doesn't let go, and that's certainly the case with "Devil Sunday" by Catawba junior Mason Jewett.

We're sure you'll be hearing lots more from Mason in the future.

"Devil Sunday" by Mason Jewett

James Abbott

While still only a Catawba freshman, James Abbott has already created a following for himself across the Carolinas and as far away as Michigan with his band We Are Masked. The hard rocking "When Two is Three Become One" demonstrates why.

To hear more of James' music, visit the myspace page for We Are Masked. You can also sample and purchase the band's music at the iTunes store.

"When Two is Three Become One" by James Abbott (coming soon)

Dusti Kempf

It only takes a few seconds of listening to Dusti Kempf sing to recognize the talent this Catawba freshman possesses. As "On My Own" also demonstrates, she has obvious talent as a songwriter.

Dusti is another Catawba student we think you'll be hearing a lot from in the future.

"On My Own" by Dusti Kempf

Labeling Deloris

It's a true joy to watch Catawba's students build success in the music industry after graduation. Labeling Deloris, an indie group made up of not one, not two, but three Catawba alumni, is a prime example.

Don't take our word for it. The band's 2008 CMJ Music Marathon performance took NYC by storm. Beat Magazine has also written, "What is impressive about this band is not only their music or their accomplishments, but their approach toward the hidden things that make a band successful — they have dedicated their lives in the pursuit of their dreams."

Listen to "Worn to the Wood" and you'll understand what all the fuss is abut. To hear more of Labeling Deloris, visit their website or sample/purchase their music at the iTunes store.

"Worn to the Wood" by Labeling Deloris