With Ithaca College hosting numerous student bands, Life on Vibrant stands out with its distinctive genre, self-described as “indie eruption.” Comprising four members, including sophomores Carson Mroz as the lead vocalist, Ashlynn Rose on lead guitar, George Bailey on drums, and first-year student Jake Edelstein on bass guitar, the band merges each member’s unique preferences to create an artistic style that resonates with audiences campus-wide.
In an interview with Newsletter Editor Jacquelyn Reaves, lead guitarist Rose delves into the band’s formation, internal dynamics, musical influences, and upcoming performances.
Jacquelyn Reaves: How did Life on Vibrant come together?
Ashlynn Rose: I joined the band after its formation. The pivotal moment was in the spring semester of [2023] when we were all freshmen. Carson Mroz invited me to jam with some acquaintances, and after playing a few Weezer covers that same night, I seamlessly integrated into the group. Walking into their rehearsal space, I was unsure of what to expect in terms of their songwriting process and the band dynamics. It was during that session that we crafted our inaugural song. I distinctly recall initiating a simple riff that evolved into the energetic yet laid-back track “Live on the Moon.” This song epitomizes our band—it’s ethereal, it’s Life on Vibrant. Set in D major, the song progressively builds, often serving as a set finale or opener at gigs like Deep Dive. It’s pretty cool.
JR: What motivated you to join the band?
AR: My connection with Carson paved the way. Currently, all band members are cinema production majors, and Carson and I shared a Cinema Production 1 class. Bonding over our mutual musical interests reflected in the band stickers on his laptop, we struck up a conversation, exchanged social media, and the rest is history. When the band needed a guitarist, and I was on the lookout for a musical outlet, it was a perfect match.
JR: Could you describe the songwriting process within your band?
AR: Typically, we grab a bite and head to our studio. One of us might inquire about any ongoing song ideas. For instance, “Live on the Moon,” mentioned earlier, stemmed from my first band practice, where I experimented in a half-step down tuning, stumbling upon a two-note riff that evolved into a full-fledged song. The process feels organic and spontaneous.
JR: What are your band’s future goals and aspirations?
AR: We are contemplating the production of an album to showcase our original music, considering the plethora of unreleased songs in our repertoire. Our primary aim is to share the love—literally. The essence of “spread love” encapsulates our band ethos, Life On Vibrant (LOV sans the “E”). Through our music, we aim to ignite joy, get the crowd moving, and foster a sense of community. It’s all about love, self-expression, and unity.
JR: How has your band membership influenced your personal growth?
AR: Collaborating with bandmates has been instrumental in my musical evolution. It’s one thing to create music solo, but the exchange of ideas and opinions within the band has been transformative. Crafting cohesive music that resonates with all of us has been paramount. This shared creative process has not only boosted my confidence on stage but also enhanced my songwriting skills and stage presence.