Adam Prudhomme
Editor
St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church’s basement was rocking Friday night to celebrate the release of Origin Story, a full length album from the youth of the Harmony Lounge and Music Club.
A handful of musicians took the stage to offer the audience a sample of some of the tracks on the album. The launch party was held to coincide with the release of the album, which was available in hard copy form at the event and can now be found on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube. Developed in partnership with Basement Town Records and led by Napanee-based producer and recording engineer Matt Alkenbrack, the album features original music by musicians under the age of 20 in Greater Napanee and surrounding communities, including Belleville. Though the acts are diverse, they all share one thing in common. They are all part of the not-for-profit Harmony Lounge and Music Club, which was formed in 2022 and provides music lessons for students between the ages of 11-16, paired with fellow musician mentors of all ages. They meet regularly in the basement of St. Mary’s.
Jylz McBride, performing “Not Enough” with Matt Alkenbrack during Friday’s Harmony Lounge and Music Club’s album launch party concert, held at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Napanee. The album features several local youth musicians. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
“When we didn’t get our funding for our mobile rock school last summer, and Matt (Alkenbrack) was here and had so much talent and we had so many young people writing their own songs, we thought we had to do something,” said Michelle Hauser, program coordinator and registrar of the Harmony Lounge and Music Club. “He worked steadily all summer for no pay. I said we don’t have funding for this. I said I hope we can find it. And I did.”
After an extensive search, funding was provided by the Anglican Foundation of Canada.
That helped cover the cost of recording the album, which was celebrated with Friday’s live performance.
“It’s pretty fun seeing everyone show up, I’m glad everyone’s parents are as supportive as mine,” said Joe Hauser, one of the local musicians who performed at the launch party and is featured on the album.
Jade Peter of Switzerville Sound. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Leading up to the full release, singles from the album included Nothingness by Jade Peter, a vocal mentor with the program as well as Two Ways by Ethan Stein, also a mentor.
Since its start up in September of 2022, the Harmony Lounge and Music Club has seen a steady incline in its membership. The album is just one more outlet for its members to showcase their talents.
To learn more about the program contact Harmonymusicclub@outlook.com or call 613-354-6387. St. Mary’s is located at 137 Robinson Street in Napanee.