WYEP’s Reimagination project provides a unique approach to music education for high school teens from the Pittsburgh region. Over the past eight years, we have engaged more than 240 young musicians looking to hone their skills, learn about the music industry and prepare to launch their careers. Reimagination alumni include GRAMMY-Award winning artist Daya, Emmy-Award winning artist Jessica Bitsura, American Idol contestant Sloane Simon, and blues phenom, Pierce Dipner.
About Louisa C:
Louisa C: Vocals, Piano, Cello
Dana Cannone: Bass
Dave Hidek: Drums
Two good friends were awash in feelings of self-hatred and Louisa C needed them to know how much she appreciated them. “They felt like no one would care if they were gone, and didn’t believe me when I told them it wasn’t true,” she said. On a path to prove otherwise, Louisa spilled her feelings into song, accompanying herself on cello, piano and guitar. The multi-faceted artist, who also counts high school choir, the school musical, the track team and swim team among her talents, says her music tends to resemble the sound of two of her inspirations: Taylor Swift and Anson Seabra.
You can also catch Louisa C on her YouTube channel, where she’s managed to rack up more than 30,000 views.
Of “I Won’t Lie to You,” she says, “Honestly, as cheesy as this sounds, I love the whole song. I put a lot of work into the lyrics and I’m really proud of what came of it.”
About 412Shxm:
412Shxm: Vocals
DJ Shoe: Music Production
When 412Shxm was 11, his summer camp group had to write a song about their field trip to Sandcastle and Kennywood, then perform it in front of the whole camp. Years later, with newfound maturity, he throws out great vibes on “Vacation Dreams” a joyful and playful flow about something a little farther — a getaway with his girlfriend.
412Shxm cut his teeth on his mom’s favorite music: Stevie Wonder, gospel, Christian rock and soulful love songs. In his middle school years, he and his friends got into Juice WRLD and XXXtentacion before he discovered battle rapping and the music of Polo G. He developed his own talent singing in his church choir and Homewood’s African American Music Institute Boys Choir, later dabbling in autotune and making his own music. He’s settled now with a unique sound born out of rhythm and blues.
“This isn’t my first time working in the Lighthouse Studio. However, it is my first time working with Shoe,” 412Shxm says. “My experience with him was awesome. He is very open, always listening for new ideas and is very creative. It was nice co-creating this song with him from start to finish.”
About The Glass Passenger:
Donovan Smith: Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Piano/Keyboards, Production
Dave Hidek: Drums
Donovan Smith says it’s as simple as this: We are all running from something. “Running from the past. Running from our mistakes and failures. Running from our future and our responsibilities. Running from ourselves. Running from the truth.” But so often lately, “I feel like I’ve been running in circles, looking for a way out of all of these things, trying to get away from the pain and loneliness I feel every day.” Heady stuff, that. “’The Resolution’ is all about climbing out of the circle and moving forward.”
Donovan, who also is in his school’s marching band and drama programs, played guitars, bass, piano/keys and sang on this track. Dave Hidek played drums.
Borrowing elements from 2000s/2010s pop and rock, with influences from Switchfoot and The Dear Hunter to Andrew McMahon, Smith blends in alternative rock to create “a cinematic and atmospheric blend of synths and guitars.”
The face in the mirror plays a leading role in this particular conversation, all working toward, well, resolution. “It’s a reminder when it feels like you’ve tried everything, and that circle is all you’ll ever know, that maybe that’s not where the story ends. Maybe there’s still a hope for the future, maybe your story is just waiting to begin.”
