Music as a Lifeline
Kellen Abston, known on stage and to his listeners as “Klassik,” was born and raised in Milwaukee. He honors the family members and mentors who have guided him as he channels his creativity into making electro-soul-infused hip-hop music that takes the pulse of his life in the city.
Interview
View transcript: English Transcript
Three questions…
Kellen talks about growing up in a “musically diverse household” with examples of the musicians and groups his parents listened to. What music do your family and friends listen to? How has that affected your own taste in music?
When Kellen was 10, an educator at his school discovered him playing saxophone and that started his music studies. Is there someone who has helped you pursue something you are interested in?
After his father died, Kellen felt like he had to continue with music because his dad would have wanted him to. If you think about the activities you do, are there people who have motivated you to keep going? How? Why?
Performance
View transcript with lyrics: English Transcript
Song
“Active”
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Project Credits
Producer
Ryan Hendricks
Coordinating Producer
Mia Forslund
Videography
Ryan Hendricks
Ian Glodich
Editing
Ryan Hendricks
Sound
Andrew LaValley
Captioning
Catie Pfeifer
Web Design
Charles Barrows
Norman Yuson Cuaño
Web Development
John Vieth
Tim Schneider
Graphic and Motion Design
Ian Glodich
Amanda Roslansky
Scott Stetson
Music Education Content
Darin Menk
Laurie Fellenz
Educator Guide
Cindy Bourget
Elk Mound Middle School
Elk Mound, WI
Anthony Cao
Madison West High School
Madison, WI
Britney Freeman-Farr
Radio Milwaukee – Grace Weber’s Music Lab
Milwaukee, WI
Derrick Holt
Land by the Lake Edutainment
Milwaukee, WI
Luke Hrovat-Staedter
Madison East High School
Madison, WI
Musician
Kellen Abston
Project Partner
Wisconsin School Music Association
Executive Producer
Megan Monday
Chief Curiosity Officer
Alyssa Tsagong
Director of Television
Jon Miskowski
Special Thanks
Ami Bedi
Kelsey Kaufmann and Cactus Club
No Studios
Funding Provided By
Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation
Focus Fund for Education
Friends of PBS Wisconsin