The San Diego City College Music Program wrapped up the fall semester with an album release of student music under the SD Knights Records label and a listening party to celebrate in Curran Plaza Dec. 4.
Second-year student Damon Washington, whose stage name is Bigg Dame, was among the 13 student artists featured on the album “Sounds of City, Vol. 2: Knight School” which was released on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
Washington, a Navy veteran, detailed how his passion is supported by the music program at City.
“I previously went to college years ago, but I went for something I really didn’t have a passion for and then went to the military,” Washington said. “Then in the military, I’m realizing this is not my passion either. So I get out (of the military) and I find out about this (music) program, and being able to do this and not feel like work, it’s just a dream come true for me.”
The compilation contains 13 songs with genres ranging from electronica, hip hop, “California rock” and others, according to Mike Epsar, Associate Professor of Music and Commercial Music at City College and faculty advisor to SD Knights Records.
“What I love most about these compilations and our students in general is just the wide variety of music that they produce,” Espar said.
The listening party began with a song-by-song reveal in City’s music studios and then the album was replayed through speakers in Curran Plaza with pizza provided to listeners.
City College President Ricky Shabazz was in attendance in the music studio, bobbing his head to the songs, and acknowledged City’s top-notch equipment when addressing the students.
“You all have an amazing talent and it’s great to see these millions of dollars of equipment put to use,” Shabazz said.
Shabazz added that he would like to have student music be the background for videos that City College produces for its Instagram and other platforms.
According to Espar, the MUSIC@CITY program along with SD Knight Records is planning on having their 5th annual SOUNDstation music festival in the spring, giving student musicians another opportunity to showcase their talents.
To listen to the newly released ‘Sounds of City, Vol. 2: Knight School,’ click here.
