Standing in a darkened room at Pogo Studio in Champaign, Michael Moushon records vocals for his next single. "Most recording artists sing in the dark," says the senior at Millikin University,"It heightens your other senses." As a student musician, Moushon heads to the recording studio late at night to work on his second c.d.., while attending classes during the day. He says that although attending a university that focuses on music is tough sometimes, there are some hidden perks.

Moushon's interest in music started early on. Surrounded by family members that liked good music, he started playing around on the piano and other musical instruments. When he was in third grade, his family moved across town to the home of McKinley Morganfield, the blues legend better known as Muddy Waters. Moushon says he had to do his research concerning the move. Soon, however, he came to love playing the guitar, an instrument he still plays. And it all started with a simple trade.

Life hasn't quite been smooth sailing for Moushon since first learning the guitar. He was kicked out of Millikin after having a panic attack towards the end of his freshman year, however he was allowed to return the next fall. Like many musicians, authors or artists, Moushon has used that experience to write many of his songs

Moushon has also used the advice and musical input of his friends while in the various stages of working on his c.d. because its easy to work closely with a piece and miss something that can be changed. But Moushon also says sometimes gut instinct rules his song writing

Moushon sits with friends Jim(left front) and Oscar while they discuss the string section of the single

 Now that Moushon has had a c.d out for six months or so, and countless gigs under his belt, he says it still caught him off guard when he hears himself on the air. But he also says that although its easy to pick his music out from the deafening crowd of musicians all around, he doesn't mind having his music put into a category.

When May rolls around, Moushon won't be walking across a stage at Millikin receiving a diploma. He plans on heading out to Los Angeles to finish school at UCLA, and try to catch his big break in the West Coast music scene. Moushon's second album should be out sometime this spring as well.

Moushon talking with Pogo Studio owner Mark Rubel