The Quad

Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: Features

Who has what it takes to get up on a stage and perform in front of peers with lights shinning down on them? Josh Loss, a second year student at West Chester University dares to sing and play guitar to his original songs at open mike nights.

Loss is majoring in Literature to pursue working in movies, possibly as a screen writer. To him, college is "plan B" and he is going for his degree while he is trying to succeed as a singer and guitarist. "Plan A" is to have a career in music, his passion. Teaching himself how to play the guitar, Loss has been playing and singing since he was eight years old. He was in many different bands, but went solo in 2003. When he came to WCU, he met Mike Voss, who became a good friend and co-performer. The two go to perform at the same shows and even produced a song together with Loss singing and playing the guitar and Voss rapping to tell the story.

The song that Loss and Mike Voss perform together is titled "Traveler" which is about everyday life. Loss said that Voss writes great stories and described him as a metaphoric genius. He explained how he opened up his mind to more writing.

Loss and other musicians played in Sykes ballrooms for the Sykes After Dark presentations. Loss has been told that he will be able to perform again next semester and has been given support by staff members. He was also showing at open mike nights hosted by the English Club on campus, also in Sykes. He plans to attend them again next year to get his music more known. To hear him next year, this event will take place the first Tuesday of the month. Near campus, Loss enjoys watching and playing at Fennario's, a coffee shop, every Wednesday at their open mic nights. His last show this year was at Fennario's on April 26.

Loss's songs can be heard on myspace.com/joshloss. He also produced a CD labeled "This Just In." Every song on the CD is based on a major event in his life from 2005 through 2007. Songs have emotion driving them and personal attachments to them as Loss explained. Some of his songs discuss break-ups, about love, and why he decided to come to WCU.

Some of the songs on the CD include "Car Crash," "Rosaline" and "Safety Net." "Car Crash" is about the car crash that Loss and one of his friends were involved in.

"[It shows that] something so tragic can bring a downfall," Loss said. He explained how he became depressed after it happened. Music became his outlet.

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