As the tools get cheaper and more readily available, and the time on one's hands to pursue a creative output continues to grow, we're going to see more self-produced works coming out of the recording world. I'm here for it. Self-production when it isn't your livelihood but a passion is reminiscent of what life was like going to college in the '90s. The demand on you was to experiment and explore: life, education, and performances. Take on challenges and be creative. Make bold choices and learn from those consequences, and revel in those majestic triumphs and mistakes. It was the good version of FAFO. You did. You did again. And the result was often art.

And I'm glad that this generation of a cappella singers still has that kernel of exploratory do-it-yourself-ness about them. Can't get to a studio? Plug a mic into your computer, open some apps, and let's see what sticks. That's what it feels like Sebastian Durfee did on his inaugural release Latch.

Durfee has a really engaging voice. It's not overly gymnastic-laden, but it's sufficient, solid, and soothing. Listening to it is a treat. His time in The AllNighters at Johns Hopkins did him exceptionally well in terms of training for pop performances. There are moments where you can hear he still needs to work on supporting his upper tones, there are some vowel reaching moments ("NA-yAH-oW") to help him achieve certain notes that affects the approach he uses to successfully execute them; but overall, the song is a pleasant experience.

There are earnest qualities that he brings to his solo effort. Music-wise the song is palatable. The background is fine; I mean, if you can't use the studio magic of today to make your tenor notes sound resonant in the bass bottom, then perhaps there's a rethinking of native blend. The arrangement could be more inventive and less collegiate-sounding. There isn't a story arc present, just several different musical motifs strung together. Those "AH/OH" screaming blocks are really too present and pointless most of the time. (This could also be a fault of production rather than arranging because the balance is off through most of the song.) Though I do miss having an intro to the song, I love the harmonized "you" — but that should have been repeated in the second half of the tune (specifically the "I" verses). Why does the arrangement end on a naked "latching on to you"? There are stylistic choices to be determined that elevate an arrangement.

As Durfee's production experience grows, so will his artistry and creativity, reaching the heights of our upper echelon of producers. I've latched on to his YouTube channel to hear more of Durfee in the future.