THE GARAGE LIGHTS

Words by Miguel Rodriguez

Photos provided

On Syracuse University campus, five students consider each other friends: Oji Anderson, Avaana Harvey, Ben Webster, Bryce Meuschke, and Celso Perez. Like any normal group of friends, they casually become rock stars in their free time. Performing under the name “The Garage Lights”, the quintet have been making and performing music together since last November.

Despite heavy workloads and conflicting schedules, they practice multiple times a week on the second floor of the Shaffer Art Building. Whether it be late at night or early in the morning while freshman students sleep through their 10 a.m. classes, the band commits to perfecting their songs together.

The group’s passion shines brightly even when they are practicing. Lead singer Avaana maintains a vigorous stage presence, flailing and falling all over the place. On the other side of the room, band members gave both criticism and praise in a hilariously affectionate manner. Following a particularly great performance, guitarist Ben proclaimed, “When we all came in after the break, I might have creamed my jeans a little bit.”

Unfortunately, due to impending semesters abroad and college graduations, this semester will be the band’s last one together. It’s not the end for the Garage Lights though, as they plan to release what the band refers to as “the record” next spring semester. It’s always been a goal of mine to write and record a record,” said guitarist Ben. Singer Avaana finds performing to be freeing, and the joy she feels is her motivation to continue. “I jump around all the fucking time, it’s really nice,” she said. Most summarizing of the band’s nature though was drummer OJ: “We’re all besties and like hanging out. I love these guys.”