Although Rocky Top is located just a few short hours away from Music City, the music scene in Knoxville and on UT’s campus is not nearly as prominent as it is in Nashville. However, junior student Nick Aluoch believes that there is a community of Vol musical artists just waiting to be discovered, and he set out to do exactly that by creating a playlist, the Connect, where UT students can share their music.
Aluoch, who is originally from Kenya, has been creating music since he was 12, and he has been interested in the art nearly his entire life. He grew up listening to music from all genres—Kanye West, Blink 182 and Tame Impala are some of his favorite artists. His personal music style reflects his diverse listening background; although his music would technically be considered hip hop, he attempts to incorporate many different musical genres into his work, in a manner similar to that of Tyler, The Creator.
After arriving at UT, Aluoch wanted to collaborate on his musical projects with other student artists; however, he found that it was difficult to find other musicians on campus, he said.
“I was realizing it’s kind of hard to meet new creatives because everybody’s–especially with art, your art, a lot of people are shy with being able to show their music to other people,” Aluoch said.
It was from this lack of connection among musical artists that the idea for the Connect was formed. Aluoch noticed that nowadays, musical playlists, especially those on Spotify and Apple music, have become extremely prevalent in helping smaller artists get discovered. He realized that if there was a playlist through which UT students could share their music, student musicians would not only be able to get the word out about their art, but they would also be able to discover and connect with other artists in the area.
He explained that with this project, he hopes to shed light on the under appreciated local music scene.
“I think that there’s a really big creative and talented music community at UT that doesn’t really get that time, and I know a lot of my friends know a lot of people who work on music outside of my close friend group, and I was just thinking of a way that we could all come together and do something,” Aluoch said.
Although the playlist was originally set to drop over the summer, it will now be released on midnight on October first. The playlist will be available to stream online on NuRenaissance Media’s website, the Studio UTK website, Spotify and Apple music. Aluoch currently plans to update the playlist every month, with the goal that it will gain a steady stream of listeners.
With this project, Aluoch also wanted to demonstrate the convenience of the recording studios in that are available in Hodges Library. He explained that these studios, where Aluoch works as a student library assistant, are great resources for those who want to make music but lack equipment, and many students don’t know they exist.
Aluoch has worked with media literacy librarian Michelle Brannen to promote the Connect. She has also helped him brainstorm ways in which the playlist could be incorporated into campus life, such as playing it at university events.
Brannen explained that she sees the Connect as a great opportunity for student musicians to connect over their work.
“I think it’s a really great way to showcase the musical talent among our students. I also think it will help foster a community of musicians who might not have other opportunities to meet each other,” Brannen said.
Junior student Christian “Dilly” Dilworth is one of the musicians who will be featured on the upcoming playlist, and he explained that like Aluoch, his music encompasses several genres.
“I’m a pretty open-minded individual. I make rap music, kind of, but my first project that I released wasn’t really rap heavy or rap-focused because I don’t want to be labeled a rapper. I like making a lot of different types of music,” Dilworth said.
Dilworth released his first musical project earlier this year. Since then, he has realized how difficult the reality of pursuing a career in music is. It is an endeavor that requires effort, commitment and talent.
However, Dilworth believes that the Connect could be key in helping UT students persevere through these challenges and gain exposure for their music.
“Now that I make music, I know how hard it is to actually try to pursue music in more than a hobby form,” Dilworth said. I just want a platform that people can submit to. It’d be nice especially for UT because there’s a lot of people who create stuff on campus so that’d give them a starting point.”
The Connect will drop on midnight on October first. Keep an eye out for monthly updates to the playlist.
