A guide to the GV music scene

Sofia Ellis, Staff Writer

Mar 17, 2025

GVL / Macayla Cramer

Many students at Grand Valley State University have a passion for recording and performing music. Aside from the University’s orchestras and ensembles, some students are in bands that release and perform music locally, or have created their own solo acts. Each artist has their own genre and inspirations, all sharing one passion: music. Listening to student musicians, both on streaming services and at performances, can provide them support in their journeys as emerging artists.

In this guide to student musicians at GVSU, five artists have shared their passion for creating original music, along with their future aspirations. A list of additional student musicians follows, although this is by no means a comprehensive guide, as GVSU is home to many talented artists.

Anthony Erlandson

Anthony Erlandson is a senior at GVSU and a solo, pop artist who enjoys performing their original music on local stages. Erlandson has been making music their entire life, with their earliest musical experience being the GarageBand app. Since being introduced to making music, their creative process has developed over time.

“I make a full beat first or full instrumental,” Erlandson said. “Or, it’s 2:00 a.m. and I get an idea, and I just word-vomit into my Notes app.”

Erlandson thinks their music is particularly unique, especially for the Grand Rapids area, which does not have an expansive local pop music scene.

“I want to make stuff you can play at the club and have fun,” Erlandson said. “Maybe the gay club, but still a club nonetheless.”

As a solo artist, Erlandson has no plans to join a group, and wants to continue making music and performing for their own enjoyment and that of others.

“I love being a solo artist,” Erlandson said. “I don’t have to argue with people over sh*t.”

Outside of their performances, you can find and listen to their music on streaming services under Anthony Erlandson.

Julie’s Bones

Andy Lunn is a GVSU student who plays bass in the band Julie’s Bones, alongside group members Colin Overway, Violet Sisson and Duncan Lam. The alternative rock band writes and performs their own music on stages around the Midwest, with every member contributing to the songwriting process.

“I’ve always wanted to experience and share the energy of the stage with as many people as possible,” Lunn said. “I grew up as a huge fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and their stage presence and sound shaped a lot of (who) I am now.”

The group met as members of a high school jazz band’s rhythm section. All Julie’s Bones members are multi-instrumental, and will sometimes switch around the composition of the band by altering who plays what instrument.

“I think West Michigan has a very particular alt-rock sound,” Lunn said. “Some have even ventured to call us Midwest emo in our delivery, which I don’t believe we are at a point to necessarily refuse.”

Lunn said he is happiest when performing onstage with the group. He added that the band has helped each other through many difficult times over the years.

“I use the artistic process to express feelings that I don’t know how to show otherwise,” Lunn said. “In many ways, it is my most important outlet.”

Looking to the future, Julie’s Bones plans to grow together as musicians while continuing to create as a group, regardless of what genre they may morph into. They also hope to go on tours outside of the Midwest.

“I see us experimenting with songwriting techniques and I am very excited to share this growth with some of my best friends over these next few years,” Lunn said.

Julie’s Bones releases music on all major streaming services under the band’s name. They plan to keep performing in Grand Rapids while also expanding into shows at new venues.

Silven

GVSU student Evan Arraut created the post-hardcore band Silven, in which he plays the drums, with his band members Alex Perez, Gabriel Jones and Trevor Buskard. The band members met through various informal gatherings, a history that has followed them into their songwriting process, which always begins with a jam session.

“We tend to start with instruments only,” Arraut said. “What we usually do is either one of the three string players bring a riff to practice, or sometimes we come up with it (the riff) on the spot, and we just jam off of it.”

Post-hardcore is a punk rock genre that emphasizes creative expression, which the band takes seriously. After the band’s initial recorded run-throughs, their process involves trial and error to perfect their sound.

“We record the whole thing and then just play it back to ourselves and pick up the best parts of it,” Arraut said. “Then, we reorganize it (the song) into an interesting structure so that it’s more appealing to the ear.”

Silven’s original music can be found on Spotify and Bandcamp. They also perform regularly in Grand Rapids at local venues.

Stephanie Dryburgh

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Dryburgh started writing songs in fifth grade that were inspired by her faith and mental health struggles. Dryburgh is involved in multiple off-campus worship groups.

“I have grown up doing music for a long time,” Dryburgh said. “I am a Christian, and I have anxiety and depression. (Music) is how I get my emotions out and how I process (them).”

Dryburgh said she hopes to inspire others through the music she produces, as she struggles with emotions and feelings that many others may experience as well.

“Hopefully I can produce (more songs) one day that people can relate to,” Dryburgh said.

Right now, Dryburgh only has one song released, but she is working toward producing more, and thinks that singing and songwriting will always play a part in her life.

“It’s my kind of therapy,” Dryburgh said. “I used to make up melodies in my head and make up words, but now I do it mostly with piano.”

Dryburgh’s favorite musical genres are country and pop, which is reflected in her songwriting. Her song, “I Want More” is available on streaming services under her name.

Lezzu

Devan Walker is a GVSU student who moonlights as musician Lezzu when releasing and performing beats. Walker began his journey in music when he was about eight years old. Over time, he turned his poems into freestyle rap and, eventually, into fully-produced songs.

“I see no limits,” Walker said. “I just let my thoughts and the beat or melody guide my pen.”

While Walker said his music is seeped in emotion, he does not want to restrain himself to the idea of a genre. He added that he finds beauty in all types of music, but rap is the genre he gravitates toward.

“I see my music touching hearts all across the world, making bodies dance and jam,” Walker said. “I know this is what I am called to do for the rest of my life.”

Currently, Walker is working toward becoming even more independent and creative as an artist by learning new writing and producing processes. He added that faith, family and love are what guide the creation of his music.

“What inspires my music is God and the hardships and beauty of life,” Walker said. “The things I have been through in my life have made me a man who only wants to be the best version of himself and see the world for the beautiful place that it is.”

Walker won the People’s Choice Award on March 12 at the annual GV’s Got Talent showcase, and he hopes to continue performing more live shows in the near future. His music can be found on all major streaming platforms under his stage name, Lezzu.

“I see a message living forever in music,” Walker added. “The message is that love wins, always.”

Additional student artists