Issuu

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear SENSES Community,

As we reflect on the past year, it is with immense pride and gratitude that we look back on the remarkable journey of the SENSES Project This year has been a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to our mission.

The SENSES Project has always been more than a collection of initiatives; it is a vibrant community committed to enhancing lives through sensory engagement and education. Our success this year reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, Associate Director Amy Messersmith, Project Manager, Nick Piato, graduate students, SENSES students, enthusiastic partners, and, most importantly, you our devoted supporters and participants

From groundbreaking workshops to transformative outreach programs, the SENSES Program has pushed boundaries and set new standards. We have seen firsthand the profound impact of our work, whether it is through the joyful feedback from participants who have discovered new ways to connect with their world or the tangible improvements in accessibility and inclusivity that our efforts have fostered.

This year, we celebrated significant milestones:

1. Expanded Reach: We have broadened our horizons, reaching new communities and demographics, ensuring that the benefits of the SENSES Project are accessible to a wider audience Our outreach efforts have been met with enthusiasm and gratitude, proving the vital need for what we do.

2. Innovative Projects: From sensory art installations to interactive learning modules, our projects have been both pioneering and impactful Each initiative was designed with the intent to engage, educate, and empower, and the results have surpassed our expectations

3. Community Engagement: Our events and workshops have been met with resounding success, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to share experiences and insights The connections made and the stories shared are a testament to the strength and spirit of our community.

4.Collaborative Partnerships: We have forged meaningful partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our vision. These collaborations have enriched our programs and expanded our capabilities, allowing us to achieve more than we could alone

Again, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team and the unwavering support of our partners and community members Your enthusiasm, feedback, and involvement have been the driving force behind our accomplishments As we look forward to the coming year, we remain committed to our mission with renewed energy and ambition.

Craig Tucker | Director

Hey everyone!

2023-2024 was a year of growth and change, as well as some really tough decisions SENSES is a passion project and since early 2021, the team has dedicated a herculean amount of time and energy getting the program where it is today. It means a lot to sit back and see the positive impact SENSES has on the students who come through our doors everyday. So much of the success of SENSES is due to our team - especially Craig Tucker, Nick Piato, and Joanna Spitzner - who work overtime to ensure that this project continues to do what it set out to do: Provide a student focused recording studio and podcasting program to create community and increase students’ sense of belonging on campus.

Due to staff changes in HEOP and SSS (the home base of SENSES), I had to make a really tough decision to reclaim the podcasting space on the 3rd floor of Steele Hall as an administrative office (when we first moved to Steele Hall, we gave up one of the administrative offices to create the SENSES Podcast Room) I loved working down in the SENSES Audio Lab, but it presented challenges when it came to supporting the day to day work of HEOP and SSS on the 3rd floor (and we must ensure the success of the grant funded programs of HEOP and SSS in order for SENSES to continue). Unfortunately, my decision to reclaim the office on the 3rd floor of Steele meant that our podcasting program is currently on hold. Our hope is that with support from the university, we might secure a new podcasting space in the near future. We were one of the first podcasting spaces on campus back in summer 2021! Hopefully we can continue this important work shortly In the meantime, write down those podcasting ideas and hopefully we can work together to make your voices heard soon!

Nick Piato

SENSES PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Dear SENSES Family,

Thank you for another amazing year of the SENSES Project! It’s sometimes hard to believe how far this program has come in such a short period of time This past year we released two albums and a variety of podcasts, DJed for and held many well-attended events, and collaborated with multiple offices and organizations across campus and in the Syracuse community

I think it’s important to remind everyone that the reason that the SENSES project works is you - the students. From the student workers who create a welcoming and organized environment, to the RSO that plans and implements exciting events, to every student that walked through our doors, I want to say thank you.

Asamusiceducator,Igrewtiredofthetraditionalapproachtakenbymostschoolsandinstitutions.Ialways dreamedofbeinginvolvedwithacommunity-basedprogramthatcenteredstudents’vernacularmusicandspeech, allowingthemtocreateandlearnaboutthetopicsthatinterestthem.Culturally-relevantpedagogy,project-based learning,Hip-Hoppedagogy...thesearesomeofthetheoriesthatdrivethespace,andit’sbeenanimmense pleasuretoseethemputintopractice Toseealearningspacethatrunsnotbythethreatofalowgradeorother punitivemeasures,butbyintrinsicmotivationandcreativity,isoneofthejoysofmylife.

Thereareanumberofexcitingprojectsandeventsplannedforthecomingyear,andwewouldloveforyoutobe involved!Nomatterifyouhaveextensivecreativeexperience,orwouldjustliketolearnanewskill,orevenjust hangoutandmeetnewpeople,feelfreetostopbyanytime.Here’stoanotherexcitingyearofcreativity, collaboration,andcommunity!

TRIO SSS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Amy Messersmith

President Samantha Vallejos

As in all other aspects of SENSES, this has been a great year for our Registered Student Organization. This past year, we were able to attend our first Involvement Fair on the quad, where we got to meet new students, show off our unique space & promote our mission We also got to collaborate with other organizations throughout the year, host amazing events, and continue to grow. I am so grateful for the space that SENSES has offered to me, and everyone, and can’t wait to see how we continue to evolve. - Samantha

Jonathan Bermeo

Vice President

Co-Treasurer

Myasya Mayotte

Caleb Aguirre-Leon

Secretary Hannah Gonzales

Social Media Chair

Events Co-ordinator Megan Noboa

Community Service Chair

Grabiela Serrano Alverado

Bre’Yona Montalvo

SENSES STAGE: HOLIDAY EDITION

During Fall semester SENSES Stage came back with ‘SENSES STAGE: Holiday Edition’. We invited some of your favorite SENSES members to take the stage and spread the holiday spirit in our second installment of the SENSES Stage series.

Add a little bit of body text

This installment of SENSES Stage was in collaboration with Peach Thxory.

A Collaboration

HEART/BREAK

The SENSES Project 3:45

On this collaborative album, students came up with the idea of creating a Valentine’s Day album. However, for many, Valentine’s Day is not a day to celebrate. To reflect this, a double album was created.

HEART, the title of side A, is more traditional Valentine’s Day fare. Whether it’s the self-love of Soul or the more relationship-focused Be My Partner, this side is sure to get you in your feels.

Starting with the track “New Interlude,” we transition into side B of the album, entitled BREAK. This side of the album is for all those who may have lost love in the last year. Thank you to all of the students and staff who participated in the creation of this album, much love <3

Love Music Loss Music

1. her song northway

2. Soul Chris Neptune, olivier.wav

3. sell Will Hollow

4. What is Love? Zen, Eileen

5. justwanttolove whereamiohmygod

6. Special kii

7. Dear Mom Dat Boi Joshyyy

8. Maze/Real One Anand Benegal

9. Stay Nick Piato

10. Let Love Die Caleb Aguirre-Leon

11. Be My Partner Cydavia, Marie-Elise

12. Omen Interlude MY!A

Love Music

BREAK

1. New Interlude Dee, Janlui$

2. Running Back Nykara, Janlui$

3. valerie whereamiohmygod

4. I Showed You Dat Boi Joshyyy

5. Catching Flights Jamison

6. What You Expect? Dee, Cydavia, Janlui$

7. Do they, Do that Klass Jones Jr

8. Memories kii, Janlui$

9. New Rochelle Henry John

GROWING PAINS A Music Creation & Generative AI Thesis Project

By Brandon

Porter

Throughout my collegiate career, I looked forward to completing my senior thesis because it allowed me to showcase my skills and learning outcomes inside and outside the classroom throughout my time at Syracuse University As I entered the process of imagining what I wanted my thesis to look like, sound like, and teach others, I struggled to find aspects of song creation that would transform my workflow and compel others to think differently about how they view the current state of the music industry.

As such, I made a move that, at the time, felt like a “cop-out” in utilizing generative AI to help me write songs and brainstorm potential production elements Growing Pains is a concept album detailing significant events, memories, and experiences from the earliest moments of my childhood through my senior year of college

The work focuses largely on testing, utilizing, and analyzing generative artificial intelligence as a “copilot” in creative processes such as songwriting, production, mixing, and mastering. The six songs on the project speak to one or multiple ages and the songs increase in tempo from the first to the last to emulate the notion that time speeds up as one progresses through their life.

The work focuses largely on testing, utilizing, and analyzing generative artificial intelligence as a “copilot” in creative processes such as songwriting, production, mixing, and mastering The six songs on the project speak to one or multiple ages and the songs increase in tempo from the first to the last to emulate the notion that time speeds up as one progresses through their life

The two main tools used in this process were Chat GPT and Splice, a royalty-free sampling service. In the early stages of the creative process, Splice released a new function within their software that allows users to select a genre and their model will match samples together, providing users with preliminary ideas for productions. This process was utilized for the second song on the album titled “Show Me the Way,” which is a song about my relationship with my brother and how I’ve navigated it.

Listen to the project here

Alternatively, Chat GPT was used in the songwriting process of every song except “Show Me the Way ” During the early stages of creating instrumentals and ideating song concepts, I wanted to use Chat GPT, but the basic chat system wasn’t giving my lyrics any depth or personality. So when Chat GPT introduced a function within their platform where users can create custom GPTs for personal or public use, I sprung at the opportunity to create a custom GPT specifically for this project. By inputting information about my background, aspirations, family dynamics, and more, I made a one-stop writing co-pilot where I could ask for suggestions about a song I wanted to work on and it would give me ideas for titles, styles, and lyrics

The creative process for this project was much different than anything else I had done previously. Instead of working on an instrumental and then coming up with lyrics afterward, I had to do both simultaneously for almost all of the songs on the project Typically, I would start constructing a beat using samples or software instruments. Once I had the foundation complete, I would create a new conversation with Chat GPT describing the music I made giving it information, such as tempo, key, and style I wanted to achieve. The next steps included working one-on-one with the custom GPT to achieve a lyrical style that was authentic to me. The initial results were astounding, and the first song on the album I was able to write and record in the span of 45 minutes, a significantly shorter time than I’ve written songs in the past And the amazing part about it was that I had album coherency and fluency as one song led into the next Although Growing Pains is not available on streaming services, I’m happy to share the work with others who are interested in my process and outcomes

“I was just as apprehensive as most people about Gen-AI’s capabilities and felt even more concerned with its use in music production, but I didn’t want my fear to stop me from trying something that could set me apart.”

For this album, completed in the spring semester, students had the idea to start and finish an album within a set period of time. Students gathered in the lab on Friday from 9 am - 11 pm, Saturday 9 am - 11 pm, and Sunday 9 am - 6 pm, for a total of 37 hours. Nothing could be started before Friday, so everything on this album was created from scratch that weekend. Tracks were produced, written, recorded, mixed, and mastered within the set time frame.

The final result was 18 tracks long, with genres ranging from electronic to hip-hop to rock n ’ roll and much more. Many students produced tracks for others, who would write and record lyrics, or help mix and master. This album showcased the collaborate and community elements of the SENSES lab, and it was an exercise in creating without the expectations of perfectionism. Grab your headphones, hit that play button, and “lock in” with us!

Tracks Tracks

What You Make It

Underground

YOUNG ROLEY New Album: College Graduate

SU and SENSES alum Rolando Cabral, aka Young Roley, released his debut album this past summer. Roley sat down with SENSES program coordinator Nick Piato to talk about the new album, and what’s next.

Please introduce yourself:

What themes or messages are you trying to convey through this album?

What’s good guys, my name is Rolando. I was born in the Dominican Republic but raised in NYC I went to Cuse from 2018 - 2022. And they call me the Godfather of SENSES.

What was the main inspiration behind this album?

My main inspiration was that I wanted to tell my story. I would never had started making music if it wasn’t for going to college. I wanted to illustrate the different thoughts, feelings, and emotions I went through in the process of graduating.

Were there any particular artists or genres that influenced the sound of this album?

Definitely a lot of influence from story-telling Hip-Hop artists like J Cole and Kendrick Lamar Definitely influence from artist from NYC like Nas and Biggie. But mainly just pooling all that inspiration together and creating something true to me.

Themes of perseverance & themes of selfexpression Also, I wanted to showcase the point of view of a first-generation college student navigating this chaotic world.

How do you feel about the album now that it’s out in the world?

I’m proud of what I was able to accomplish It’s surreal to know that it’s out now, and it was well received. I’m proud to say that I was able to actualize the concept; it took me 2 years to finish the album and I produced it independently, so I’m proud of the final result. I’m hoping to continue building off of what I started with this album and push myself to new heights

“Sometimes the attempt is all that matters; be confident in your ideas and just try them out, it doesn’t matter how they come out.”

What’s next for you now that the album is out? Are you already thinking about your next project?

My next project, “95th To Laurel,” is scheduled to be released this fall before the year is over. This is a collaborative project I created with Elwop, a close friend and collaborator Independently, I’m hoping to release a mixtape with a producer I met that’s 90’s boombap inspired. But my next concept album will be called “corporate slave” I want to build off the realism of College Graduate and continue the story as it follows me adapting to the lifestyle of a new grad that’s entering the corporate environment I hope to grow first as an artist before I dive into this project.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring artists who are working on their first album?

I would say just stay consistent. I have moments where I stop working or have a hard time being inspired but try to continue creating Sometimes the attempt is all that matters; be confident in your ideas and just try them out, it doesn’t matter how they come out.

As long as you keep going you’ll definitely be able to create something and, over time, you’ll see the improvement in yourself But if you never do anything or finish anything, you won’t be able to see the growth or reach what you are aspiring for.

How has SENSES impacted you?

SENSES showed me what I am capable of, and it also put me around people that believed in me and help cultivate my skills early on. I carry these things with me everywhere I go. Those building blocks helped me become the artist I am today I hope to see SENSES continue to grow and continue to impact students in a positive way.

THE SENSES PROJECT

A Documentary Film by Jamari McNabb ft. Eddie “ÉTN” Etienne

Recent Newhouse graduate Jamari McNabb created a documentary film highlighting the SENSES Lab for his TRF Production Capstone project. Jamari chose to focus on one student in particular, Eddie Etienne, a junior majoring in Economics Etienne, who goes buy the artist name ÉTN, is seen in the film working on his forthcoming EP, as well as DJing at various events.

Speaking about the project, Jamari said: “Getting to spend time at SENSES documenting and meeting new people and artists while also seeing what everyone does was a great experience I was also able to go use the space and resources at SENSES myself!” At the end of the year, Jamari’s film was selected to be included in the Salt City Film Festival via Film Freeway. Congrats Jamari!

@ Jamari Emmanuel @mirrorless j2

Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s Administrative Fellow Amy Messersmith

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Associate Director Amy Messersmith served as an administrative fellow for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion where she hosted and produced the lonely campus podcast. The podcast follows the stories of students and staff who have learned how to navigate campus and make it a place where they feel welcomed and included Her project is a Pop-up Podcasting Studio that allows her to go out to the community and “pop-up” in locations across the campus. She has recorded in spaces such as the Barner McDuffie House, 113 Euclid, and the Intercultural Collective

Amy Messersmith, TRIO SSS associate director and host of the lonely campus podcast, “pops up” in the Barner McDuffie House (Photo credit: Office of Diversity and Inclusion)

Recently, loneliness was declared an epidemic by the United States Surgeon General. Finding community on campus can be a challenge for students. The lonely campus podcast shares the experiences of Syracuse University community members who have learned to navigate campus, which can be lonely at times, and make it their own The podcast seeks to foster a sense belonging for all campus members as it outlines the steps fellow members have taken to build their campus community.

As of fall 2024, we are excited to announce that the lonely campus podcast will be included in the syllabus for the First Year Seminar, a required course for all incoming Syracuse University undergraduate students. Students in FYS 101 will select an episode and complete a written assignment on that particular student’s story The hope is that through this larger exposure, the podcast will reach its intended audience: students who might be experiencing loneliness in their first year on campus. The podcast aims to validate their feelings by showing that they are not the only ones who felt this way and that these feelings of loneliness are temporary By highlighting steps students took to find their community and increase their sense of belonging on campus, the hope is that the podcast will inspire students who are feeling lonely to take similar steps as well.

Check out the FYS 101 Preview Episode!

To help FYS 101 students select an episode of lonely campus, we’ve put together a special episode that features snippets from each episode so that the listener can get a better sense of the various students who have been featured in the podcast. Full episodes can be found at the lonely campus website.

lonely campus website

A YEAR IN MUSIC

In this section, we’ll be highlighting the personal music projects that students work on!

1 2

Maria (raw release)kii

Kii is an upcoming singer songwriter at Syracuse university studying communications and rhetorical studies. Her song Maria sonically captures the idea of being conflicted at your lowest. In a point where you reach out to something you have long forgot or may not even believe in because you just have no where else to turn Kii calls upon the saint Maria because the only escape seems to be divine intervention

Nice TryHenry John

Henry John is a student at ESF pursuing Environmental Policy and Law He has a constant melody playing in his head leaving him to create songs to release his emotions about daily occurrences. Influences of 2010s pop ballads and a keyboard in his bedroom result in a melancholic, electric sound. Nice Try is a song about being numb to the butterflies that come with an old fling hitting you up again It’s about coming back to town and seeing your ghosts that you’ve just outgrown

Do Too MuchPraise

Do Too Much is an energetic rap song created to give the listening audience energy and confidence. It takes a commonly used negative phrase, “do too much” and transforms it into a positive one When writing Do Too Much, Praise reflected on times where people told her to tone down or not take up as much space. The song combats that idea, encouraging audiences to take up as much space as they need and to not see it as a bad thing, but rather an expression of self.

On ShroomsNykara

On Shrooms taps into a sweeter and gentler side of love, connecting the feeling to what it’d feel like if a couple were “on shrooms” together It’s both poetic and playful, as Nykara describes how strong love can feel. So much so, that it can be compared to being in a psychedelic state even tho she “ain’t never even done that shit before ” Stream “On Shrooms” by Nykara on all platforms.

Pick Your PoisonBrandon Porter

Pick Your Poison is Brandon Porter’s debut EP, released under Syracuse University Records

Taking a step into the spotlight, Brandon shows off his personality across various self-produced tracks. With help from heavyweights Praise and Zak G on “Gas Included,” and collaborative production on “Oohs & Ahhs,” the project offers a different perspective on modern hip-hop. Available everywhere

Luck of the Draw -

Sofía Violet

“Luck of the Draw” is the debut single of Sofía Violet The groovy synth-pop track was produced by Violet & Sekou Shore. An 80sstyled murder mystery music video was also published on YouTube in support of the song!

Faraway Sunsetleeaye ft. Some Random Guy

Faraway Sunset is about how someone may not feel enough for their significant other, emphasizing how they’re trying their best to be with them.

For the Time BeingNA.V.O

This project is a variety of a few different sounds, evolving through positive and motivational lyrics with an upbeat party vibe. For the ones on a mission; looking to fulfill themselves with positivity and alignment with their goals!

A YEAR IN PODCASTS

In this section, we’ll be highlighting the personal podcast projects that students work on!

1 lonely campus podcast

A podcast that is hosted by Amy Messersmith and is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion through their Administrative Fellowship Program Feeling lonely? You’re not the only one! Listen to other students’ talk about their experiences of loneliness and be inspired by the steps they took to eventually find their community on campus.

2 Career Conversations w/ Jace Rodrigues

Want to know what it’s like to work in the music industry? During his time on campus for Forever Orange in Action programming, Jace Rodrigues ’21 shares insights from his career at Atlantic Records in conversation with SENSES Program Coordinator Nick Piato, Career Exploration Specialist Kate Mercer, and Syracuse University students Mimi Ambrose and Brandon Porter

Deep Dive w/ Raul Rosique Jr.

Raul Rosique Jr. is a Syracuse University student veteran talking about modern obstacles. Raul speaks with other student veterans and discusses their paths on navigating the transition to civilian life.

Greater In Me w/ Josh and Tara

The Greater In Me podcast was started with Joshua Garvin and Tara Ibraheem in the Senses Audio Lab.

The Greater In Me podcast is a platform that explores the art of living authentically as believers in Jesus in a world that often pressures us to conform. We discuss various topics, including college life, intentional living, current trends, and hot topics. Our goal is to inspire meaningful conversations and personal growth among our listeners.

Identity Abroad with Syracuse Abroad

This podcast, created in collaboration with Syracuse Abroad, focuses on student identity when going through their study abroad program. Conversations include belonging in Spain, being American abroad, as well as the study abroad experience in Dublin, Ireland.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

PraiseJohnson NykaraAgosto

Bacholor of Arts in Sociology

Bacholor of

Bacholor of Arts in Music Industry

SironThomas

HannahGonzalez

Bacholor

ProducerHighlights ProducerHighlights

Producer Name: northway (@northwayx)

From: Tbh I moved around a lot growing up College and Major: Whitman Majoring in Business Analytics, with a minor in Innovation, Design, and Startups

Producer Inspirations: I’m really inspired by Mike Dean’s usage of synths in trap beats, Dean Blunt’s very unique (& sometimes obtuse) melodies, and Frank Duke’s instrumentalism. Can’t forget Wondagurl’s tough drums as well when it comes to making trap.

Dream Collab: A$AP Rocky, Pre 2018 Kanye, and Travis Scott in album mode

Favorite Beat You’ve Ever Made: Past Time/ Awakening is top 5 for sure One of the beats that I don’t really consider a beat — just an instrumental. This one was different for me, it doesn’t have an 808, but tbh I put raw emotions in this one so it’s hard

Producer Name: KZ

From: Madrid, Spain

College and Major: College of Information Studies, Information Management & Technology

Producer Inspirations: My producer inspiration is hard to say where I draw inspiration from but if I have to choose I would say anything and anywhere

Dream Collab: Leon Thomas, Kendrick Lamar, Indila, Khalid, and Shawn Mendes

Favorite Beat You’ve Ever Made: Summer Night

Producer Name: Janlui$

From: I live in Washington heights, and I’m from the Dominican Republic College and Major: ISchool and my major is Information Management and Technology with a concentration in web design

Producer Inspirations: J Dilla, Kaytranada, 9th Wonder and Tyler the Creator

Dream Collab: J Cole or Kendrick

Favorite Beat You’ve Ever Made: Grimmy

Producer Name: Marie-Elise

From: New York City

College and Major: VPA, Sound Recording Technology

Producer Inspirations: Any influential woman in Soul and R&B

Dream Collab: Thee Sacred Souls

Favorite Beat You’ve Ever Made: Be My Partner

Producer Name: olivier wav

From: Warwick, NY

College and Major: Psychology

Producer Inspirations: Monte Booker, Wondagurl, The Alchemist, J. Cole

Dream Collab: J Cole

Favorite Beat You’ve Ever Made: Watercolors

Producer Name: Maximiliano Jimenez

From: San Fernando, California

College and Major: School of Education, Masters of Science in Higher Education

Producer Inspirations: I need to have creativity as a part of my life because I have ADHD. With my production, I attempt to find the most unconventional, yet traditional path, to finishing a song. I use my voice to reach the level of ambiguity it needs in order for it be my music It'll be different but it does reflect a lot of the music I've listened to.

Dream Collab: Childish Gambino - he is intentionally weird and I can't get enough of it. It's an art style that was lost when sound cloud became popularized, since everyone can now sound like everyone else and make millions, but Childish is naturally innovative and that shows up in his music - even in songs that are meant to reflect mainstream music. Favorite Beat You’ve Ever Made: Want You (Extended)