By Ally White

What do Jason Moss and a typical high school student have in common? Their lives are almost the same, except for one detail.

Moss is a 16-year-old musician and songwriter from Danville. He’s constantly scribbling down lyrics and chords to a new song. His acoustic rock is inspired by real-life experiences. His song “Always” is about a friendship where he wanted something more, yet the girl did not feel the same way. In this song he talks about the good times they shared, but how much he suffered from not talking to her for days.

At the age of 7, Moss’s musical career started when he took piano lessons. And in 6^th grade, when one of his friend’s dad was playing the guitar in his synagogue, Moss was inspired to pick up a guitar himself. Volunteer shows here and there soon turned into gigs at Kenny’s Castaways, The Bitter End (both in New York). and The Red House in Walnut Creek).  He pays for everything himself and is currently keeping his options open for a record deal. 

Not surprisingly, Moss’ favorite subject at Monte Vista High School, where he is a junior, is choir. After graduation, he hopes to attend college in New York City or Los Angeles, and work on his music. But, being a 16-year-old musician can be hard to handle, and at times he has to sacrifice things others his age do not. A Friday night movie or a football game might have to be sacrificed in order to prepare for an upcoming show. Practice comes first. He even studies music in the car while he drives. 

For inspiration, Moss looks up to John Mayer and Ray Charles because they put out “honest albums.” He looks up to them because they are both “revolutionary artists who are always able to bring something new to the music world.”  

Moss has no upcoming shows at this time, but check out his music on iTunes or at www.jasonmossmusic.com.   

- Ally White