Most students cheer for their team on gameday, but one Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) pep band member will be heard by millions in the new EA SPORTS College Football ’27 video game.
Silas Feeback, a junior music education major from Nicholas County, Kentucky, recently spent three days in Nashville recording over 15 songs for the game’s soundtrack.
“Moments like this remind us why EKU is such a special place. When our students step into opportunities that let their talent shine, we all celebrate with them,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Their success reflects the heart, hard work and spirit that define our Colonel community.”
Feeback received the invitation to record with EA SPORTS from his participation in Music City Drum Corps and jumped at the opportunity, even though he wasn’t sure what he would be recording.
At the recording, Feeback played the trumpet and became part of a group of 150 musicians whose passion and excitement led him to see the music industry in a new way.
“It taught me that the music industry is a lot less stressful than I would have anticipated,” said Feeback. “Everyone wants to be there. During breaks, I would play games on my 3DS, and the conductor would want to play with me.”
Feeback reconnected with some old friends and met many new friends and some of the biggest names in the recording industry, like Tyler Yeager, world-famous recording artist and performer, who sat right next to him, and Steve Patrick, trumpet player and studio musician.
The musicians gathered at Belmont University’s Fischer Center for the Performing Arts in the mornings to warm-up and mingle. Then, right at 9 a.m. the conductor would be on the podium, and Feeback was in his seat ready to play. The group would run through the song once and then jump straight into recording.
When he shared the news with his professors, they were thrilled for him, and shared advice about who to talk to and how to get the most out of the experience.
“I learned a lot from my professors at EKU,” said Feeback. “Dr. Brad Granville gave me a list of people to talk to because he said, ‘they will tell you anything you need to know.’”
Feeback is now looking toward the future, thinking of applying for graduate school or going straight into teaching music.
Eager for the game’s release, Feeback said, “I am going to get two copies of the game, one to frame and one to be able to play and listen to.”
By Christina Rannells
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