Levi’s and COLORSxSTUDIOS have just launched their new global music program to highlight a total of six artists by exhibiting their unique visual and musical style.

On April 8, EMERGENT had their first COLORS show, showcasing their first artist Kevin Kaarl, who demonstrated his Mexican heritage through his Latin music performance. Throughout 2026, this program will continue to release the rest of the artists on their lineup, hailing from the United States, South Africa, United Kingdom, France, and Japan. Four of these artists will perform in larger city venues, such as Mexico City, London, Paris, and New York to garner more attention from the public. These cities host the “TONES OF” event through EMERGENT, focusing on the live performances of these up and coming artists. 

Hannah Lau, senior PHS student, shared her personal connections with music.

“Lyrical depth and intimacy is especially important to me; I love being able to hear the artist’s soul and rawest experiences poured out in a song, and at the same time, being able to resonate with their words and taking a little bit of their truth with me,” commented Lau.

Highlighting an  artist’s music and style is just what EMERGENT hopes to accomplish.

Mr. David Rogoza, PHS music teacher, discusses the importance of including music as a tool for personal growth.

“My philosophy with music is that it helps us find ourselves,” Rogoza claimed. “I try to promote a classroom that encourages outgoing expression, and a willingness to take risks, put yourself in uncomfortable situations, and come out the other side better for it.”

In creating this atmosphere within his classroom, Rogoza is able to implement his teaching method of exposing students to music and self-expression because he believes that it takes courage to not only sing, but to do it while being original. 

Genevieve Hix, senior PHS student, makes her own clothes as a way to express herself and represent her originality.

“If it is made exclusively for you, it fits you very well which is comfortable, and since it reflects you and your personality it will help boost confidence,” Hix claimed.

This confidence boost is just what Rogoza claims he wishes to see within his students who are able to create something of their own style.

“I think visually and musically the things that appeal to me are the same, authenticity,” said Rogoza.

EMERGENT artists being given the freedom to share their own style with their music is the start to an era of music focused on originality.

Kaarl implements many elements within his music: He blends traditional folk music, with indie-alternative sounds, to share his deeply intimate lyrics. All of this is done through singing in Spanish.

“He’s… an example of an artist that I really like–his stripped guitar instrumentals and vulnerable lyrics, like in his song Colapso, make his music very intimate and heartfelt,” said Lau.

More than just his musical style, Kaarl has a newer style he represents when performing. This is reflected in his personal storytelling with a more modern physical representation, just like with his denim-on-denim look in his TONES OF performance.

Visual style isn’t just a method used by artists to express themselves, but also to connect to their audience.

“I think people, myself included, get really excited when an artist whose music they like wears an outfit that matches them and their music, so I think an artist having a strong visual style along with their music style helps them have a more complete image, which can overall lead to more success,” Hix suggested.

EMERGENT is focusing on what is emerging in the music industry. Through their program, they hope to uncover unique music and visual styles that they believe will shape the future of music. These artists are new to the music industry, but are already aware of the impact of fresh styles.

“Today, it is easier than ever for anyone to decide that they want to pursue music.  This accessibility is a great thing, of course, and it’s awesome that people are able to so easily put their ideas out there, but at the same time, this makes it harder for them to get noticed in a sea of emerging artists,” said Lau.

EMERGENT is introducing a total of six artists in 2026, a small sample of all aspiring artists across the globe. Lau believes that in order to become a successful new artist, artists must have creativity and perseverance. She states the necessity of these two traits in working together: emerging artists must create their own creative identity in order to stand out, while also being able to work through the uncertainty of the music industry.

While there is no set date for when all of the EMERGENT artists will be introduced to the public, the program has teased the importance of newness in up and coming artists. Although becoming recognized in the music world can be a difficult journey for some, EMERGENT’s use of new styles through artists demonstrate their focus on highlighting what is new and original.

“When I look at artists who have gone from this stage to selling out concerts and being recognized worldwide, the look on their faces show that everything was worth it,” commented Lau.