“I really didn’t think I would be creating and producing music, let alone in my library,” said Chase, 15, of Hoffman Estates.
And yet, Chase is a standout in our Teen Record Label Project, becoming the first artist to release an album on Spotify through the library.
The Teen Record Label Project was launched in the summer of 2019, thanks to a Next Generation Project grant the library received through the State Library of Illinois. That’s when the library began working with professional sound engineer Jalen Little to help teens learn about recording audio, creating beats and more.
“I really like allowing students to imagine themselves in a position where they can create whatever music they have in mind,” Jalen said. “The ultimate joy is seeing the faces of students as they watch on a music streaming platform and see their music released for the world to hear.”
Chase, under the artist name Dr. Airwaves, released his debut album, “The Battle Collection, Vol. 1,” on Spotify earlier this year. Thanks to the library label, all proceeds from streaming the song will go directly to Chase.
“I actually want to be a writer when I grow up,” Chase said. “My debut album correlates to a book I’m writing. The tracks on the album work on their own, but they’re also kind of a soundtrack to the book.”
“When I first met Chase, he was shy, but curious about the music-making process,” Jalen said. “As I helped Chase learn music production software and develop his sound, he became a brilliant music producer who was proactive, confident and passionate about creating music.
“Chase has opened up more and will crack jokes and make everyone feel comfortable and allow others to be themselves the way he is.”
Chase also didn’t have to worry about equipment costs, as the library’s digital production studio is fully stocked with everything he and other teens learning to produce music need.
“This course will take you far. Jalen is so patient and connects with us teenagers. He will help you get to where you need to be,” Chase said. “And the library has been so kind and supportive. They even play my music in Teen Place!”
“Music is for everyone, and I love that the Schaumburg Library gives teens the space to create and be themselves,” Jalen said.
You can find Chase’s album on Spotify and Jalen’s on all music platforms under the artist name Obs3rve.
The best of all? Our digital production studio is equipped to help you with all your multimedia projects – from creating music and recording a podcast, to using green screen and creating a video.
It is available for all ages to reserve and use the equipment to take your next project to the next level.
Inquire or book on SchaumburgLibrary.org or email [email protected] with any questions.
• Hollis Sienkiewicz is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Schaumburg Township District Library. You can reach her at [email protected].
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