A&E
The Musician in Your Math Class: Boston's Youth Artists Deserve Your Clicks
AFH Photo//My Vu
Music flourishes in urban environments, and guess what, we just so happen to live in one. Young people all around Boston are making waves in the music industry, some of whom may even be in your math class. These are the movers, shakers and music makers in your neighborhood.
11th grader Jayden “Davinci” Pontes is a young rapper and songwriter. He got his start during freshman year when he began writing music, and it instantly became a passion. His music is heavily inspired by the music he listened to growing up.
“I take what I like and it accidentally finds a way into my music,” he said. His music preaches about love and politics, specifically within the black community. He wants prospective artists to know that “It might sound crazy. Don't have a plan B. No matter what anybody tells you, focus on that plan A.” You can find Jayden on Soundcloud as “itsjustdavinci.”
On the other side of the musical spectrum, Nicole Carmona is a 16-year-old pianist with overwhelming skill. She got her start in music on her 13th birthday when she asked her dad for a violin and got a keyboard instead. She feels that she is most influenced by her exposure to different genres. She is inspired by her love of her craft and her longing to play for anyone who will listen. “I want to do some concertos with some orchestras and maybe do some competitions,” she said.
Dylan Verge is a 16-year-old percussionist who plays mostly rock music with his band OK NOW. Verge said his inspiration comes from his emotions. “Sometimes I can write a really pumped-up song about having a good time,” he said, “And then other times when you feel really sad—it could be like you've lost someone—kind of what sounds good as well.” After high school, he plans on going to Berklee College of Music to become a music professor while still performing shows and gigs because “it comes with a paycheck.” He believes that “practice should not sound good. If it sounds good, you’re not practicing.” You can find Dylan on Instagram under the name “oknowofficial.”
The importance of showing support towards young up-and-comers has been amplified by the rise of social media. Most aspiring musicians have social accounts displaying and promoting their musical talents. The first step to cultural relevance is support on a community level—show some love to these talented individuals by taking your phone out of your pocket, opening up Twitter, Soundcloud, Instagram or whatever, and smash that search bar. You will find thousands of young artists wearing their hearts on their sleeves to entertain the masses. The young musical mavens of Boston are but a click away.