Local teens Dani Mason, Leo Murrell, August Stepper, and Ruby Makowitz started the band Serendipity. 

Serendipity became a band in June of this year. They have done two concerts and performed cover songs such as “Take Off Your Pants” by Indigo De Souza, “Harness Your Hopes” from Pavement, and “High and Dry” by Radiohead. 

Now that they are more of an established band, they are moving on to creating original songs. Their concert on Sunday, September 22nd featured both of them. They are called “Truth or Dare” and “Bittersweet”. 

Murrell was the main person who wrote the lyrics for these songs. The first song “Truth or Dare” was intended to be “A song exposing the patriarchy with a punk feel.” Murrell claims the second track “Bittersweet” was written about changing relationships and friendships throughout my high school years.”

These four teenagers all share a passion for music but they each have a specific reason for wanting to be a part of Serendipity. Stepper wanted to join because “I had been in the school band for a while and wanted to play drums outside of school. I also ended up making new friends”

Mason may not be able to play an instrument but she can sing. “I love music and performing. I especially love singing, which I realized when I started doing theater and I wanted to see how I can improve my stage presence and confidence” says Mason. 

Makowitz is the guitarist in Serendipity which is one of their reasons for joining. “I wanted to be in a band since I learned how to play guitar. And the connection you get with your bandmates is another main reason” says Makowitz.

Murrell started the Aspen Collective an organization that allows teens to share their art and music which was another big reason for wanting to be in a band. “Through the Aspen Collective, I kept encouraging local youth to create a band and so I decided to take my advice and join Serendipity. I have gotten a lot of fulfillment performing locally with my friends.”

Mason and Makowitz had the inspiration to start the band and put the plan in motion. Mason created the name with the help of Makowitz. “I woke up at 3 a.m. and realized we needed a band name and then I googled pretty words, texted Ruby that ‘serendipity’ sounded cool, and Ruby agreed then went back to bed,” Mason said.

Their most recent concert was in Sierraville at 6 p.m. on September 22nd. The show was outside and it was their first time performing their new songs. This concert had a small audience but it was perfect practice for their upcoming gig in Reno.

Once Makowitz started playing the guitar she never wanted to go back. “I tried to learn other instruments throughout the past but nothing clicked like the guitar did. I always thought it was a cool instrument and once I learned to play it it became therapy for me” said Makowitz

Stepper plays the drums which he does for the school band and Serendipity. “I started doing guitar lessons from my mom’s friend who teaches music and one day he decided it would be fun to get me on the drums then I never switched back.”

The band was not always four people, they used to have Leo as the backup vocals when their bassist had to drop, Leo stepped in as he was learning how to play the bass at the time. “Our bassist left due to logistical circumstances so I took the opportunity to be bass and stay on vocals.”

If you are interested in learning more about Serendipity or you want to see them in action you can follow their Instagram, @serendipitybanddd. You can also see them perform at the Holland project’s gig called Fresh Meat on Friday the 27th of September 2024.