JENNA CARRENS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ATTENDANCE RECORDS, SPEAKS AT THE ALBUM RELEASE PARTY OF “THE WORLD, DIFFERENTLY.”
Carda says the experience took her back to her own time
you a better person.”
in high school. “It reminded me of where I was and what I was feeling in high school and reminded me of my
Carrens says it’s important to keep the arts in public
growth,” she says. “In the high schools, just from reading
schools because it builds confidence and gives students
the kids’ content, you could see that they’ve been
something to look forward to. Buckley agrees, and
through some things. It’s kind of good to be grounded
says pursuing activities like music and writing provide
again and realize that there are still kids in the education
students with an outlet. “There are a lot of times that kids
system that need attention.”
struggle to find their voice because there are all of these pressures around them, their environment is often really
The members of Growl say that they hope the kids they
stifling growing up,” Buckley says. “Once you’re older,
worked with learned that being emotional is acceptable.
you kind forget that all these things like heartbreak and
“I think when you’re 15 or 16 is a really good time to start
those little things mean so much to them at that time.
writing music,” lead guitarist Sam Houdek says. “It’s that
The fact that they have a medium to express that is
age when you’re still trying to figure out who you are, it
something that is really special for them.”
helps give you your own identity.” Lead singer Santiago Dietche adds that songwriting helps teens process their feelings. “So much of adolescence is about this emotional compass that’s just going on the fritz,” he says. “Puberty is a weird fucking thing.” Lukens, Magna Carda and Growl all agree that the arts are an important component of a high school education. “I don’t think schools consider music as important math and science focused because that’s where jobs are,” Growl bassist Johnny Lee says. “But there’s a whole separate half of your brain that’s getting ignored.” Lukens agrees: “Being familiar with the arts makes you a more well-rounded person. Being more well-rounded makes
music
curriculum, especially in Texas, and everything is so
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