Now Playing: “Angel Bones” by They Catch SecretsBy Mattea Overstreet
Something unique about the Modesto music community that inspires me is the evolving presence of youth bands. When I first noticed this pocket of the scene, the kids from High Voltage were dominating stages, even in pro spaces. Those boys seriously rocked, and I had been unacquainted with the caliber of young musicians before that. Thanks to organizations like Valley Music Institute, we all can experience the hard work and dedication of kids, teenagers, and their supportive families. Audiences of all ages can’t help but get hyped seeing these young artists tear it up like pros (looking at you, Vintage Youth).
One band has been a fixture of the youth category and will soon age out of that niche, even though their professionalism and talent have always stretched far beyond their years.
They Catch Secrets is a GK Music project based in Manteca. The group comprises Mapuana, Ashlyn Hegman, Miles Lima, Owen Machado, and Kaiden Price, all accomplished music students under Gordon Kennedy. The group’s formation and pursuit of recording and releasing their music reflect a focus on commercialization and real-world professional development that music educators don’t commonly invest their resources in.
Their debut EP, “Angel Bones,” was released in August after a year of production. Each track was arranged for the band, with songwriting credits attributed to a handful of writers. “Everyone added flavor to their parts and contributed to a product showcasing everyone’s respective talents.” The opportunity for a new group to collaborate with outside composers and lyricists in a real production setting is a huge professional experience.
The EP’s sound emits this collaborative nature with a vibe that can’t be pointed at any specific genre or theme. My favorite song on the EP is “Another Page,” the only one written and composed by the group’s lead singer and MAMA Award-winning songwriter, Mapuana. There’s just something different about an artist singing their own words and performing from the heart—and Mapuana is all heart.
The band plans to continue playing live shows throughout the 209, and the “Angel Bones” EP is expected to be released on vinyl. Stay tuned for a music video soon and stream “Angel Bones” on all platforms. Stay updated on Instagram @theycatchsecrets
