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Austintown middle school choir featured on new album by The Apocalyptic Lovers

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

October 11, 2023 12:38 PM

The Apocalyptic Lovers are currently recording songs to release in their new album in 2024. PHOTO PROVIDED

Seventh and eighth grade students in the Austintown Choir are already rock stars, as they’re featured in a local band’s upcoming album.

The Apocalyptic Lovers are recording songs to release in their new album in 2024.

The four-member band from northeast Ohio specializes in a mix of rock and metal from early ‘80s records.

Why did The Apocalyptic Lovers choose a children’s choir?

According to drummer and manager Dave Hope, the band was looking for a children’s choir to accompany two songs on their album that’s in the works.

“We have two fantastic songs that I wanted to add a children’s choir to, something similar to what Pink Floyd or the Pretty Reckless have done,” Hope said. “I’m sure it could be done with AI, but I’m all about organic - the real thing. I was an intervention assistant for a year and a half at Liberty Local Schools, so that is how the kids choir idea came about. I was in band all throughout middle and high school, and man, do I wish I had an opportunity like this back in the day.”

Hope contacted Megan Keown, the choral director at Austintown Local Schools, and the seventh and eighth-grade students began rehearsing for the songs.

Choir is in the recording studio this week

This week, the students are in the recording studio.

“To be honest, I was surprised at how excited and engaged they were. We aren’t Taylor Swift or whoever else is hot right now, so I wasn’t sure how the kids would receive me, but they were just awesome,” said Hope. “They had already had a couple rehearsals and I was blown away with how good they sounded. I’m most excited about the song I wrote with Sean and Rob about moving my family from Phoenix, AZ back to my hometown, Youngstown. The song must resonate with the kids because they were still singing it in the hallway after class let out.”

According to Hope, the students will also be recorded on video singing the songs in studio which will be included in the music video.

The new album is slated for release in 2024, and the Apocalyptic Lovers are planning a few shows to celebrate the album.

Follow The Apocalyptic Lovers on social media to learn more.