For two MSU students, living on the same floor together in West Wilson Hall led to the creation of a music group.
Atler is a new duo started by no-preference freshman Eric Yuen and human biology freshman Vince Candela.
“We first started the duo this year, about three months ago,” Yuen said. “We actually started as friends, we live on the same floor and we both have a passion for music, music production and live performance, so we just decided to pursue our passion together.”
They both have been involved with music since they were young. Yuen plays the piano and produces music on his computer. Candela said he utilized music classes and started producing when he was a sophomore in high school.
Even with Candela’s music interest, Yuen has more experience, as he was a part of another group called Shinobi Cabal, who he DJed and produced for throughout high school in Chicago. The duo’s manager, computer science freshman Peter Carras, said Yuen did shows at Double Door, Martyrs’ and other places in the Chicago area.
“He’s been producing music since he was in the eighth grade then he started his own thing outside of that group called Atler,” Carras said. “Vince has always had a passion for EDM music and his neighbor from high school gave him his keyboard and DJ equipment, then Eric taught Vince how to do all this stuff.”
Atler’s sound is best described as electronic dance music, or EDM, with influences from hip-hop, trap and jazz music.
Carras also lives on the same floor with the duo and said they all became friends. As manager, his role is outside creating music.
“My role is to make sure our branding is going in the right direction, booking shows and I also do some audio visualization stuff. We’re also currently building a website, so that’s something I do as well,” Carras said.
As Atler looks to gain more exposure, Carras said they plan to perform around the country.
“This summer we’re going to be booking shows in Chicago, Milwaukee and hopefully Detroit and Nashville as well,” he said.
Their first upcoming performance together will be April 6 at Mac’s Bar in Lansing. Yuen has experience performing at many shows in the past, but this will be a first for Candella, who is just looking to have fun.
“I’m expecting pretty high energy and we have a lot of people coming out, should be a good time,” Yuen said.
