The Basement Records Finale energized the Brandeis campus, uniting a diverse lineup of performers and an enthusiastic audience in a vibrant celebration of music, dance and community, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. The event, founded by a former artistic director of Basement Records, showcases the creativity and resilience of Brandeis’ vibrant arts community. This year’s concert was no exception, featuring a thrilling mix of alumni musicians, current students and cultural groups.
Returning to the stage where it all began, Basement Records and Brandeis alum, Simon Fidlin ’23, performed songs from “Prologue,” a three-song EP, and singles from his upcoming album “Warlock.” As the original creator of Basement Records Finale, he expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to see the tradition flourish. “It’s an honor to see something I started during my senior year continue into 2024,” he shared. The songs, a blend of self-reflection and creativity, reflected his current sound and celebrated collaborations with his fellow Brandeis artists. For him, the heart of the performance lay in connection. “If I can make even one person think for a second and say to themselves that they related to something I said or expressed in one of my songs, then I’ll be happy,” he said.
For one student performer, Nancy Zhang ’26, the Finale marked a milestone in her journey as a musician. She performed “Aquillo,” the first song she published on Spotify, a piece born from her transition from creating personal demos to pursuing music as a serious endeavor. “This represents taking my hobby to the next stage,” she explained, emphasizing the emotional weight of the song’s lyrics and her effort to channel that passion into her performance. Reflecting on the atmosphere, she remarked, “The event went better than I expected. The audience vibed with every single performance.”
Adding another layer of vibrancy to the evening was a dynamic performance by Sazón, a Latinx dance club co-founded by Joheily Nambo ’28. Her routine blended styles like cumbia, punta and merengue, showcasing the richness of Latin American traditions. “Each dance carries its own unique story, history, and cultural significance,” Nambo explained. “We aimed to honor the vibrant cultures that contribute to the Latinx identity.” Through their rhythmic and energetic performance, Sazón sought to inspire curiosity about Latinx traditions and foster a deeper appreciation for their culture. The audience’s warm reception underscored the success of their mission. “The atmosphere was chill and welcoming. I felt very comfortable,” Nambo added.
Another standout moment from the event was the electrifying performance by Jimmy Zhao ’GRAD, a graduate student pursuing an MSBA/MA at the International Business School at Brandeis. Zhao, along with his band members Johnny Elliot (keys), Bruce Bian (drums), Sarah Curtis (bass) and Haloye Johnson (lead vocals), delivered a powerful set of classic rock hits, including “I Don’t Need No Doctor” by John Mayer and “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits.
For Zhao, the show was an opportunity to share his deep love for classic rock with the Brandeis community, but it also carried a deeper message. “We hope to inspire more students to get out of their bedrooms and onto the stage for live performances,” Zhao said. Despite it being his final semester at Brandeis, Jimmy expressed gratitude for the chance to perform, remarking, “I wish I could have been more involved with the club over the last two years, but we are very grateful for this experience.”
What set this event apart wasn’t just the talent but also the thoughtful touches that reflected care and dedication. From the thoughtfully arranged flowers for the performers to the backdrop by Josie Casper ’25 and the glowing light-up sticks that enhanced the atmosphere, every detail of the event reflected a deep reverence for both the artists and the Brandeis community. “It definitely showed a lot of care and respect towards the music community at Brandeis,” Fidlin reflected.
The event demonstrated the determination of the Basement Records team, who worked tirelessly to recruit performers and to organize. “Initially, there weren’t many sign-ups,” Zhang noted, “but students and alumni showed more interest later, and we ended up with a lineup full of talented singers, dancers and instrumentalists.”
As the Finale drew to a close, it was clear that the event wasn’t just a celebration of past and present, it was also a promise for the future. “Basement Records has had its fair share of ups and downs,” Fidlin admitted. “Despite all of this, the club has hit a number of peaks in recent years, and my hope is that it will continue to do so.”
The Basement Records Finale served as a reminder of what can be achieved when passion, collaboration and community come together to inspire and unite the Brandeis community. With such dedication driving its mission, the future of Basement Records looks brighter than ever.
