The Magical Summer that Sparked a Cult Classic

In 2000, the world was buzzing with uncertainty as Y2K passed, but four young girls in Santa Rosa, California, were too busy dreaming about their futures to care. This summer, Ayden Mayeri, Jessica Hall, and Janet Washburn, all on the brink of middle school, transformed their wild imaginations into something tangible: a pop group named X-Cetra. With a little help from Janet's musician mom, Robin O’Brien, they set out on a musical adventure that would change their lives.

The Making of Stardust

With a mix of youthful energy and creative ambition, these girls sought to capture their feelings in music. Encouraged by their musical surroundings, they approached O’Brien to help them create a proper album from their youthful lyrics. She agreed without hesitation, setting them up in her home studio, guiding them through vocal takes while allowing their unedited lyrics to shine.

After months of hard work, their debut album, "Stardust," was born, featuring unique melodies and dark synth compositions by German composer Achim Treu. With fun, butterfly-themed artwork, the album was sent out into the world—but just as quickly, their pop dreams felt like a distant memory.

A Long Obscurity

As the girls transitioned into their teenage years, the pressures of middle school and growing up caused X-Cetra to fade into obscurity. Self-conscious about their sound, they buried "Stardust," thinking it was a relic of their childhood that would never see the light of day again.

Rediscovery and Cult Status

Fast forward to the 2020s, and life had taken the girls in different directions. Unbeknownst to them, their album had gained a cult following online. It had become an endearing piece of outsider music, celebrated among niche communities for its rawness and charm. Comments on social media platforms were pouring in, expressing admiration for the adolescent creativity woven into every track.

O’Brien received inquiries about the album while Mary, Janet, and Ayden began rediscovering their childhood creation. Social media buzz soon turned into an invitation for a reissue, leading to a vinyl release twenty-five years later under the title "Summer 2000."

From Nostalgia to a New Beginning

The revival culminated in an album release party reminiscent of their youth. As the four women gathered again, dressed in Y2K attire, they were finally able to experience the joy of their shared creativity, sparking a new wave of collaboration. Recently, they’ve been working on fresh tracks with old friends, rediscovering the playful essence they had long forgotten.

Through their journey, the girls have not only embraced their past but are creating exciting new music together, transforming X-Cetra from a childhood dream into a thriving reunion where their creative spirits can flourish once more.