Leo Bautista, a freshman at Oakland University, has been writing and recording his own music since his early teens.

Under the title of “Rival Summers,” the name chosen to represent the two most influential summers of his life, Bautista has been spreading his love for music throughout the country.

When he first started playing music, Bautista recorded his music using his own equipment. He then burned the tracks onto dozens of CDs, of which he passed out among his friends.

“It’s weird to think about (my early days as a musician), going back to thinking about stuff that happened before and how far I have come,” Bautista said.

Bautista hails his parents as his support team.

Many young musicians do not have the support of their parents because of the rarity of “making it big” in the music industry, he said.

Bautista’s parents, however, believe that their son can make anything of himself no matter what he does.

“My parents are super supportive … I am so incredibly thankful for the parents that I have. My mom comes to every show,” Bautista said.

Bautista’s stint as Rival Summers began when his mother was hospitalized for a benign tumor in her stomach.

The months that followed her admittance into the hospital was difficult on the young teen.

From this worry and sadness, Bautista wrote music to express how he was feeling.

“Leo is working hard and spending most of his time with his music. He had four music CDs with more than 30 songs that he wrote and produced. Leo is way too far for his age when it comes to music. He still will be going farther given time,” his mother, Zeny Bautista, said.

Zeny explained that at the age of 6 months, her son would imitate his father’s singing.

“Be true to yourself and continue to work hard.  Always dream big,” she said.

The following summer, Bautista had the chance to perform his music for the public, which proved to be the best summer of his life. From here, he established Rival Summers as a commemoration to the two summers that changed his life.

Although many artists’ goal is to be discovered by a record label, Bautista said that he is only focused on creating and sharing his music on his own.

“I really want to share the whole Rival Summers experience with everyone,” Bautista said.

Currently, Bautista’s fans are awaiting his next album, “Learning to Live,” which is set to be released on May 15. Copies can be acquired at his shows or on iTunes. Fans can also hear Bautista on his radio show, “Leo’s Infinite Playlist”, on 88.3 WXOU on Sundays at noon.

Shows

Mar. 16 The Active Room

Wyandotte, Mich.

Mar. 22 Oakland University

Rochester, Mich.

Mar. 23 Mac’s Bar

Lansing, Mich.

Mar. 29 Broadway Theatre

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Mar. 30 American Legion Hall

Rochester, Mich.

Mar 31 Premiere Concert Theatre

New Baltimore, Mich.

Contact staff intern Sarah Blanchette via email at [email protected]