Hailing from a family of musicians, sophomore Lana Boleyjack was distinguished with the gift of music. Now, Boleyjack will grace the stage at the 2015 Urban/Pop Showcase.
The commercial voice major will be one of four acts in the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business’s showcase on Saturday.
Boleyjack walked into Starbucks with pigtails in her hair, high-waisted 90s denim jeans and a beaming smile on her face, excited about her profession, her story and the upcoming showcase.
“I was thinking I wouldn’t get the application done in time, but for whatever reason, I kept pushing myself. And we got it done in the knick of time,” said Boleyjack.
Boleyjack’s childhood circled around her music training, family and love for Christ. As a result of her upbringing, her parents fostered Boleyjack’s gifts and enrolled her in piano lessons, guitar lessons and the I.T. Creswell Arts Magnet Middle School in Nashville.
With time, Boleyjack realized her love for music did not stem only from her parents encouragement. Instead, it grew from her heart. In time, Boleyjack was accepted to the commercial voice program at Belmont.
“I finally saw the gift God gave me, and chose to nurture it,” said Boleyjack.
The Alicia Keys and Destiny’s Child fan cannot stop singing jazz, R&B and soul.
“It’s so funny how I used to despise this type of music and now look at how I’ve progressed. I’ve kind of come full circle.”
Drawing inspiration from a recent heartache, Boleyjack found a way to share her story in the upcoming showcase through the song “Woman.”
While away at a camp, Boleyjack heard one of her pastors preach about society’s claim that a woman needs a man, but the bible says that a man also needs a woman. From there, Boleyjack was inspired.
“It was this epiphany, like I don’t need a man, I don’t need to put my worth in this guy who broke my heart. He needs me at the end of the day,” she said.
After channeling her energy into her songs, Boleyjack is thrilled to play Urban/Pop alongside her bandmates Mitch Predella, Sam Eisenberg, Cole Thannisch, Madison and Jordan Skinner and Connor Gravley.
“I’m learning how important it is for me as a musician to know what I’m doing, not just know how to sing, but know how to chart, know how to lead a band,” said Boleyjack.
This is Boleyjack’s first experience working with a band, a manager and producers.
“It has help me become more vocal. I’m very timid. I won’t always say what’s bothering me, so it’s been one of those experiences where I’ve learned to take charge. And that’s something I’m not used to,” she said.
With more to offer than just her voice, the rising musician remains humble and close to her roots.
“My goal is the Best of the Best Showcase, but I’m taking it one step at a time,” said Boleyjack
Boleyjack will perform alongside other Belmont musicians David Dennis, Sawyer and Sound Proof for the showcase.
The 2015 Urban/Pop Showcase will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Curb Event Center. Admission is free.
Story by Meg MacDonald. Photo by Marisa Boras.