Way..... Outside the Classroom with Hunter Galvin
Meet alumnus…Hunter Galvin…this 2017 HV grad was spotted on the Proctors stage in April at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards aka The Eddies.
You see Hunter writes and produces music, under the name of Hunna G…amazing, award winning music while still a sophomore at Oneonta, majoring in ‘Music Industry’, minoring in ‘Audio Arts Production’. Together with local Hip Hop Artist, ‘Johnny 2 Phones’ who performs much of Hunter’s music, they took the stage to accept the award for Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year! Congrats!
His journey began in elementary when he first dappled in jazz piano lessons. By the ripe old age of 8, he was already producing music on the computer thanks to software a friend of his dad’s gave him. Middle and early high school years honed his piano and drum stick talents along with increasing his notoriety for writing and producing music. Band teacher, Jacqui Paglialonga recognized a unique spark and encouraged him to enter the NYSMMA Electronic Music Competition in 10th grade, where he became 1 of only 10 students chosen from across New York State but more that, he now realized his music potential.
Meeting ‘Johnny 2 Phones’ was all chance. A decision to stop and introduce himself to Max, another freshman student, who played keyboard he says was ‘life changing’; simple networking, don’t be afraid to do it! Over the next few weeks they released a song that Oneonta alumnus, ‘Johnny 2 Phones’, heard through a friend of Max’s and the rest is history.
Four months later Hunter, aka Hunna G, is writing and producing music for ‘Johnny 2 Phones’ to perform as the opening act for ‘A Boogie’ at SUNY Oneonta’s annual concert, O’Fest. One year later the duo is on stage at Proctors.
SUNY Oneonta’s Music School is ranked in the top 10, of ‘Billboard 2019 Music Business Schools’ in the country. Hunter notes, playing an instrument is not a prerequisite for a ‘Music Industry’ major but be prepared for a well-rounded approach to the industry as a whole.
Words of wisdom…’Listen, always keep improving, take criticism of your art as a positive, trends are constantly changing so keep learning and stay current, finally, get off your cell phone and become something!’ Yes, parents he said that!
‘Networking and an on-line presence are key, stay true to yourself and advertise your art as you want people to see you. Don’t try to do everything yourself, everyone has their specialty, find and utilize them.’ When it comes to this duo, they’ve built a team; photographer, manager, booking agent, audio engineer, graphic artist for album covers. The stuff they can’t do.
Plans to become a music producer and musician were words he etched in his senior write-up while his class mates voted him ‘Most likely to become a celebrity’. Son of Terrance Galvin and Stephanie Riley, stepson of PJ Riley… Hunter, you make us proud and leave us truly inspired! We’ll be listening and watching!
For more of his music check out Soundcloud
We have some pretty amazing young people set to take on the world here at Hoosic Valley - if you know of one that would like to share their story outside of the classroom send an email to Nancy O'Donnell at [email protected]