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Point Park University's student-run record label, Pioneer Records, has selected its Pioneer Stars for the 2021-2022 school year: The Kill Caesar Club, Cesca Violet and Tupelo Donovan.

The three Pittsburgh-based musical acts will work with Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management students to record one song each at Red Caiman Studios, and one artist will have the opportunity to film a music video with help from the Cinema Department at Point Park. The Pioneer Star experience culminates in a CD release party and performance at Stage AE. Such a party was held on Nov. 7 for previous Pioneer Stars Pablito UriElias Khouri and Dejah Monea

"It's amazing how many opportunities our students have when it comes to Pioneer Records," said Ed Traversari, SAEM professor and supervisor of the program. "Not only do the performers get the chance to record at a major recording studio and have a release party at Stage AE, but our faculty, staff and students all work together to promote the label. That speaks to how we all approach the SAEM program. We strive to give our students as many real-world opportunities as possible."


Meet the 2021-22 Pioneer Stars

Cesca Violet is a pop singer-songwriter. Her sound draws influence from the pop stars of her youth, including Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande, as well as the classic rock that her parents would play around the house. Much like her favorite artists, she has honed in on the craft of writing lyrics that are honest, vulnerable and inspirational.

Tupelo Donovan is an indie pop artist who has created music and performed for more than eight years. In addition to playing shows under her own name and music, she has performed with her father, Jim Donovan, and his band, The Sun-King Warriors. Working with the Church Recording Studio, Tupelo has used her vocal and music production talents to release three singles. Her influences include Phantogram, Lorde and Purity Ring.

The Kill Caesar Club is a two-piece alternative hip-hop group. Their artistic influences include The Neptunes, Dr. Dre, Kevin Parker and Jack White. Much of the creative content they put in their music is inspired by historical events, such as the death of Julius Caesar. The group takes great interest in experimenting with audio techniques. 

Read more about the advantages of our SAEM program:

Learn about Ed Traversari's decades of live music industry experience in the video below: