Breathe: Qu33nK - “Pull Up” Music Video

May 20

During our first pilot program, Defiant Youth (in collaboration with Art180), we found an aspiring artist that goes by Qu33nK. When she joined the program, she had already learned how to write, record, and distribute her own track to DSPs (digital service providers) using Garageband and Distrokid. By the time she had finished her 10 week course with us, she had learned how to produce her own instrumentals on Ableton! Because of her potential and dedication to the program, we decided to reward her with a small budget to film a music video to one of the songs she created with us during the program. We teamed up with local videographer and director, Teon and 3D animator, Logan Gomez aka Nawt Creative. Together we came up with a simple video treatment and pieced together ideas on how to incorporate 3D animations.

We asked Kayla about her experience with LIV through our pilot program.

How would you rate the overall quality of the mentorship program? (Scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

Overall, I would give the mentoring program a 5.

How was your experience with LIV?

My experience with LIV was great!

How was your experience creating the song and music video?

When I made the song in the studio, it was my first time in a recording studio and working with talented and professional producers. The producers (Pete, DK and Gabe) were encouraging and gave off good vibes which made the experience even better.

Recording the music was also pretty cool. Teon was a cool person to work with with good ideas and fantastic camera and editing skills. I would say the process was pretty smooth with recording from start to end. Whatever thoughts I had, Teon and Pete listened and made it happen.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I mostly enjoyed being able to find my musical voice and actually use it.

What did you find most challenging about the program?

I didn’t really have any challenges I went through because any questions I had about anything were answered and solved.

What were some of your expectations of the program?

My expectations of the program was to learn more about making music and being able to make our own music. When I first signed up for the program I didn't know we would be going into an actual professional recording studio so that was a cool surprise.

How well did the program meet your expectations? (Scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest)

They definitely exceeded my expectations and I was very happy with what the program offred and did for the students

What specific skills or knowledge did you learn as a result of participating in the program?

I learned how to make beats and see what goes into recording songs while also writing my own music.
After this program I am still making music and use it as my creative outlet.

Would you recommend this program to a friend? (Yes/No)

I would absolutely recommend this program to peers.