Limelight Music Group, Elon University’s record label, just concluded its annual auditions last Thursday in its new location at Trollinger House. Limelight plans to sign approximately three musical groups.
The audition process included musical groups performing several songs for Limelight staff and executive board members. Immediately afterwards, the board members asked questions from the musicians regarding their goals, if original content had been produced and what music inspired them.
“We want to be diversified and appeal to all types of people, but overall, what’s going to matter the most is the talent type,” said Limelight president, senior Dean Shapero.
Final decisions will be announced later this week.
Patrick Gunning, senior and head of Limelight’s marketing and public relations, expressed similar sentiments.
“We definitely want to get a band, a rapper and possibly a DJ,” Gunning said. “Honestly, it really depends on who sounds the best and who we think we can really market to the Elon community and beyond.”
Since becoming an official club in the spring of 2013, the record label has increased its efforts to prepare Elon students for careers in the music industry. Shapero is dedicated to expanding its role, not just as a club, but as a network.
Shapero became involved with Limelight the fall of his sophomore year in 2012, two years after it began as an unofficial organization in 2010.
“I’ve known my entire life that I wanted to go into music,” Shapero said. “I feel like that is the case for a lot of kids here.”
Likewise for Gunning, Limelight provided an outlet to stay involved with music while at Elon. He previously had played in a band during high school, and Shapero connected him with Limelight staff to become involved musically in college.
With Limelight increasing its professional endeavors, junior Valerie Reich, head of management, said she hopes to continue building its brand and find a “fresh group of talent” this year.
“As long as the musician is driven and unique, they have a place with us here at Limelight,” she said.
Limelight intends to release several albums, produce music videos and hold festivals and showcase performances this year. Many of its artists worked on creating their own music this summer and are now ready to record and produce their material.
Shapero noted that he would like to involve Limelight in professional experiences and assist those who are graduating with their launch into the music industry.
“We got a lot of great traction last year, so I say we’ll carry on our artists,” he said.
The ultimate goal is to find talented artists and provide them with the resources necessary to succeed. Gunning said he felt Limelight was obligated to seek Elon musicians and guide them through the early stages of their music careers.
“There’s so much talent on this campus, and, personally, I think it’s Limelight’s duty to give these talented artists a medium to get their voices out there and be heard,” he said.