BYU Students Create Hit Song with Grammy-Winning Guitarist

PROVO, Utah — Five commercial music students at Brigham Young University collaborated with Grammy-winning guitarist Mark Lettieri to write and record a song in just three days.

The group, consisting of Carson Ripley, Kieran Hellum, Hanna Eyre, Michelle Cheuk, and Kevin West, worked alongside the five-time Grammy winner last year on BYU’s campus. Their creation, titled “Two Worlds, One City,” was completed on March 14.

The song explores themes of miscommunication in relationships, where individuals feel separated despite being in the same location. “They’re just trying to find the words to tell the person, like, ‘Hey, if you are ready to put in the work, I am. So let’s make something happen,’” said Eyre, reflecting on the song’s message.

Lettieri emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “What I didn’t want to do was be the sort of elder statesman and come in and be like, ‘Hey guys, I wrote this song already, let’s get going.’ My goal is that whatever we do, I want to be able to hear each person’s individual voice somewhere in the composition.”

The producing, singing, and arranging of the track involved contributions from each student, showcasing their diverse talents in a communal effort. Lettieri remarked on the swift pace of their work, acknowledging that professional songwriting can extend over weeks or even years. “Everyone brought a little energy that is now in the piece of music,” he joked. “I don’t even know what I did at this point. I played some guitar licks or something.”

The students described the experience as “surreal” and praised Lettieri’s approachability and professionalism. “Collaborating with Mark Lettieri has been one of the most educational, terrifying, and exciting experiences I’ve had at BYU,” Cheuk stated. “He always lifted us up and helped us feel confident in our ideas.”

Ron Saltmarsh, a commercial music professor at BYU, lauded Lettieri as a “phenomenal musician” who provided invaluable feedback. “Once we came up with a groovy bass line, everything started locking into place,” Eyre added. “On the second day, we changed the feel of the chorus, and when we started layering melodies and vocals, it really started to come together.”

Lettieri noted that working with the students inspired him and taught him valuable lessons. “I never had access to a world-class studio as a college guitarist. These students are getting an education that is very practical. In today’s music business, you have to know how to do a lot of things,” he said.

The finished product, “Two Worlds, One City,” is described by Lettieri as a soulful pop song featuring a memorable chorus. “It’s been really incredible. I’m actually sad to leave. The passion from these students has been really inspiring. I’ve learned a lot,” he reflected.

The collaboration highlights a unique opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals, enhancing their learning experience in the competitive field of music.