Self-proclaimed producer, artist, and DJ, junior Jasper Thrun has decided to take his musical career and experience to the next level this fall. He is currently working on the release of his first album, “VISION,” partnering with the music label Range Music to guide his early works.

Thrun launched his project after a handful of impactful experiences this summer altered his life. Rather than dwelling on negativity, he decided to channel these events as positive fuel and inspiration for his music.

“Looking back at what happened to me is wild, but it inspired me so much,” he said. “All those experiences are part of the album, and the album really sums up the lessons I learned from them. It tells a story.”

Thrun’s musical journey began at seven years old, when he started guitar lessons that sparked his passion for music.

“I’ve been doing music my whole life,” he said. “I have recordings of me in the studio when I was eight years old. I used to do covers of songs at that age.”

At nine, Thrun began producing music on his own — experimenting with various software and instruments. After years of creating his own beats and combining them with rapping and singing, he mastered music in all genres and began refining his sound. However, until this summer, he hadn’t pursued a serious release of music.

“Last year, I was making rap songs that I didn’t release or take seriously because they didn’t connect with me enough,” he said. “The music I want to release is something that connects with me personally. If there isn’t a connection, then I don’t feel it’s something I want to share.”

After reflecting on life lessons from this summer, Thrun found new inspiration for his music.

“I learned a lot about myself and how I hold myself back by trying to be a perfectionist,” he said. “So, I purposely leave certain elements unfinished or imperfect, which in a way makes them more perfect to me. That’s the main idea I want to convey — that imperfection is what makes something perfect.”

Thrun began working on his project over the summer in his San Francisco studio. He produced and organized ideas for each song and later expanded on these with his musical skills. After guidance from his manager Matt Nadler, who works at Range Music, Thrun connected with Range Music, which may further his career.

“They’ve offered to sign me as a working artist, but I’d mostly be taught and trained on music production before I can officially release through them,” he said. “It’s really exciting and a big step in my career.”

Overall, Thrun expresses his talent through his deep passion for music, which he describes as something universally shared and understood.

“It’s just the one thing that can connect with everyone, no matter where they come from or what language they speak,” he said. “With any differences, everyone hears the same thing and usually feels the same emotions. I think that’s beautiful.”

Every note, every lyric, every beat — senior Rhea Josyula notices it all. Eager to create her own rhythms and dynamics, Josyula burst into the recording studio, ready to tackle her first original tune.

“All my life, I sang cover songs,” she said. “But I thought it would be really cool to record my own song, so I was really excited.”

Growing up, music was always a huge part of Josyula’s life. To spark her singing journey, her parents signed her up for her first Indian classical singing class when she was four. In middle school, she joined choir, and in high school, she continued exploring pop music and began covering songs.

Josyula’s years in choir helped her shape her voice and build confidence.

“I took choir in seventh grade with Ms. Fitzhugh and started singing pop music more,” she said. “Having choir every year since seventh grade has kept my voice active and shaped my technique.”

Recently, at 17, she released her first song, “I’ll Be Fine.” Through producing the track and developing her vocal style, she discovered her love for music and learned how to make it her own.

For her first single, Josyula drew inspiration from R&B and pop singers, especially focusing on elements of Ariana Grande and SZA’s music. She reached out to producers in November 2023 and eventually worked with Daniel Capellaro and Dave Wood — the main producers at XIXI Music Pro’s recording studio. After writing the lyrics, she traveled to Los Angeles in the summer to record at the studio. Capellaro and Wood crafted the backtrack and helped her finalize the lyrics.

As a senior, Josyula channeled her emotions about leaving high school into her song. In “I’ll Be Fine,” she emphasizes that things will eventually fall into place despite the worries of a new beginning.

“I wrote about how seniors have to leave behind their homes, school, and friends,” she said. “You’re leaving everything you know behind and starting a new chapter. It’s good and bad, but ultimately, everyone has done it, so I know that I’ll be fine.”

Though Josyula doesn’t plan on a career solely in music, she wants it to remain part of her life after high school. “I don’t plan on doing music full-time, but I plan on doing a double major or minor in music in college, continuing to make music, and always having music in my life,” she said.

Josyula’s love for music has only grown over the years. Throughout her singing journey, her voice has improved, and the types of music she sings have broadened across genres. “I do cover songs and make my own music because I love it, and it makes me really happy,” she said.