SOUTH BEND DRIVE
An Original Album and Creative Reflection

Abstract South Bend Drive: An Original Album and Creative Reflection is a joint senior thesis project by Sophie Gerardi and Oscar Frias that documents the conception, creation, and recording of an eight-track original album. Born out of their shared love for music and a relationship that began with a songwriting session, this project intertwines artistic development with personal growth. Over the course of two semesters, the duo collaborated with their bandmates and producer to write, refine, and record songs that trace their relationship’s evolution, express their individual and collective values, and showcase their creative synergy. Each song explores different stages of their journey, from infatuation and uncertainty to distance, faith, and commitment, offering both musical and emotional depth. The process revealed key insights about humility, collaboration, and the importance of letting go of initial visions to serve a greater creative purpose. These lessons extend beyond music into their professional aspirations: Sophie’s path toward nursing and Oscar’s career in financial advising. The album stands not only as a musical artifact, but also as a metaphor for the life they hope to build together, one shaped by selflessness, growth, and enduring love.