Homeless Youth are Creating Like Professionals: How Urban Peak’s music studio is supporting young artists

Written by Tessa Barker

For many, music is an escape. But for some, making the music is an even greater release of feelings that get pent up in the brain. This truth is no stranger to the young adults who regularly visit Urban Peak, a non-profit organization that provides an array of services for youth experiencing homelessness or risk of homelessness. Among the programs offered are classes and resources for youth to engage in hobbies and potential career paths, but one specific program is a little more appealing to the ear than others.

The studio program, implemented by Owen Kortz and Owen Trujillo, started with Kortz’s realization of his common interest with the youth he met at Urban Peak: music. Kortz started volunteering with Urban Peak in 2009 and has watched the studio program grow from him bringing his guitar into the shelter, to what it has become today: a home-studio-like set up that attracts talented youth. Because Kortz comes from a more folk indie background, he asked Trujillo, a former student who volunteered at the Peak, to help appeal to some of the participant’s interest in hip-hop. Trujillo brought in a mic, keyboard and midi controller, created a few beats and thus began the first songs created at the Urban Peak music studio.

Since then, crowdfunding platforms have helped bring in donations allowing Urban Peak to turn their music room into a small production studio, adding a mac computer with Logic, a keyboard, microphones, drums, guitars and more. They also recently received a $30,000 grant to not only upgrade the studio, but create paid intern positions for CU Denver students.

The music produced from the shelter is pure and unapologetic as it provides insights into the lives of young adults facing addiction and homelessness. Kortz described it as an outlet for them to “get off their chest what’s been on their minds,” and noted their positive mood change after they’ve had a chance on the mic. Kortz mentioned “time and individualized attention” sparks the most change he sees in the youth as they work on becoming self-sufficient and exit a life on the streets. Through speaking with Kortz and listening to the music posted on the Urban Peak Music Studio Soundcloud. it's obvious that music’s power and influence does not discriminate based on age, living situation or wealth. With the freedom to say what they want and explore a new form of expression, beautiful things have been and will continue to be created.

Because Urban Peak is a non-profit shelter and day-time center, grants, donations and volunteers are never turned away, especially during COVID-19 times. To support Urban Peak and the dedication to homeless youth in Denver, donate to their COVID-19 Crisis Assistance Fund or make fabric masks for homeless service providers with more information found on their website - www.urbanpeak.org.