Key Points
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- CollegeTown Records is a brand new student-run music company
- The company started as just and idea and has grown into something huge
- The goal is to expose artists to bigger record labels and help promote themselves
Creating a Company
After taking inspiration from ICTV and WICB, Gray began the company in the spring of 2017 while working at Park Productions.
CollegeTown Records artist Kyra Skye during her artist photoshoot. Photo c/o CollegeTown Records
From there, she reached out and gathered about 12 other Park students interested in music and formed the company. Ranging from photographers to videographers to business majors, the tight-knit group has been promoting 5 artists under their company including Kyra Skye, Rilya, Suzannah Belle, and more.
“It’s enriching to have conversations about our different creative processes.”
Not only that, but she said being a part of the company has opened her up to new creative outlets including making videos and producing.
CollegeTown Records artist Suzannah Belle during her artist photoshoot. Photo c/o CollegeTown Records
“I’ve learned a lot about filming and how to create things from a visual perspective instead of an auditory one. I’ve also been able to produce beats for each of the artistry trailers so far and collaborate with other artists on the label. Everyone is so talented and great to work with.”
Gray said when she initially picked the artists to sign to the label in the beginning, it was a stroke of luck.
She said she simply stumbled upon some of the artists at their concerts on campus and were instantly hooked.
After attending the International Fashion show on campus she discovered Rilya and instantly realized the company needed her.
“She performed at the show and it was very very beautiful,” she said. “Her performance made me realize how much I truly do love music, I knew she had to be a part of this project at that time.”
Exposure, Exposure, Exposure
Behind the scenes shot of Kyra Skye during her artist photoshoot. Photo by Elena Chang of CollegeTown Records
Gray said that her goal with creating her company was not only for the artist to thrive, but also the producers, photographers, and videographers.
“Another main goal of mine is to allow everyone to grow and learn,” she said. “It’s a learning experience for everyone and it’s definitely a goal of mine to get everyone ‘real world’ experience before entering the industry.”
Streech agreed, “After college I plan on running my own studio specializing in music video production so learning the buisness aspect right now is very helpful.”
