Mundanity, a student-led band at California Baptist University, built its identity around showing humanity through the ordinary moments of life reflected in its music and relationships.
The band’s name combined the words mundane and humanity. Gabriel De La Rosa, senior Christian studies major, explained the meaning behind the name.
“[It is] reminiscing on things of the past in a way that brings gratitude. Gratefulness is how I strive after contentment in seasons of uncertainty,” De La Rosa said.
Mundanity blended influences from ’90s alternative and grunge rock. Nolan Seeger, a member of the band, described the group succinctly.
“It’s a collection of controlled chaos,” Seeger said.
De La Rosa, Seeger and Luke Lamberth, a 2024 alumnus with a degree in applied theology, formed the band.
De La Rosa and Lamberth had played music together for 10 years. Three years earlier, Seeger said he felt called by God to step away from his previous band, Juniper Park.
“I honestly thought I would never make music again in a band setting,” said Seeger.
A few months later, Seeger met De La Rosa at church. Their friendship grew out of shared “desires to glorify God in the music we write,” Seeger said. The group formed about a year earlier and consisted of four members.
The band held practices in the garage of De La Rosa’s family home. Rehearsals began with the members checking in with one another, followed by a prayer led by De La Rosa. The group practiced original and cover songs by experimenting with timing and tempo before moving into recording sessions. The band worked on an album of original songs scheduled for release soon.
“I write from a place of searching, but I try to land on Christ as my unshakable foundation,” De La Rosa said.
Members said being part of Mundanity strengthened their relationship with God.
“It has impacted my walk with Christ by giving potential opportunities for evangelism with other guys around the city who perform as well. This stretches me to reach those who are lost and need the hope of Christ,” Lamberth said.
The band members said their friendships encouraged spiritual growth.
“Since forming our band it’s been so refreshing to make music with a group of guys that I also know love the Lord and want nothing more than to see me to continue to grow in my relationship with Christ,” Seeger said.
The band adjusted its set list frequently during performances, requiring quick preparation before taking the stage.
“We prepare with practice and syncing up creatively and musically by playing other songs that aren’t ours,” Lamberth said.
Before shows, De La Rosa said he drank tea to protect his voice and ate a familiar meal.
“I always have Chick-fil-A before every show,” De La Rosa said.
Mundanity previously performed at events including the Colony Carnival, held in an upperclassman living area, and Condron Coffee.
The band members balanced music with careers outside the group, which limited how often Mundanity performed. The band scheduled its next official show for April 17 at The Barn at the University of California, Riverside.
