By Alyssa McCord
When we started the “Artist of the Month” series over a year ago with Berklee band Mirror Lady and Berklee alum Kylie Rothfield as our very first featured student musician profiles, one of our favorite things to do was not only just feature an outstanding performer, but feature several students who truly represent what the Berklee student body is really like. For our last installment of the year, we’re absolutely stoked to bring you five incredibly talented, passionate, and hardworking students who are kicking butt and making Berklee proud! Check it out below and then take a look at our past “Artist of the Month” and special edition “Students of the Month” profiles!
Name: Salome Kotsoladze
Semester: 1st
Instrument: Voice
Hometown: Tbilisi, Georgia
BG: What do you love most about being a Berklee student?
SK: At Berklee, students get the chance of full self-realization. Individualism is always encouraged and supported by professors. It’s a friendly, multicultural community that’s united by the love of music and art. Berklee gives you the motivation to be proactive and strive for the goals you have envisioned for yourself.
BG: What have you been up to lately?
SK: Well, I came to Berklee with almost no theory background. I was nervous, but thanks to amazing professors, I not only evolved as a performer, but as a listener as well. I feel [that I’m making] progress on a daily basis. It has given me the courage to start working on forming a band, where I’ll have the chance of realizing my musical aspirations.
BG: Where do you see yourself in five years?
SK: In five years, I see myself still as a work-in-progress. I think you learn until you die. I’ve always wanted to be a musically educated writer, performer, and producer — not easy goals to achieve. I hope, by that time, I’ll be able to create something meaningful and interesting that listeners would enjoy listening to.
BG: What else should Groovers know about you?
SK: I come from an ancient country called Georgia. It has an amazing history and a very interesting culture that’s definitely worth exploring. One of the reasons why Berklee networking is so strong is because the student community is so multicultural. It makes the Berklee experience even more unique and inspiring for me.
CONNECT WITH SALOME: Facebook
Name: Tia Bowman
Semester: 7th
Major: Music Business + Marketing
Instrument: Voice
Hometown: Perrysville, OH
BG: What do you love most about being a Berklee student?
TB: I love that Berklee has such a diverse student body and staff. I would’ve never imagined that I would ever be able to say I have friends from six of the seven continents. We’re all musicians here – we all have the same core passion, but every single person here has such a different background that just being around the people here is an education in itself. Opportunities you would have never imagined coming across happen all of the time because of it!
BG: What have you been up to lately?
TB: This semester has been a lot about making decision for my future. In my seven semesters here, I’ve been fortunate enough to volunteer for dozens of events and activities that Berklee groups have hosted (The Groove, especially!) and because of those experiences and my heavy schedule of business courses, I was able to determine that I want to go into event management after graduation. Without all of those opportunities, I wouldn’t have ever realized how much I love doing it.
BG: Where do you see yourself in five years?
TB: I see myself living somewhere like Nashville, Orlando, or maybe even Chicago, and having a job with an event firm, with opportunities to work both in the music industry and for charity-related events. I’d like to think that being happy with my job and its location would make the different aspects of my life fall into place!
BG: What else should our Groovers know about you?
TB: Hmm… I’d like them to know that I like baking cookies, giving hugs, and listening. I’m here for one more semester, so if anyone is having a day where they need any of those things, feel free to call my name!
CONNECT WITH TIA: Twitter
Name: Sam Fischer
Semester: 7th
Major: Songwriting
Instrument: Voice
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
BG: What do you love most about being a Berklee student?
SF: I love the fact that wherever I am on Berklee’s campus, I can put my hand over my eyes, point, and be fairly certain that the person I am pointing at is ridiculously talented at what they do. That’s something unbelievably special.
BG: What have you been up to lately?
SF: I’m working with some amazing writers and producers creating tracks that will, hopefully, one day be cut by the artists we listen to today and the upcoming wonders of the world. I also released my first EP entitled SOLID, which has been a great milestone for me.
BG: Where do you see yourself in five years?
SF: I see myself working in either LA or London as a songwriter and as an artist working with a team of producers and writers to pitch to the artists we know today. Also, I hope to have a steady income and maybe a roof over my head…. If I’m lucky and work as hard as I can, I’m sure I’ll get there.
BG: What else should Groovers know about you?
SF: I’m an avid traveler. As soon as I have enough money to buy a ticket somewhere, I’m gone. This world is unbelievable and there is so much to explore. I’m from a huge island on the other side of the world, so naturally I’ve had cabin fever since birth. Whenever I can travel, I DO.
CONNECT WITH SAM: Website // Facebook // Bandcamp // Twitter // Youtube // SoundCloud
Name: Zach Mullings
Semester: 7th
Major: Professional Music
Instrument: Drum set
Hometown: Miramar, FL
BG: What do you love most about being a Berklee student?
ZM: I love the camaraderie between students at the school. It’s a great feeling knowing that some of the best friends you have are some of the greatest young musicians in the world.
BG: What have you been up to lately?
ZM: This semester, I hosted my own caf show. I got to perform some of my favorite pieces of music with some great friends and musicians. I also loved sharing the stage with my dad as we sung together. Videos from the show will be out on my website soon!
BG: Where do you see yourself in five years?
ZM: I hope to be an in-demand drummer, performing and recording with some of the best musicians, as well as helping to push forward the career of my girlfriend, Aimee Cuevas. I also hope to be part of a strong and growing church and have an impact in their music department.
BG: What else should Groovers know about you?
ZM: I love Jesus and I love to play!
CONNECT WITH ZACH: Website // Twitter
Fate and the Family Band (Emma Hern, second from the left)
Name: Emma Hern
Semester: 5th
Instrument: Voice
Hometown: Richmond, VA
BG: What do you love most about being a Berklee student?
EH: I really value the opportunity to be surrounded by students and faculty that are just as passionate about music as I am. I remember when I first came to visit Berklee and my tour guide shared with the group this idea of how lucky we are to literally be living with thousands of diverse musicians. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
BG: What have you been up to lately?
EH: When I initially came to Berklee, it was all about performing. Now it’s all about writing original tunes, as well as performing them with my band, Fate & the Family Band. Not only are they some of the most talented musicians I know, they are also my closest friends. I couldn’t ask for more excitement than knowing I get to wake up and have that to look forward to everyday. We named it “The Family Band” for a reason!
BG: Where do you see yourself in five years?
EH: Performing my original tunes on a stage anywhere!
BG: What else should Groovers know about you?
EH: I originally started out in art as a potter, and later moved onto music. All the mediums I have worked in have shown me how interconnected the art world is. It’s all linked together in one way or another, and I am constantly surprised how much one medium can influence another medium.
