It is an exciting time of new beginnings for local artists, Vibe. They will release their second album on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21. It’s a fitting day as the band has found a message of peace in its music.

The unique duo includes rapper Chris Young and vocalist and guitarist Alex “Rossy” Rossman, and the sound they have created is distinctive and refreshing.

It all began back when the duo were students at the UA. In 2007, they stumbled upon each other’s musical talents while in the same fraternity, Kappa Sigma. Inspired by Tucson’s creative atmosphere, they eventually combined their sounds and created their first full track, “Touch the Stars.”

Later, Young pursued his music career in Los Angeles while Rossman finished school. They reconvened in 2011 with their first full mix tape, Hakuna Matata.

Young’s phrases are clever and compliment Rossman’s smooth voice and acoustic guitar on their first album, but there are some new additions and changes to this second offering.

“On this album I wasn’t thinking of how to sound witty,” Young said. “More so, there are definitely philosophical themes and emotions on Hakuna Matata. But that was just the beginning of the waters — the first couple of steps into the water, it doesn’t get too deep. Carpe Diem is going straight out into the ocean, no fear.”

Within the past year, Vibe has grown and publicized its talents by starting a production team called The Meteorites, consisting of creative director Leo Volcy and director and editor Brad Wong, who is currently a senior at the UA. Together they are a team, contributing to Vibe by coordinating covers, music videos, bookings and shows.

“We are all like-minded individuals. The vision I see for Vibe is the reason I embraced this ‘Vibe’ lifestyle. I try to think of the future, but it is ever changing,” Volcy said. “Maybe I can’t even see or imagine it, yet the sky is the limit.”

The artists describe their new album as more organic with new instruments added into the mix, such as bongos, a violinist, female vocalist and a choir, along with less mainstream instruments.

“We feel this album appeals to a large demographic — not only people in the U.S., but also to our fans out of the country,” Rossman said. “Our music is touching a wide demographic.”

The album was recorded at Capricorn Studios in Young’s hometown of San Diego, and it took about six to eight months to complete the 14-song track list. The name of the album, Carpe Diem, meaning “seize the day,” has a deeper significance for Vibe.

Young got a tattoo of the phrase on his neck when he was home his freshman year in college. Ironically, the tattoo parlor is right next door to where their new album was recorded.

“I’m a guy out in the world trying to find all the answers, and they are right here at home.

Everything is coming full circle,” Young said. “With everyone present during the recording process, it felt very surreal and very natural. When that kind of energy follows you, the music is supposed to be meant for the world.”

When deciding the release date for the album, Young and Rossman wanted to choose a day of significance, and once they came across the International Day of Peace, they knew it was just right.

“This album is a lot more personal and it covers a lot more relevant themes happening everywhere, including politics, injustice, love,” Rossman said. “A lot of the messages in the album relate to peace and bringing people together. Every song kind of has its own theme and concept. It is very introspective.”

As far as Vibe’s future, they hope to continue growing as artists and in their music.

“We are going to continue making music, and by the end of this year, people will get an understanding of who we are as artists,” Rossman said.

As part of giving back to the community, Vibe will hold a private fundraiser performance to give back to San Diego Youth Services , a non-profit organization that strives to help homeless youths and their families in crisis.

To purchase Carpe Diem, visit Vibe’s website at 123vibe.com or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/123VIBE. You can follow Vibe on Twitter @123Vibe.

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