Rock-n-Roll was decried as "devil's music" by some men of the cloth in the 1950s. Nicolas Shivers is doing his best to see to it that God puts some Southwestern College rock on His iPod.
Shivers, 24, left Grossmont College to come to SWC for its celebrated music program. He found a mentor and an advocate in Dr. Jorge Pastrana, assistant professor of music. Pastrana introduced him to music and recording technology, and inspired him to expand his musicianship.
Shivers recorded his first beats in Pastrana's class. He wrote his first musical score and learned to play on a keyboard that can replicate nearly any instrument.
Shivers' artist name SK means Spiritual Knowledge and is a constant reminder that he is trying to promote God in his music. He said his new CD, "Music u can live 2," conveys what he is trying to accomplish through helping youth.
Shivers started his path in music at the age of seven, but said SWC was a chance in a lifetime to become a recording artist. One of Shivers' favorite genres is gospel, he said, and he has recorded songs such as "God is Great," "Music You Can Listen To" and "Christ Has a Dream." Shivers has been working hard to promote his music to Christian youth.
Shivers moved to San Diego at the age of seven, when his mother was relocated to Naval Base San Diego.
At a church Christmas play, Shivers' friends introduced him to rapping. From that day, he said, he knew he had a gift for music and wanted to share it with the world.
Shivers got a recording deal with "Play it Cool Records" with manager Anthony McKinsey and his producer, who goes by Sandman. He is majoring in business to learn how the world of music works.
His new project is "God's New Army," a shout out to Christian youth.
"Finding God is seeing everything in a different and brighter light," he said.
"Becoming a writer and a composer for His music has been a life dream."
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