One of Penn State’s newest musical groups is on the come-up, and is making its name known the only way its members know how – through quick words, clever lyrics, and energetic shows.

Stuart Little, a rap group comprised of three Penn State sophomores, is working on its first mixtape, and looks like it’ll be a name to look out for on the lesser-known State College rap scene.

“We want to become the biggest music group to come out of Penn State, trailblazing the way for musical talent to come. Our goal is to not only become a smash hit, but to also put the Penn State music scene on the map,” the group said. “On our way there, we’d like to live in the moment and have fun with it as we continue performing and having a good time. Any day you can make someone smile is a good day, and if it’s because of our music that’s even better.”

Those may seem like lofty goals for such a new group, but the music speaks for itself.

Stuart Little has a mere two songs on its Soundcloud – “Hello” and “Stand By Me,” as well as a third not-yet uploaded track named “Let’s See.” The small sample size includes three different styles – respectively, an upbeat, cheerful-sounding song; a softer, more confident song; and a smooth, bass-y track. The dynamic display of styles is representative of the trio of students who make up Stuart Little.

Mike Druhot, one of the group’s two rappers, started his passion for music in Kindergarten choir. In high school, he expanded upon his talents by beginning to write poetry – a hobby he transformed into penning raps once he got to Penn State.

He met fellow rapper Joe Woodson during their freshman year, when they lived on the same floor in Stuart Hall. He had also been immersed in music since a young age, having played instruments ranging from the drums to the violin. He picked up writing poetry in high school, and also turned his poetry into music – through singing as well as rapping. When Druhot approached Woodson looking to borrow his microphone to record a song, the latter agreed as long as he could be featured on a verse. The duo hit it off and started a group, named affectionately after the building in which they met.

Druhot and Woodson met Leah Anderson that year, and once they discovered her covers on YouTube (seriously, check them out), they knew that she’d be a great addition to the group. They approached Anderson and her powerful voice, bringing her on board to round out the group’s sound. Her voice provides a great contrast with the males’ deeper raps, and the combination gives Stuart Little a unique and warm sound. Before Stuart Little, Anderson won a contest to perform on stage with UK band Clean Bandit in Boston.

After putting together a handful of songs and developing a following amongst friends, the group performed its first-ever show at the Movin’ On Battle of the Bands. Though it didn’t come away with the top spot and the ensuing opportunity to open up for the festival’s all-star lineup, the experience was valuable.

“We had a lot of fun at Battle of the Bands and want more opportunities like it to perform,” the group said. “We’re working on playing more gigs. Performing is our true passion.”

With one gig under its belt and two songs on its Soundcloud, the name Stuart Little isn’t well-known just yet – but the trio knows where it wants to go, and knows what it has to do to get there.

“We want Penn State to know who we are and what we love to do. Until Stuart Little is a household name in State College, our journey isn’t over. Once it is, we will begin the next part of our journey. The passion we share doesn’t die easily and will no doubt live on through us and our sounds.”