Their dreams keep them awake at night. Their heartbeat becomes in sync with the music they create. And nothing can stop them.
For the past year, senior students Miles Erdman and Tyler Shaw have been working on their mix-tape. XIII Dreams. Erdman and Shaw worked with Jario Campos, former student of Albert Lea High School, who also released a mix tape during his high school career, to make this happen.
They write and record their own music, sometimes just hours before entering the studio. Erdman and Shaw struggle to find time to record, due to other responsibilities, but dreams aren’t on a time clock. Nothing will stop them.
The mix-tape has a total of 13 songs, with a variety of beats, and lyrics.
“There’s a little something for everyone.” said Shaw. “and a lot of surprises.”
With a dream like this, judgments are passed and comments are made, but they are conquered by their dream to inspire. Nothing can come between them, or their ambition to continue pursuing music.
“I just do what I love to do, and hope people like it.” said Erdman.
Tigers Roar 2012. It was the first time anyone saw Erdman and Shaw perform. They performed “Hometown Hero’s” written by them. Hometown Hero’s tells their story. It’s the first chapter of their journey to pursuing music. Big things are said to happen at the 2013 Tigers Roar. The unexpected is expected.
“It’s going to be at least ten times bigger than last year.” said junior, Carter Dalh. “Expect nothing less than flawless.”
Dahl is a longtime friend of Erdman and Shaw, and is expected to feature on a song in the future of XIII.
“They’re under estimated by a lot of people. Being from a small town doesn’t matter.” said Dahl. “If they’ve taught me anything, it’s to dream big. No dream is unattainable.”
Erdman and Shaw hope to inspire people by the music they create, and the message they give, which is to follow your dreams, and never stop doing what you love to do. If you work hard, and use your ambition to its fullest potential, every dream can be achieved.
“You never hear anyone say they tried their hardest, but they just couldn’t do it.” said Erdman. “Anything can happen.”