It is no secret that Luther is a music-oriented college. Advertisements across the Midwest promote Luther’s focus on musical talent, and concert venues around the world play host to Luther’s elite music groups.

What people in the outside world are not exposed to, however, are the works of Luther’s many independent musicians. These artists come to campus to participate in the established music ensembles but also devote themselves to creating music on their own.

Many of Luther’s independent musicians enjoy their work because they find it complements their participation in formal music groups.

Danny Lee (‘08) is an independent performer and a member of Luther’s Nordic Choir.

“By making music independently, an artist is able to identify their own self with their music, whereas, within a choir one is just a fraction of the voice,” said Lee.

Jack Lob (‘09) is commonly seen performing in Marty’s and at The Magpie Coffee House in Decorah.

“The biggest difference [between performing in a group and independently] is that I’m in control of what the repertoire is,” said Lob. “Instead of a director telling me what song to pull out to work on next, I can just change the style of music to whatever I am feeling at the time.”

Students on campus are exposed to some of these artists through concerts in Marty’s, benefit shows and battle-of-the-bands competitions. Other artists keep their independent work more private, revealing their talents only to close friends or wall-sharing neighbors.

Lance Ehrecke (‘08) recently gave some of Luther’s independent musicians the unique opportunity to share their music through a CD he is recording as an independent project this semester. Under the guide of Tim Schweizer, professor of management, Ehrecke is in charge of every aspect of the recording process, from recruiting artists to planning the CD release party.

“I’m acting as the record producer, publicist and recording engineer all at once,” he explained.

Ehrecke believes that this process will give him the knowledge and experience he needs to pursue a career in the recording industry.

“Ninety-nine percent of people in the music recording industry start from the bottom up,” said Ehrecke. “It’s hard, but it’s nice because it allows everyone involved in the process to understand the importance of each and every crew member.”

Ehrecke spends an average of 14 hours in the studio every week, recording artists and mastering the finer details of their work. The final CD will have about 17 tracks from artists including Lee, Lob, Sara Zaunssi (‘10), Tom Bishoff (‘09), Karsten Snitker (‘09), Bitter Sweet Ascension, Vinyl Roots, the Eskimo Nudists and The Chase. Acoustic, rock, electronica and instrumental music will be included.

The artists featured on the CD come from a wide range of recording backgrounds.

James Driessen (‘10) and his band Bitter Sweet Ascension are working with Ehrecke this semester. Driessen first recorded his music in junior high.

“The first time you record by yourself with your peers watching you through that soundproof window, it creates a sense of self-confidence,” said Driessen. “It really highlights the separate qualities and talents that go into a song. Being able to mix the music together to create that final track just tops it off.”

Others, like Zanussi, had never recorded before.

“I knew recording with Lance would be a great opportunity to share my music and become bolder about doing so,” said Zanussi. “I have enjoyed the recording process … I learned how much work goes into a song, and I appreciate sound people a lot more, that’s for sure.”

Some artists, like Lob, are using this experience to broaden the nature of their work.

“I had an absolute ball with the recording process,” said Lob. “There is only so much sound you can get with a guitar and one voice, and once I was able to start hearing more than just that being added to my songs and playing back at me through the KWLC speakers, I fell in love … I couldn’t believe how much the song came to life. Lance is a wizard behind the control panel.”

Other artists hope the recording will give them exposure to a wider variety of audiences.

“By recording, you are able to increase your chances of getting gigs and being able to continually play,” said Lee. “Also, it’s nice to be able to give someone a recording of your music, especially if it’s a song they identified with. There is no greater feeling than having someone tell you that your song touched them.”

The final version of the CD will be available for purchase at a release party on May 3 in Marty’s, where the musicians featured on the CD will perform live.