From Classrooms to Center Stage: Meet Kasset

In a city that never sleeps and barely pauses for breath; five student musicians found a way to make room for rhythm, connection, and creative fire. Kasset is a genre-blending band made up of five CUNY students hailing from Colombia, Indonesia, Poland, and Long Island. Drawn together by a shared love of music and the beautiful chaos of student life in New York City, Kasset mixes indie rock and R&B with a nostalgic nod to rock classics introducing something bold, heartfelt, and undeniably their own.

The story began with a duet. Juanita Herrera, bassist and vocalist, teamed up with Noah Tobing, electric guitarist and lead singer, for a performance at the Brooklyn Music School. That spark led to a songwriting session with Amelia Marczenia, a Polish pianist and vocalist with a taste for emotionally rich melodies. One session turned into another, and by their second meeting, the trio had already signed up to perform at Baruch Performing Arts Center.

To complete their perfect lineup, they brought in Joey Milano, a Long Island drummer and producer, and Faikar Fazazaman, an electric guitarist and fellow Indonesian student. The group clicked instantly. The sound was there, but so was something more; a shared vision, and a friendship that fueled the music.

Between college classes, part-time jobs, and subway delays, Kasset has carved out time to rehearse, write, and support one another as emerging artists. LPAC has long served as an incubator for rising talent, and Kasset reflects the very spirit of New York City’s artist scene. The band’s cultural diversity mirrors the borough and embodies the richness of the city’s multicultural landscape.

As students within the CUNY system, Kasset represents the creative force thriving across public colleges in New York. Through LPAC’s Music Lab initiative, they’ve been given not just a platform to perform, but a vital rehearsal space and mentorship network that supports the full arc of their artistic growth. It's a clear example of how institutional support can help turn student passion into performance-ready artistry.

On May 30th, Kasset took center stage at LPAC’s Little Theater, headlining a one-night-only showcase as part of the Music Lab Residency’s spring culmination. Performing for a nearly sold-out crowd, the band delivered a dynamic set that moved effortlessly between high-energy originals and reimagined covers of some of their favorite tracks. Over the course of 90 minutes, Kasset delivered a full-length set that captured both their musical range and the heart of their journey.

The night opened with a stunning duet performance of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, led by Noah Tobing and Juanita Herrera, immediately setting a tone of nostalgia, harmony, and emotional connection. From there, Kasset took the audience on a dynamic journey highlighting original songs like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” written by Noah, and fan-favorite covers like Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun,” which brought an electrifying energy to the room.The audience was made up of LaGuardia and CUNY music students, friends, family, and members of the Queens community each showing up to support rising talent.

From heartfelt lyrics to layered instrumentals, Kasset’s performance was both intimate and electric. It was an embodiment of their growth, chemistry, and confidence as artists. The evening also featured guest performances by fellow student bands Cherry Haze and The New Days, along with solo sets by Sabrina and Rozie, creating a rich, collaborative celebration of emerging talent within the CUNY and LPAC community.

For many in the audience, it wasn’t just a concert, it was a powerful reminder of what student-led creativity can look and sound like when given room to flourish.

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