Sitting in a triangle with their instruments facing each other, the trio’s jamming could be overheard throughout the neighborhood. Sometimes they get together to write songs, sometimes they get together to play covers, and other times they play originals, but no matter the occasion, it’s always the same: their individual music tastes combine together and they find enjoyment in hearing the music they produce.

Liberosis is the name of a rock band consisting of three members, all in high school: Josh Garcia, Sarah Breton, and Hailey Clyne. While Garcia and Breton attend Sage Creek, Clyne goes to Mission Vista, a school located in a nearby district. Garcia is the lead guitarist, Breton sings and plays bass, and Clyne plays drums, while also interested in secondary vocals. Each member has their own musical background, experiences, and skills in different areas, along with ambitions to expand their abilities.

Now, the formation of Liberosis is an interesting story. 

Brought together by a music program called School of Rock during the summer of 2019, Clyne and Breton hardly knew each other but were doing a performance at the time.

“One of us just brought up, ‘It’d be cool to start our own band. It’d be a fun thing,’” Breton said. “And then I messaged her later that night. I was like, ‘Hey, do you actually want to start a band?’ and she was like, ‘Okay!’”

At the time, they had a different guitar player, but he had to leave suddenly. In dire need of a guitarist for their upcoming gig, Breton knew Garcia would be a reliable choice. 

“I knew Josh was really good at learning songs and could probably play the songs for the gig,” Breton said, “But then we ended up asking him if he wanted to join, and he did.”

Before joining Liberosis, Garcia was a part of another band, but they had a falling out.

“We broke up because no one was going to rehearsals, so I thought [I should] try [joining the band]. And we haven’t broken up yet, so maybe it might work,” Garcia said, communicating his hope for Liberosis.

As for a band name, Breton researched emotions people feel but can’t explain. Partly because music helps convey unspoken emotions and partly because the word simply sounded cool, they landed on ‘Liberosis’: the desire to care less about things. 

However, a couple of seasons after the band formed, COVID-19 took the reins and interfered with all kinds of in-person activities. With music being such an interactive experience, especially when in a band, it put the newly formed group at risk. Many of their plans, such as gigs and open mics, have been canceled or unable to be made since COVID-19 took over.

“They came out with a couple of gigs, and then COVID-19 just slapped in the face, ” said Laurell Laura, a good friend and active listener of the band. “But I think they’re really starting to pick it up a bit. They’re doing more rehearsals now, and have made a recording of an original [song].”

Fortunately, the development of the band hasn’t suffered long term, and with determination and support from those close to them, they have

been able to persevere. Although they haven’t been able to do any events, they still find quality in-person time to rehearse for a few hours, accommodating with masks and distance because of the pandemic. From ambitions of personal musical growth to simply connecting more with each other digitally, there are positives from the pandemic as well.

“I’ve noticed us messaging more,” said Breton, explaining how the group chat is thriving and that it’s been a good way to bond.  “I’ve noticed us actually talking more like outside of just practicing and stuff, and it’s been really nice.” 

Along with connecting more, they have individual ambitions and plans. Taking inspiration from Nirvana, Foo Fighters, The Strokes, and punk music, Clyne has plans for the new song she’s writing.

“I want to write a song that’s faster and has more energy,” Clyne said, explaining that they’ve been working on more mellow sounding music lately. “And I kind of want to do secondary vocals.”

Not only are the members of Liberosis able to express themselves through their music, but the listeners can really connect with it.

“One of my favorite parts about their songs is not just the vocals or the instruments, it’s the lyrics itself,” Laura said, “It’s more relatable to the average teenager because it comes from the perspective of someone our age. ”

Currently, the band wants to get new equipment and record. They also have a few solid songs and an abundance of ideas for more to accompany their new original song “Goodnight”. 

The pandemic struck a chord with the band’s progress at the beginning of quarantine, but they’ve been overcoming the challenges bit by bit. Not only have the members of Liberosis developed their music more, but they’ve also grown closer since the pandemic. When they get new recording equipment, they plan to release their music on more platforms. Currently, the band and their music can be found on their Instagram: @liberosis.band. Their new originals are something to keep an eye out for in the future. 

“Music gives you a better outlook when everything else has so much pressure and negativity,” Laura said, “It is the perfect way to release tension, and they do it in a beautiful way because their music sounds great.”