As a new record spins on a fresh school year, so does another year for live music and performances at Rowan. On Thursday, Sept. 4, Rowan Alternative Music Club (RALT) hosted its very first club meeting of the school year at Boyd Recital Hall at Wilson Hall, featuring live music, music trivia, and an overview of the club’s future. 

The club opened its doors at 6:30 p.m. as waves of both new and old members of the club filled seats. The president of RALT, Sadi Gomez, a junior majoring in music industry, opened the night by welcoming everyone before announcing the opening band, Loud and Clear. 

The band began with five original songs, followed by a cover of Rage Against the Machine’s “Take the Power Back.” Even before the second song played, attendees were urged to stand up and dance. The next thing you knew, everyone flooded toward the stage, jumping up and down as the music got louder and clearer.

Loud and Clear was formed in 2023, after covering a song of the same name by the band Title Fight at RALT’s “Emo Nite.” Members of the band include Stephen Kossman, Jack Darischuk, Dee Philips, and Amanda Senatore. 

“I knew we all wanted to keep playing music together and make original songs after that, so we just stuck together after the cover set and kept making stuff,” said Kossman. 

Stephen Kossman, a junior music industry major and secretary of RALT, is one of the guitarists and lead singer of Loud and Clear, and was excited at the prospect of moving Loud and Clear from basement shows to other venues in the future.

As Loud and Clear played their last note, the RALT executive board members were brought on and introduced themselves to the audience before going over the future of the club. This included encouraging new ideas from members, more “Skate Jam” and “Emo Nite,” the possibility of moving away from basement shows and to the Glassboro VFW, and more to come throughout the year, including a possible merch table at future club meetings.

“Our main goal is honestly showcasing what we do. Live performances, that’s like our main draw and appeal. But also leaning more into the club aspect,” Gomez said. “We got more club meetings. I think, honestly, more themed events.” 

After the RALT executive board concluded their presentation, the night came to a close with a music trivia-themed Kahoot. Members split into groups before testing their knowledge of alternative, punk, and indie music. This gave newcomers opportunities to connect with existing members and share their passion and knowledge for music.

Jayden Devine, a sophomore studio art major at Rowan, shared her love for alternative music and for the chance to be part of RALT again after last year.

“For a lot of people in, like, minority groups, it gives a sense of community. It can really push you forward socially, but also academically; it can really push you to strive and do your best,” Devine said.

So if you’re ever looking to experience Rowan and Glassboro’s live music scene, now is your chance, as RALT turns up the amp on both its venues and opportunities for club meetings. Continuing to grow not only as a club, but as the musical heartbeat of Rowan.

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