Alumna independent singer songwriter Olivia Castriota is gearing up to record her first album.

Castriota is a 2008 Susquehannock graduate and is now on her way to the music business. She attended York College of Pennsylvania and graduated with a Mass Communications degree. All her life, she wanted to accomplish her dream to make music and be heard all around the world. When she was in middle and high school, Castriota became a part of many contests and competitions on the East Coast.  In 2012, Castriota made an important decision to move to Brooklyn, New York to start up her music career. Currently, she is trying to raise $5,000 on IndieGoGo.com to get studio musicians, recording fees, studio-booking fees, mixing, mastering, CD cover artwork and CD production.

“From a young age, I can remember always singing, and loving music has always been one of the main things keeping me going,” said Castriota.

For Castriota, her school life was full of music courses like choir, select ensemble, musicals, jazz band, and talent shows. Choir was the main class that challenged and taught her a new perspective to music.  Not only were music classes her main focus, but every subject was important to her.

“Choir taught me to think outside the box musically and realize there is more to music than what you hear on the radio,” said Castriota. “Realize your dreams, and then take every measure and opportunity to achieve them.”

Once Castriota set sail to her music life, she accomplished many different activities that benefited her career. For example, she performed at the World Famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York (opening for hip-hop phenom Starchild) and at the York Fair. Now, she is working extremely hard to start her first album and is booked to appear at The Apollo on May 20, 2015.

“My advice for students who want to create an album one day is just do it,” said Castriota. “It’s really hard, and there are a lot of parts that go into,but if you have the drive, let nothing stop you.”

Castriota has spent so much time to achieve her journey to start her own music career and is inspiring young adults looking to reach their dreams.