“98 Degrees”

Ballistic Berry frontman Nick Garrecht is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter and musician. He and his band have had the pleasure of playing venues such as the East Concourse of the Prudential Center, Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City, and the Pickle Barrel in Killington, Vermont. They have also been working hard on a full-length album that they hope to release soon, and they are very excited to be a part of this semester’s Blue Hawk Compilation album!

“Swan Lake Song”

Hana McKinney is a classic rock singer-
songwriter who plays rhythm guitar and lead vocals for her all-girl band, Hana and the Sisters. She also plays and sings for her local band, Corine Rose, which has played at many events here at Monmouth, including Jammin’, Rocktober, and the Veteran’s Day Tailgate. Hana also plays for the Monmouth Women’s Division 1 tennis team and is pursuing a career in entertainment law. She is very grateful to be a part of Monmouth’s elite program.

“The Talking Stage”

Michael Anthony Rocks is a two-time Blue Hawk artist, first appearing on Chapter XXIII with his song “Feelin’ It.” Michael is an audio engineer and music industry intern at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park. He is typically known for his rap skills and R&B/Hip- Hop music, but on Volume 25, he is debuting a brand new sound!

“black and blue”

Marley Bell is a singer-songwriter following her passion for music. Pulling inspiration from her New Hampshire roots and influential musicians such as Bon Iver, Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners, Noah Kahan, and Zach Bryan, Marley brings her perspective and experiences of her small-town New England life to her music.

“In Line”

Stevie 808 is an artist who writes and produces his own music, blending real emotions with a fresh, unique sound. Known for exploring personal themes and capturing raw vibes, Stevie 808’s music connects with listeners looking for something genuine and relatable.

“Empty Pages”

Emily Cassler has been fascinated with every aspect of music since she was five years old. She loves being able to connect with people’s untold feelings and stories, and she feels that being able to express yourself and share those with others is one of the best feelings in the world.

“Save My Soul”

Elijah Elias is an 18-year-old student who writes all of his music in his bedroom during his spare time. Inspired by greats such as The Beatles, he creates attractive melodies and intricate instrumentals while saving room for experimental elements to drive his music into creative oddity.

“Way You Move”

“Rebel Kid”

“Not That Girl”

“Don’t Hug My Mama”

“Pull Up”

“Burden Like Me”

“Dimensions”

Angela An, a Computer Science major and Sophomore at Monmouth University, debuts her original track "Dimensions" on Blue Hawk Records' 23rd compilation album. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, she found solace in songwriting and her guitar, using them as outlets for genuine self-expression from a long way home. Her background led her to become a firm believer in the unifying power of music, transcending language and cultural barriers. Beyond music, Angela proudly represents being a D1 student-athlete on Monmouth’s Women’s Golf team. She's thrilled to take her first step into the industry while being a part of BHR.

“Blackout”

Rising Rock sensations, The Blackouts, are taking over the music scene at Monmouth University this school year. With electrifying performances and catchy hits, their youth and raw talent is real life proof that Rock n’ Roll is alive once again. The band is fronted by lead singer and Junior, Will Horn, whose vocal melodies intertwine with the charged guitars tones of Andrew Weir and Sam DeCencio, who are current graduate students at La Salle and Monmouth University, respectively. The backbone of their sound is orchestrated by Junior Alek Duriske on drums and a new key addition to the band this fall, Freshman David Thomas on bass. Alek and David are also prominent members of Monmouth’s Pep Band, and have been leading the charge here at home this semester.

“Extraordinary”

Ruaa Khalifa is an independent R&B-funk /Pop artist based in New Jersey. She is a singer-songwriter and music producer. Ruaa is currently a Junior at Monmouth University, majoring in Music With a Concentration in Music Industry. Following the release of her first song “PRESSURR”, which was released on Blue Hawk Records’ 21st compilation album, Queen Of Hearts, Ruaa is super excited to be a part of Blue Hawk Records’ upcoming compilation album again!

“Feelin’ It”

Michael Yacullo, also known as Michael Anthony Rocks is a NJ based artist and a Junior Music Industry major at Monmouth University. Michael’s passion for music originated at the young age of five when he began performing in front of crowds, both big and small. Michael is also a self taught pianist and guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, and rapper. His music consists of several genres including rap, pop, EDM, and contemporary R&B. In the past six years, Michael has written and produced 14 songs within his home studio. Michael is thrilled to record and release his new song on Blue Hawk Records’ 23rd compilation album, and eagerly awaits sharing his artistic gifts with this community!

“Take Up Everything (Oblivious)”

Amani Lillian is a Junior in the Music Industry program at Monmouth University. She first started singing as a young girl, and at 13 picked up the guitar and began writing her own music. Amani was first introduced to Blue Hawk Records during her Sophomore (and also first) year in the program, and has since become a member and performed with them on various occasions.

Inspired by artist like Tori Kelly, H.E.R, Yebba, and more, Amani is introducing her multi-faceted sound for the first time ever on Blue Hawk Records’ 23rd compilation album. “Releasing my own music to me is like sharing my personal perspective on how I see music, and I’m excited for people to see that side of me.”

“213”

Abby Garcia is a Senior in the Music Industry program at Monmouth University. She first got involved with Blue Hawk Records freshman year when her song, “Silver Linings,” made it onto BHR’s 17th compilation album, Reviver. She was also featured on BHR’s 19th compilation album, Back On Track. Aside from singing and songwriting, Abby is also the President of Blue Hawk Records.

Abby is inspired by artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Gracie Abrams, Taylor Swift and more and is excited to put out another song. “It feels very full circle to have started and now be ending my time at Monmouth with a song, I won’t share too much about it yet but you will understand how much this song means to me once you hear it.”

“Potential”

Hana McKinney is a classic rock singer-songwriter from California. She plays rhythm guitar and sings lead vocals for her all girl band, Hana and the Sisters. Within her band, she has performed over 50 performances nationwide. Hana doubles as a Music Industry major and a D1 tennis player on Monmouth’s Women’s Tennis Team. She is pursuing a career in entertainment law and is excited to be a part of Monmouth’s elite program.

“Too Much Talking”

Haley Hozella is a singer-songwriter from Toms River, New Jersey. From a young age, she has had a passion for music and singing, participating in choirs, vocal competition groups, and community service ensembles. While she only recently started writing music of her own, she is inspired by the pop/rock and singer-songwriter genres that she listens to. Haley is a Music Industry major and is excited to release her first song on a Blue Hawk compilation album.

“In My Head”

Stevie 808 is a Music Industry major who is passionate about creating and sharing music. He started playing guitar at the age of six, and by thirteen, he had begun producing his own tracks. His style is a mesh between pop and melodic rap with a strong focus on melody — and his productions reflect this. As an artist, Stevie is highly dedicated to his craft and strives to connect with fans on a personal level.

“Dance With Me”

Music found Georgette “Gigi” Abinader as a toddler — singing to her own beat even before she was talking in sentences. Gigi is a Music Industry major and enjoys singing in Monmouth’s Chamber Choir. Independently, Gigi writes, sings, and produces her own original music. Her love for life, family, and the world around her is reflected within her passion for the arts.

“Karakatang”

Azure Kai is a New Jersey based independent artist that has a unique style circled around contemporary pop, hip-hop, and funk. Listening to Azure Kai’s songs have been described as “like finding a secret party in a secret room that you didn’t even know was part of your house”. That being said, Kai is pumped to be bringing home the party to Blue Hawk Records.

“The Simpleton Song”

Dylan Welsh has been playing music and writing music since his childhood, but is only just now releasing his first original song for Blue Hawk Records’ 22nd compilation album. Dylan is happy to finally share his music with others and is excited to have it on a Blue Hawk album. He describes “The SImpleton Song” as a mix of indie folk and rock.

“Stealin’ My Heart Away”

Jill Bernstein is a Music Industry Major and president of The Music Alliance at Monmouth. She has been singing in choirs since she was in the 4th grade and has always enjoyed music and the different components that go into it. After interning with an acapella group called Rock n Roll Chorus during her senior year of high school, Jill knew she wanted to pursue a career in the music industry.

“When I Tell You”

Emily Esperanza is an imaginative singer-songwriter and language learning advocate from Connecticut. After growing passionate about Latin American cultures and language during the pandemic, she learned Spanish through music, and shares this experience on her podcast, La Gringa Bilingua. Her musical style blends acoustic singer-songwriter, light Argentine rock nacional, and other global genres in unique ways, showcasing her unique perspective on music and its power to connect people from all over the world.

“You’re So Hopeless”

Anna Dioguardi is a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. From a young age, she has always had a passion for music and has carried it through with her to Monmouth University. She’s been singing for as long as she can remember, and has just started to explore her musical talents with Blue Hawk Records. Starting in high school, she taught herself how to play the ukulele and has been writing her own songs since.

“Love You Better”

Asia is an R&B singer-songwriter from New Jersey with a songwriting profile consisting of over 25 songs. Asia is a Music Industry major who also enjoys playing piano. She is so overjoyed for this opportunity to be apart of Blue Hawk’s compilation album and can not wait to share her art with everyone.

“PRESSURR”

Ruaa Khalifa is an R&B-funk/pop New Jersey based independent artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer. Ruaa is a Music Industry major at Monmouth and is excited to be a part of Blue Hawk’s 21st compilation album.

“Boys Like You”

Music found Georgette “Gigi” Abinader as a toddler — singing to her own beat even before she was talking in sentences. Gigi is a Music Industry major and enjoys singing in Monmouth’s Chamber Choir. Independently, Gigi writes, sings, and produces her own original music. Her love for life, family, and the world around her is reflected within her passion for the arts.

“Patience To Find Love”

​Elena Worton is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist majoring in Music Industry. Her music has been described as something you would hear in a Disney movie, and it is inspired by the many genres she enjoys listening to. Elena's first song, "Fairy Tales," was featured on Blue Hawk Records' 20th compilation, 20. She is thrilled to be releasing another song with Blue Hawk Records, and she hopes everyone enjoys the compilation album.

“Proud of You”

Olivia Melfi, a Music Industry major at Monmouth, is a singer-songwriter who mainly specializes in pop, pop-rock, and R&B songs. Her debut song, “All This, All That” was featured on Blue Hawk Records’ 19th compilation album, Back On Track. She has been writing music and playing instruments since she was 12 years old and plans on continuing to release her music both through Blue Hawk and independently in the future.

“twenty”

Music Industry major Delaney Rivera uses emotion and real life experience to write songs with deep connection. She believes that it’s important to have a personal connection to each song that she writes, and uses her singer-songwriter sound to portray her emotions.

“Let U Go”

“Fairy Tales”

​Elena Worton is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist majoring in Music Industry. Her music has been described as something you would hear in a Disney movie, and it is inspired by the many genres she enjoys listening to.

“mother’s mind”

Music Industry major Madeline Knight is a singer songwriter from Malvern, Pennsylvania. She has been playing guitar since her childhood. Her unique voice and raw acoustics transform cover songs into original renditions. You can find her performing at restaurants and other venues in and around Chester County, PA.

“Spiders”

“I Feel Like”

Double G is a Music Industry major and has been making music since his Sophomore year of high school. His favorite genre of music is old school rap/jazz/R&B. Fun Fact: Double G can sing in Spanish but he does not know what he is saying.

“Waste Forever”

JADE. is an alternative rock New Jersey-based independent artist who has released two EPs so far. She is a singer-songwriter as well as a guitarist and piano player. JADE., whose name is derived from her real name, Jeanine DeLuca, is a Music Industry major at Monmouth, and she can’t wait to be a part of Blue Hawk’s upcoming compilation!

“All This, All That”

Olivia Melfi, a Music Industry major at Monmouth, is a singer-songwriter who mainly specializes in pop, pop-rock, and R&B songs. Despite “All This, All That” being her original song that she is sharing to others, Olivia has been writing music and playing instruments since she was 12 years old. Olivia is eager to finally bring the songs she has written in her bedroom to a larger stage and to share her art with the world.

“Bothways”

Kid Ace is a singer, rapper, and songwriter who was been making music since 2016. He is a Music Industry major who has released over 45 songs, that of which include 2 albums and an EP. His song “Annie!” was featured on the 18th Blue Hawk Records album, released in Spring 2021.

“Corner Store”

Stevie 808 is a Music Industry major who is passionate about creating and sharing music. He started playing guitar at the age of six, and by thirteen, he had begun producing his own tracks. His style is a mesh between pop and melodic rap with a strong focus on melody — and his productions reflect this. As an artist, Stevie is highly dedicated to his craft and strives to connect with fans on a personal level.

“Whiskey Don’t Work”

Samantha Spano is a country rock singer songwriter from Monmouth County. She has made her way to stages from the Jersey Shore to Nashville, TN. Her captivating stage presence and powerhouse vocals display her exceptional songwriting skills and professionalism, bringing a fresh take on country music to the Jersey Shore.

“The Friend Zone”

Danny O’Grady is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Kendall Park, New Jersey. He is a Music Industry major who is skilled at guitar, bass, piano, and drums. He has been singing and writing since 2019.

“Thought Of You”

Abby Garcia is a Music Industry major from Montville, NJ. Growing up she was involved in many performing arts classes and has began voice lessons at a young age. She realized her passion for music was more than just a hobby in high school, where she sang lead and background vocals in School of Rock and couldn’t imagine her life without music. She recently began writing her own songs, and put out her first original, “Silver Linings” on Blue Hawk Records’ 17th compilation.

“No Different”

Jenaé is a second-generation Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, and actress based in New Jersey. Since the age of three, Jenaé has been singing and has immersed herself in the world of performing arts ever since. She plays piano, trumpet and recently started teaching herself to play the ukulele. Currently attending Monmouth University as a dual major in Mathematics and Music Industry, Jenaé strives to use her talents as a tool to make a difference in her surrounding communities and hopes to one day be known as an artist who has successfully created a difference in the world.

“Never Shut Us Down”

Dillon Schindler is an artist from Langhorne, PA. He is currently working towards a B.A. in Music Industry at Monmouth University. When he is not performing around Bucks County, PA, Dillon spends his time playing at the Jersey Shore. Venues include The Stone Pony, The Saint, Langosta Lounge, and Danny Clinch Transparent Gallery among others. “Never Shut Us Down” was written as an anthem for change-makers of the world. He hopes it empowers individuals to create a better, brighter future for all.

“Sing Me To Sleep”

Native to Georgia, Shadiyah is a recent alumni of Monmouth University. She graduated spring 2021 with a degree in Music Industry with a minor in Business administration. “Sing Me to Sleep” is written from the perspective of those that have died due to racial violence and a letter to the members of the black community that have felt the emotions associated with the effects of fatal racism.

“The Bird That Dropped From The Nest”

Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Manny writes poetry, sings, and loves hip-hop, soul, and R&B. His favorite artists are NeYo, 6LACK, Nas, J-Cole, and Eminem. “The Bird That Dropped From The Nest” is a poem that speaks volumes about the view of a human being living in current day society. It talks about the confusion of a mysterious society and why life is the way it is today toward love, unity, and racism.

“One and Only”

Brian Smith is a Junior Communications major whose favorite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers and favorite album is Pink Floyd’s The Wall. His song is about there “always being tests and obstacles to overcome, but if you really care about someone, you move forward and come out stronger”.

“Annie”

Kid Ace is a Music Industry major whose favorite album is Nothing Was the Same by Drake. He writes music because “music is one of the few things in life that never him down. No matter what, it’ll always be there to make things better”. His song “Annie” is about “women everywhere that keep all of their true feelings inside, but outside, act like everything’s okay”.

“Spotless Mind”

Xander G is a Business Administration major concentrating in Decision Sciences. He makes music because “it keeps him in tune with his emotions”. He hopes his music provokes some sort of emotional response from his listeners. His gong is based off of the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind — it’s about fighting the process of losing the memory of someone you love.

“In My Head”

Sarah Lambert says she makes music because “talking about how you feel sounds a lot less whiny when it sounds cool”. Her favorite artist is Stevie Nicks and her favorite album is The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. “In My Head” is about being in such a low mental and emotional state that you get comfortable with that feeling of emptiness because you can’t be let down or surprised by anything”.

“Blush”

Mona Ray is a Political Science major with a minor in Legal Studies. Some of her musical influences include singers like Whitney Houston and Sara Vaughn. “Blush” is about “being vulnerable and expressing feelings about being in love”.

“Penny”

Josh Heckler is a Music Industry major who makes music because “it’s really all he knows how to do”. His favorite artists vary from Harry Styles, Pearl Jam, and Sticky Fingers, and his favorite album is Feel Something by Movements. “Penny” is about “the feeling of wanting to know how someone feels about you now that you two aren’t as good of friends anymore”.

“Run Away”

Shadiyah is a Music Industry major with a minor in Business Administration. She has been singing for as long as she can remember, and has been writing songs since she was just eight years old. Shadiyah was featured on BHR’s After Midnight her Freshman year.

Double G is a Freshman and is majoring in Music Industry. He has been making music since his Sophomore year of high school. His favorite genre of music is old school rap/jazz/R&B.

“Firestorm”

Nicole Totland is a Music Industry major whose favorite genre is Indie/R&B. She has had a passion for singing ever since she was a little girl and started songwriting her freshman year of college. Fun Fact: she has been playing competitive golf for 16 years!

“Bliss”

Bruce Davis is a Homeland Security major whose favorite genres are Hip Hop/R&B. “This song is simply meant to be a vibe. I just hope the listeners feel it”, he says.

Janaè Louis-Jacques is a dual major in Music Industry and Mathematics. She is a creative singer-songwriter and musician with a genuine love and passion for music. Music has always been an instrumental part of her life, and she strives to use her talent as a device to make a difference in her surrounding communities. She hopes to one day be known as a musical artist who successfully made a difference in the world. Janae will be featuring on Bruce Davis’s song on the album.

“F.M.F.O”

Meet Mickey Sanchez and Ethan Christensen of Buffout: Mikey is a Music Industry major and he has been making music for four years. His favorite genre of music is Hardcore. Mikey wrote and is singing his original song on Sweet 16.

Ethan is a Music Industry major and he has been making music for three years. His favorite genre of music is Alternative Rock. He will be playing guitar on the song.

“Girl of My Fantasy”

Drew Fournier is a Music Industry major who has been making music for over a decade. Drew can even play ten instruments and his favorite genre is Hair Metal.

“Lion”

Anya and Patrick Angeloni, are apart of their band, The Well Wish. Not pictured are their bass player Prash Singh, drum/percussionist EJ Luna, and their violinist Rebekah Stikler. The Well Wish has been a band since 2014, however, the members of the band have been making music individually for over 20 years — and have even had the opportunity to tour nationally and internationally. Anya is a Monmouth University alum who graduated in 2012 with her Masters in Educational Counseling.