The next wave of local music talent was on full display when two rising student bands, Shade and The Psycho Kittens, took the stage as opening acts for Dr. Andrew Maz and the debut of his new album Terra at his concert on February 7.
Both groups were formed through Cerritos College’s Commercial Music program, a hands-on track designed to help aspiring artists develop not only their sound, but also the real-world experience needed to succeed in today’s music industry.
Shade and The Psycho Kittens are not simply student ensembles, they are working bands writing and performing original material as they build toward their first official recordings.
Under the guidance of Dr. Maz, each band has been challenged to complete six original songs by the end of the semester. Meeting that goal will qualify them for studio recording time and future performance opportunities through the college. “Dr. Maz gave us the goal of an EP,” said Alberto Rodriguez, Shade’s keyboardist and primary songwriter. “If we get six songs by the end of the semester, we can go into the studio and record.”
Formed in the summer of 2025, Shade draws heavily from the synthesizer-driven influences of the 1980s while developing a modern edge. The five-member band includes: Vocalist Destiny Garcia; Guitarist Brandon; Drummer Mario Angel; Keyboardist/songwriter Alberto Rodriguez and Bassist David Morales, who joined just two months ago. Together, the group has already completed two songs, with more in progress as they work toward their debut EP.
In contrast, The Psycho Kittens bring a heavier, industrial-metal approach, blending electronic textures with hard rock intensity. The band features commercial music majors Bea Vazquez and Johnny “Joy” Vazquez; drummer Mario Angel, performing with both bands and computer science major Diego Toscano. Vasquez described music as a constant presence in his life, noting that his Spotify listening reached more than 160,000 minutes this year. “Music is always there,” he said. “It’s just constantly running through 24-7.”
Both bands credit Dr. Maz not only as a program leader, but as someone actively connecting student musicians and helping them find opportunities beyond coursework. Rodriguez recalled that Shade’s formation began with strong chemistry among members and soon, Dr. Maz was offering them a chance to open for a live show. “A few months later, Dr. Maz said, ‘Hey, I might be having a show. I’m looking for openers,’” Rodriguez said.
Like many emerging artists, the bands are navigating a music landscape where local venues are shrinking. Members pointed to the closure of spaces such as Chain Reaction, long considered a launching pad for smaller acts.
“It really gives smaller bands a chance… to have a stage to perform on,” Vazquez said. “It’s just really unfortunate… because then it kind of closes in for everybody’s opportunities.”
Still, both groups remain determined, leaning into social media, unconventional performance spaces, and sheer persistence.
