By Natalie Hill, centerspread editor

Video by Taylor Vowell, KCBY member

Throughout the years of Coppell High School, students have taken their musical talent by storm in pursuit of the “big time”. Learning a new instrument, writing their own lyrics, composing a new composition and intermingling various sounds, young Coppell musicians are notorious for leaving their footprint in the halls of CHS.

Seniors Thomas Ratcliff, Matt Gordon, Eric Oesch and junior Nick Futch have formed the band The Brighter and have been in the process of recording its own EP record. With their self-entitled EP, The Brighter has composed eight original “pop-punk” songs and is planning to release their new record late March of this year.

“We’re different from other groups around the area,” Gordon said. “We sing about things that have substantial content to it.”

Their album songs are named “Something more”, “I can tell”, “Not for sale”, “We won’t let go”, “Go all in”, “Without a doubt”, “Doctor, Doctor” and “Something more (acoustic)”. Primarily written by lead vocalist Ratcliff and guitarist Oesch, with contributions from bass guitarist Gordon, the songs are based on things that inspire the band.

“Basically anything inspires us,” Ratcliff said. “Summer, friends and graduation, stress… girls is always a big one.”

Formally known as For The Record, The Brighter changed its name to be more catchy and relaxed. Ratcliff and senior Grayson Akerly along with 2008 CHS graduate Logan Zastrow also had their own group called Broken Traditions but broke up soon after Zastrow’s graduation.

When asked if The Brighter would be staying together after 2010 graduation, the answer was unclear.

“Maybe…not sure…undecided,” Ratcliff said. “I don’t know.”

Oesch also was unsure about the future plans.

“We don’t know what the future holds for us,” Oesch said. “As for the summer, we are looking forward to playing a lot of show and gaining a fan base.”

Though their future plans are vague, The Brighter members all look up to similar-sounding bands for inspiration and encouragement. All Time Low, Cute Is What We Aim For and The Maine are among the groups they look up to.

The Brighter recorded the last portion of its record on Feb. 20, where friends of the group will gather to help sing group vocals.

“I’m really pleased with how the record has turned out,” Ratcliff said. “I can’t wait to start playing shows.”

With hopes to have a CD release party at a large venue such as Dallas’ House of Blues, a common gig for many up-and-coming bands, The Brighter is also considering having its release somewhere in Coppell. This way it would be free for all of their family and friends to come and enjoy their musical success. It plans to sell CDs for $7 and a discounted price of $5 at shows.

“[The Brighter] has a style and sound all their own,” senior Arnold Hechanova said. Hechanova helped the band record the final leg of its recording.

With graduation looming over the group and the product of its efforts in the making, The Brighter reflects on what their bond has given its members.

“It’s nice to have a connection with [the] guys with nothing to worry about,” Ratcliff said. “It’s a relief, in a way.”

Video by Taylor Vowell