The Orange County Artists Collective (OCAC) is a “launchpad for artistry and a powerhouse event producer.” They support emerging Christian artists by providing a platform to showcase and develop their various crafts. They promote their events, like Harvest Moon, through their Instagram and, in recent years, have spotlighted Biola artists at events such as Writer’s Round, Writer’s Round College Tour, and Pulchrum Conference. The collective offers an internship opportunity for students looking to become involved in the performance/producing world. 

HARVEST MOON

Harvest Moon was a Christian rock show held at a small venue in Santa Ana on Thursday night, Oct. 30. Costumes were encouraged, and walking in, you were welcomed into the event by OCAC team members. Dipidy Coffee participated in the event, offering a pop-up for beverages. Before the show began, Cole Marcus, lead singer of Project 633, shared his story with me in the green room. Marcus was a child prodigy who made an early appearance on television for his drumming talent. 

“I was drenched into the music industry, it wasn’t something that was planned by me or my parents,” he said, “I’ve been [a] full-time session musician since I was sixteen… this band is the first time I’m venturing out to be a front man or sing or do anything that’s outside of my comfort zone.”

When asked about his faith, Marcus was more than willing to place Jesus Christ at the center of his endeavors. 

“I’m definitely a follower of Jesus,” Marcus said. “I’ve gone through way too many hills and valleys to not admit [Christianity] is a truth in my life. I love people in general, and I love people’s individual stories…for me, if the love of Jesus actually means something, then I should probably know how to live it.” 

In regards to Project 633’s music, Marcus writes the lyrics as well as the majority of the composition. Marcus described his songwriting process in light of his perfect pitch and photographic memory.

“It’s kind of a weird thing for me when it comes to writing music where I’ll just be minding my own business and then I’ll have a strike of lightning, hear the entire thing produced in my head…and there really won’t be any question for me of what the song is or what the song is even about but about how do I produce it and get [the song] out of my head properly.”  

As for the emotional weight behind his music, Marcus makes it a point to end his lyrics with hope. 

“If I didn’t have a light at the end of the tunnel, if I didn’t have Jesus calling me through it… I’ve already been on a very dark, very suicidal path before… and so now I’m really excited to be on the flipside of that. So the music that I share is my mental process of making sure that I don’t get back there,” Marcus said. 

THE SHOW 

The performers for the night were Rylee Orr, Project 633, and Levi Brennan. Orr presented her original pieces: “More,” “More Than Enough,” “Scars,” “Save Me,” and “In The Waiting Room.” “Scars” was Orr’s first song she wrote, following the first breakup of her young life, and had a more pop-rock feel than the indie genre of her current music. 

Project 633 played songs from their released EP “Starting Over” and some not-yet-released compositions as well. During their performance of a new song, “Shaving in the Dark,” Marcus had his own head shaved by his drummer while singing. Brennan, dressed as the Lorax, performed a few Weezer(ish) inspired songs and brought his girlfriend up to sing as well. 

After the last set wrapped up, the OCAC team thanked everyone for their support and highlighted those working the event. Additionally, they set up water, sodas, and Krispy Kreme donuts at the exit as a treat for those in attendance.