Local musicians share their experiences at COD Talks event

A group of College of the Desert students and members of the community filled the school's theater for "COD Talks - Stories Worth Sharing," a Ted Talk-style conversation.

"Each COD Talk is a little bit different each time," said Danny Torres, a student center assistant at COD.

This week's talk focused on musicians sharing their experience and advice with aspiring musicians.

The speakers included Giselle Woo and the Night Owls, who are performing at the 2020 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, along with Ocho Ojos, local rapper Provoked, Avenida, and local DJ, Discoteca.

Many of the musicians on stage were COD alumni.

Torres helped coordinate the event and is also a member of Ocho Ojos.

"Don't shy away or be discouraged from performing at small venues or little dive bars where you might not get a large crowd coming through. Don't let that discourage you," Torres said.

Other speakers spoke on what it's like to go on tour, how to book your shows and how to manage money.

Avenida shared their journey, saying that a lot of thought goes into every decision they make. They assess, plan and execute and recommended reading the book music marketing for the DIY musician.

Overall the event aimed to help start an open conversation between locals who have mastered their craft and the community.

"We want the community to come out and get involved with the students as well because when these students graduate they go out into the community so it's a way of bridging the student body and the local community together," said Tad Betancourt, a COD student center assistant.