Auburn student artists showcase original works at Lucky Man Studio

On April 24, Auburn University highlighted its top student recording artists with a live performance at Lucky Man Studio in Goodwin Hall, marking the release of four professionally produced projects through the Clayton Recording Arts Honors Program in collaboration with Blue Wire Records, the University’s student-run label.

Renowned recording artist, composer and producer Trammell Starks, who is faculty lead for Lucky Man Studio, emphasized the program’s mission in a statement.

“The Clayton Recording Arts Honors Program is designed to identify, support, and elevate outstanding students by emphasizing artistic growth, preparation, and performance at a professional level,” Starks said. “The program challenges each artist to refine their sound, strengthen their musical identity, and deliver work that can stand competitively in today’s music landscape. Surrounded by top tier musicians and resources, these artists are encouraged to think bigger, dig deeper, and create work that reflects both their individuality and their true potential.”

The program offers selected student artists a professionally supervised recording and release experience, culminating in a fully produced, marketed and distributed three-song commercial project aligned with industry standards. The selection process began in October, with demo submissions completed in December. Six students advanced to a live concert round, from which four finalists were selected: runners-up Anna Colson, Walter Lloyd and Syler Stone, along with Grand Prize winner Jack Sears.

Starks has partnered with the music business program to support the initiative, allowing students pursuing a business minor to operate within a framework that blends music production with strategic marketing.

Throughout the process, student performers gained hands-on experience in professional-level production, expanding their reach beyond the studio as their work prepares for release on streaming platforms. The evening concert served as a live showcase of that development.

As attendees settled in and the lights dimmed, each artist took the stage with performances shaped by intentional artistic choices, creative craftsmanship and personal expression.

Syler Stone

The concert began with Syler Stone’s performance of “Emotions.” Characterized by a tender and soulful voice, Stone leaned into each lyric with a wide vocal range and expressive control. The reflective lyrics created an emotionally charged piece, with saxophone accompaniment providing a resonant counterpoint to his tone.

Stone reflected that working in a more professional music setting has reshaped his understanding of the music industry, particularly the number of people involved in the creation of a single song. Listening to music his whole life, he has since developed confidence in the kinds of songs he connects with and the emotional space they can create.

“In a song like ‘Emotions,' I think a lot of times when I’m really upset about something I'll listen to something that's sad. But also if you're upset or stressed about something, I can listen to a song like "Emotions" and take it out for a minute.” Stone said. “It can be an escape from a stressful thing you have going on.”

He describes music as both a reflection of emotion and a form of release, offering listeners a momentary break from whatever they are facing.

He also shared his hope for the audience’s experience.

“I hope they can take away that it is fun and energetic. I hope people can tell that we had fun making it,” Stone said.

For Stone, music remains a lasting presence in his life and identity as an artist, as he affirmed, “In some way, I’ll always have music as a part of what I do.”

“Emotions,” will be released on May 15 on all streaming platforms, giving listeners a deeper look into his reflective style and emotional honesty.

Walter Lloyd

Walter Lloyd introduced himself with synth-heavy instrumentation that underscored his walk through the aisle of the theater as he began his song, “Music Saved My Life.” His steady movement toward the stage set up a powerful vocal entrance as he stepped onto the stage and fully settled into the performance. He danced as he leaned into the driving tempo and upbeat energy, with each melodic contour accented by an on-beat slide, twist or turn.

Lloyd holds a meaningful connection to the message behind “Music Saved My Life.”

“I was freaking out and not doing great, and I was listening to my top 100 songs of all time playlist,” Lloyd said. “That helped snap back into it.”

He described the experience as "grounding" and "visceral,” emphasizing how music provided a sense of comfort and reassurance during a difficult moment.

His sound draws from a wide range of influences, blending emotional depth with contemporary pop and R&B approaches. Reflecting on the production process, Lloyd explained how the experience helped him better articulate his creative vision while offering insight into the professional music industry. He also noted the value of working alongside experienced judges and artists, some of whom have collaborated with notable names such as Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder.

“Most of the time, I try to start with a feeling, and then I try to figure out how I can make something sound like how I feel,” Lloyd said. “That’s kind of the main [thing] that drives how I make music."

“My goal is to spread joy,” Lloyd said. “There’s so much going in the world right now, there’s so much sorrow and sadness and divisiveness. I want to cerate a community that brings people to together and makes them feel better.”

His next single, “Music Saved My Life,” will be released May 1 on all streaming platforms, offering a reflection on his identity, perseverance and the role music has played in shaping his journey.

Anna Colson

Anna Colson then performed her single “Bird Set’s Free." In her performance, she delivered a deeply emotional and layered story through a controlled voice that expressed vulnerability with intention. Supported by piano instrumentation and a six-person chorus, her voice rose into powerful melodic statements that filled the space with depth and clarity. Unafraid to confront emotional challenges through the lyrics, Colson demonstrated both vocal restraint and strength, allowing vulnerability and power to coexist throughout the performance.

“I think it’s a story of redemption,” Colson said, describing “Bird Set Free” as telling the story of someone hurt by words, people, and life circumstances, yet sustained by music as a constant through those trials. She explains, “The song is about music being your little superpower."

Colson reflected on the shift from being seen as a learner to approaching a more professional environment.

“I think one of the coolest things has been recording in the studio," Colson said. “As a student in music, you’re seen as a student, and you’re not seen as a pro yet. So getting to see what it feels like – yes, there are benefits – but also being held accountable in that way has been a really big part of the whole thing. ... That's been the biggest growth part of it."

Colson’s emotional storytelling is deeply rooted in using songwriting as her primary form of expression. Instead of journaling, she said, “I would rather just tell my songbook."

She draws from a wide range of relatable experiences, emphasizing that listeners connect most with music that feels personal and makes them think they’re being directly spoken to through the song. Her work reflects “hardships, happiness, joy, growth and all the different things of life.”

Looking ahead, Colson believes the night's performance will play a meaningful role in shaping her future. She expressed gratitude for her professors' and program's support, emphasizing the guidance she has received throughout the process.

“There will be times where you will get ‘no.' There will be times where you get disappointments," Colson said. "Don’t get down on yourself because look what you’ve already done.”

“Birds Set Free” will arrive on May 8 on all streaming platforms, reflecting Colson’s emotional resilience and her ability to connect her experiences with others through music.

Jack Sears

Capping off the event was Grand Prize winner Jack Sears' performance of “Wrong Side of the River,” “Again and Again” and "One Headlight."

“Wrong Side of the River” opened with drawn-out strings as Sears strummed his guitar, setting a soft, story-driven atmosphere through his vocals and lyricism. As the song progressed, his voice swelled and receded with control, shifting between grit and restraint in a dynamic, emotionally textured performance.

The guitar served as a true co-performer throughout the piece, especially as the bridge developed with tension and anticipation. Sears anchored himself in steady fingerpicking, allowing a low, gentle vocal line to gradually rise into a more assertive and spirited melody, showcasing a seamless blend of restraint and intensity within his delivery.

“Again and Again” is an upbeat, country-inspired track that draws listeners into an imaginative scene shaped by gentle vocals and steady guitar. The song is anchored by the recurring refrain, “Again and Again,” which underscores its emotional core. Sears builds a layered and sonic landscape, with accents rising intentionally in response to the lead vocal line.

Sears concluded his performance with a strong finish as “One Headlight” unfolded into a deeper, more textured arrangement, blending steady percussion with a shifting, atmospheric instrumental backdrop. The country-rock track carried a driving intensity, enhanced by expressive stage movement that matched its rhythmic momentum.

His vocals gradually built, rising into a resonant climax as the instrumentation expanded around him. A six-person chorus joined in, echoing key vocal lines and heightening the emotional impact of the performance. The song’s extended, metaphor-driven lyrics added layered imagery and lyrical depth throughout.

Sears closed the set by inviting those involved in the production — “the hands that touched his work” — to join him on stage, recognizing the collaborative effort behind the performance and production.

“Most people don’t understand the amount of people that have been involved in this,” Sears said.

He expressed gratitude for the support of professors and fellow collaborators, including contributing vocalists and instrumentalists, whose work helped shape the project throughout the production process.

“It’s been really inspiring to get to see, and it is so refreshing for sure,” Sears added.

Sear’s EP “Three States Away” was released on April 24 and is accessible to listen to on all platforms.