Two bands, SHADE and The Psycho Kittens, will open for program lead Dr. Andrew Maz and his new album, Terra, at the upcoming concert on Feb. 7.
Both bands will be showcasing original material as they work toward recording their debut EPs.
SHADE and The Psycho Kittens were both formed through the college’s Commercial Music program, which focuses on developing performing artists.
Each band has been tasked with writing six original songs to qualify for studio recording time and a spot in future college performances.
“Dr. Maz gave us the goal of an EP,” Alberto Rodriguez said, SHADE’S keyboardist and primary songwriter. “If we get six songs by the end of the semester, we can go into the studio and record.”
Shade’s five-member lineup includes vocalist Destiny Garcia, guitarist Brandon Myong, drummer Mario Angel, keyboardist Alberto Rodriguez and bassist David Morales, who joined the group just two months ago when they needed to fill the position.
The band, which formed in summer 2025, draws from 1980s influences to create their synthesizer-driven sound.
The Psycho Kittens brings together four students with an industrial metal approach, blending heavy rock with electronic elements.
The band includes commercial music majors Bea Vazquez who is on the bass and back up vocals, Joi Vazquez who plays guitar as well as lead vocals and drummer Mario Angel who pulls double duty in both bands alongside computer science major Diego Toscano who is on the synth.
“Music is always there. It’s just constantly running through 24-7,” Joi Vazquez said, noting his Spotify listening topped 160,000 minutes this year.
Both bands emerged by connecting with Dr. Andrew Maz. The program lead actively identifies promising musicians, encouraging collaborations that extend beyond coursework.
“We had really great chemistry for the band, and we performed really well,” Rodriguez said of Shade’s initial formation. “A few months later, Dr. Maz said, “Hey, I might be having a show. I’m looking for openers.”
Mario Angel’s involvement extends beyond performing.
After fixing a loose drum kit component on his own initiative, he became Dr. Maz’s drum technician, even designing and building the electronic drum kit for the upcoming show.
The bands face challenges common to emerging artists, particularly with recent venue closures like Chain Reaction, which historically provided stages for local acts.
“It really gives smaller bands a chance, local bands and all that, to have a stage to perform on,” Joi Vazquez said. “It’s just really unfortunate that they had to shut that down because then it kind of closes in for everybody’s opportunities.”
In response, both groups emphasize social media presence and unconventional performance spaces. Vazquez recalled seeing bands perform at Denny’s restaurants, while SHADE’S bassist David Morales stressed the importance of drive in finding opportunities.
“I can tell you a story of one of my old bands where we had a venue to play at, and something happened where they fudged up our time,” Mario Angel said.
He approached multiple bars that night until The Onyx agreed to host them, ultimately drawing 70 people.
Beyond the upcoming concert, both bands aim to establish themselves in the local music scene.
The Psycho Kittens want to perform on more stages and in more arenas while building exposure through live performances.
SHADE has already completed two songs with a third in progress, working toward their six-song EP goal. Success would earn them a spot at Dr. Maz’s next concert, tentatively scheduled for February.
“As far as we can go,” Brandon said, referring to the band’s ambitions. “And a Grammy!”
The concert represents more than a performance opportunity.
It’s a validation of the commercial music program’s ability to transform classroom musicians into working artists, preparing them for careers in an evolving industry.
