One of the newest developments in the Nazareth Music Department is the creation of Naz Recordz. Naz Recordz is our campus’s own record label dedicated to producing music by students, faculty, and alumni. Even community musicians can get their music produced by Naz Recordz. The recording studio is located in Founders Hall on campus and is under the direction of the group advisor, co-director of the music business program, Roy Stein. Naz Recordz seeks to provide students with the experience of sound production, engineering and creating amazing music. I had the chance to interview the group’s co-presidents Spencer Kornrich ‘19 and Breyana Clark ‘20 and the secretary Sean Saville ‘21 about their experience creating Naz Recordz.
How did Naz Recordz come to exist?
Spencer Kornrich: Roy Stein reached out to Breyana and I about starting a record label on campus. This is something he has always kept in the back of his mind and thought it would have a positive effect on the music department, specifically the music/business program.
Breyana Clark: The college always wanted a record label to exist at Nazareth. Professor Stein felt that it would be a great opportunity for students to truly learn about the music industry, and felt it should be started when there are a group of students that would find excitement in dedicating themselves to such an experience. We had to work with the college in helping to create an online presence for the label. We went to training held by the marketing department on how to jump-start a website, on what would be the best social media platforms to utilize, and on starting a Naz Record blog that is linked to our website.
What are meetings like?
Sean Saville: Our meetings happen at 9 p.m. on Wednesday nights in the Founders Studio. Since they run pretty late it’s usually a relaxed atmosphere. Our club Advisor, Roy Stein typically runs the meetings along with Spencer and Breyana. There are usually one or two goals that we have set from the last meeting that we address at the beginning of each meeting. From there it’s an open discussion between all members where people share ideas and problem solve. We’re a fairly small club, but we’re very lucky to have members that are active and involved. I can’t recall a meeting where each person present didn’t ask a question or share an idea.
What do you picture for the future of Naz Recordz?
BC: The future of Naz Recordz is bright. We have so many talented members that continue to help our label thrive. We are looking at two new bands to record next semester. We are also looking at more member oriented opportunities from within the label.
SK: Personally, I hope that the traction the club has gained continues to grow. I would hope that in a few semesters Naz Recordz will be regularly putting out music (maybe 4-5 songs a semester) and hosting events. I have good faith that Breyana will continue to take our club in a good direction, along with the help of some of our members who regularly attend meetings and contribute to the label.
How does it feel having a band and a single (All Equal by Baker Street) produced under Naz Recordz?
BC: Being able to help them with their goals as artists is very rewarding. I was very involved in the marketing and promotion of the single. Active members and I shopped the single around to many college radio stations and music blogs. Also, the single got a shout out from Floated Magazine and has been getting streams and spins in various places.
SS: Having that first single come out was one of our big goals for this semester. It was recorded at 1809 Studios with Dave Drago, who now teaches the Intro To Recording class here at Naz. I also help run stuff related to social media with Naz Recordz, so I’ve worked on getting the word out over platforms such as Instagram and Twitter (where you can follow us @NazRecordz).
What is something you want potential students to know about Naz Recordz?
BC: I would love potential students to know that Naz Recordz is not exclusive to music majors. Our label is comprised of students from many different academic paths. The music business is home to many people with many skills and so is our label. We just want to be a creative outlet where anyone can find joy, experience, and any knowledge they’re seeking.
SS: I would want them to know that we’re working hard to bring more attention to on-campus artists here at Nazareth. There are a lot of great musicians that attend school here and it’s important that we provide them an outlet for creativity.
For more information about Naz Recordz, you can check them out on Instagram and Twitter. You can also check out Baker Street’s single “All Equal” on most streaming services!