By Elizabeth Kneisley
Life Editor
Mira Costa is filled with many unique students with interesting hobbies and talents. One
sophomore, Cameron Boyer, steps out of the Costa crowd and into the spotlight with his band,
Above Seclusion.
Boyer formed Above Seclusion at age 14 and the band has been growing successfully
ever since. This alternative rock band has five members: Boyer the lead singer, pianist, and
guitarist, Justin Deninger the lead singer and lead guitarist, Brennen Bates the bassist and backup vocals, Josh Cahl the drummer, and Michael Costa the bassist and keyboard.
“Being in this band is a lot of work and extremely difficult because it’s like running a
business at age 15,” Boyer said. “Despite the hard work, it’s so much fun and the energy we have and the energy that is given back from the crowd is an amazing feeling.”
Boyer was inspired to take on music by his father who was in a high school band. His
father encouraged his musical career by supporting his son’s talent. Boyer has been singing his whole life, playing the guitar for three years, and the piano for eleven years.
“My dad and I always blast music in the car and everywhere we where we go,” Boyer
said. “His is a great role model to look up to for musical guidance.”
Above Seclusion recently played in the Manhattan Beach Battle of the Bands on Oct. 6.
Although the band didn’t win the competition, Boyer and his band learned from their
performance and ultimately, impressed the judges in charge of the competition.
“The judges said we were the best sounding band,” Boyer Said. “We did not win, though,
because we didn’t dress color coordinated. We found out later by talking to the judges that only one of them had musical experience in the band industry, and he said that we should have won and that we had the most personality and passion out of all the other bands.”
Boyer has a strong passion for music and encourages other teenagers to pursue their
passions just as he has by preaching from his own experience.
“My advice is to go for your passion and dreams,” Boyer said. “Don’t let anyone tell you
that you aren’t good enough. In my experience, everyone is of achieving their dreams and goals if you work hard at what you love.”
Boyer and his band have plans to continue and expand their band in the future. He also
looks forward to working hard to maintain his band lifestyle by playing in more competitions
and concerts. He hopes to establish a musical career for himself.
“I want to continue playing with the same guys in my band and to become a big band in
the future,” Boyer said. “I would love to do this for life because I have found my spark. I have
found what drives me to do good things with my life and what drives me to wake up every
morning.”
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