Ti-Tone Records — GTCC student-led record label releases sophomore album

“We’re one of only two community colleges in the United States with a record label, and we’re the only one consistently releasing albums,” Dillion said. “The label is entirely student-run, and the students have exceeded expectations in making this happen. "

Guilford Technical Community College’s student-led label, Ti-Tone Records, recently launched its sophomore album at a record release party on its High Point campus. The event featured a live concert with all artists on the album performing their songs.

“This year’s album is titled Sophomore, which is traditionally the album that is the hardest to do because it's the follow up to the first one,” said Mark Dillion, professor of music technology at GTCC. “It's also appropriate because we're a two-year school. This album hosts a variety of music including, country, rap, rock, soul, and R&B with several singer-songwriter tracks.”

The 16-song album was written, performed, mixed, mastered, and recorded entirely by GTCC students and faculty members, with music and entertainment technologies majors providing background instrumentation.

With a goal of producing a new album each year, entertainment technologies students work on song selection during the first part of the year and focus on recording during the second half. Leading the student-run label is second-year student Sacia Smith.

“Last year, I was behind the scenes like I am now, just not in charge,” Smith said. “I assisted with planning events, management, and communications, but on a bigger level this year.”

In addition to the overarching role of entertainment technologies students, every facet of launching the label last year was completed by GTCC students, including those in music, business and art programs.

“We’re one of only two community colleges in the United States with a record label, and we’re the only one consistently releasing albums,” Dillion said. “The label is entirely student-run, and the students have exceeded expectations in making this happen. There is no way it could happen without their leadership.”

Sophomore can be purchased on Ti-Tones website or at the GTCC entertainment technologies department for a suggestion donation of $10 for a CD.