“Music is a universal language that transmits emotion and ideas that haven’t fully formed yet. If you give people a chance to express their pain and their joy and their hopes through this medium, it’s a super empowering and therapeutic exercise.”
This is how Stefon “Bionik” Taylor describes his role as the music producer for an album that he is creating with a group of Eden Prairie teens.
They are members of Kaleidoscope Teens, a nonprofit organization in Eden Prairie that supports adolescents in “developing coping and life skills, paired with a career and/or college pathway, that allows them to thrive in today’s world and successfully launch into their futures.”
The group has been working on the album with Bionik since October and will have their last session on Jan. 23.
Album provides hope and opportunity
The album, which will be called “Kaleidoscope,” is focused on bringing awareness to teen mental health challenges. It is sponsored by the Bernard Group and the Bluhm family.
“This album is a way to provide hope and provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to record with a well-known producer and use their unique gifts and talents,” said Tammy Ryder-Harms, the founder of Kaleidoscope Teens.
Students have been working individually and collaboratively to conceptualize themes, write lyrics, sing, rap, and play the instruments for the album.
Some students have experience performing in front of others, while others do not.
“This is out of my comfort zone,” said student John Thomas, “but I’ve been able to fully express myself through a new pathway with music.”
Regardless of their experience, each student has been encouraged to play some part in the album’s creation.
According to Ryder-Harms, students will also learn marketing, promotion, social media, graphic design, and website design to promote the album.
Music producer seeks to empower people through music
Bionik, the album’s producer, also describes himself as a “composer, instrumentalist, and performer who is trying to empower people through teaching.”
He is a resident teaching artist with COMPAS, a nonprofit that connects professional teaching artists with schools and groups across Minnesota to deliver creative experiences and arts programming.
According to his website, Bionik has composed, arranged, and collaborated on records with classic and contemporary artists ranging from Lizzo to Phil Collins.
His music has been featured in the “Fast & Furious” movie series, television shows such as “Empire” and “Insecure,” and video game series such as “NBA 2K” and “Madden.”
Students have appreciated working with a professional producer and observing how he practices his craft.
“I really like the way that Bionik schedules and sets up the motion of how this is done,” said Hayden Schneider. “The way that he has everything organized is really professional.”
Collaboration is key
Students commented on the collaborative and supportive environment fostered by this project.
“I’ve grown tremendously working with other people,” said James Thomas.
“It kind of showed how I can work things out with people and create a bond through time and music. It just shows what music can really do for community.”
“Everybody appreciates everybody’s work,” said Alivya Eckman, “and it feels good to be supported.”
The album is expected to be released in early spring.
Kaleidoscope Teens meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For location, contact Ryder-Harms at tryderharms@kaleidoscopeteens.org or 952-500-9723.
More information can be found at the Kaleidoscope Teens website.
Niko Gruss, Derek Reinhardt, James Thomas, Will Beuning, John Thomas, Alex Garcia, Dray Sharp. Front: Max Gruss. Photo by Alicia Bluhm
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