Jason Mericle

My name is Jason Mericle. I am a multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience in music.

My main instrument is guitar, but I also am experienced on bass, piano, and drums. I also sing. I compose, arrange, and produce songs as well.

Currently I give lessons and am looking to do more to make a living making music.

I grew up in a house of music. My dad played guitar and we had a piano sitting in our living room. I started actually learning to play the piano at the age of 7 and took lessons for 3 years.

At the age of 13, I picked up the guitar. Having a background in theory from piano, I applied what I already knew of music to the guitar. With that and the help of my dad, I quickly taught myself guitar.

In high school I got into drums and played quads in the marching band and percussion in the wind ensemble. I also played guitar in the jazz band, and piano in the orchestra. My senior year, 4 of the 6 classes I was taking were music.

It was also during high school that I found my singing voice...and screaming voice. I started a band with a friend and since we didn't have a singer, I stepped in to sing...and scream.

After high school I got into bass guitar. My goal was to play bass like a bass player and not like a guitarist, so I learned to use my fingers instead of a pick, and started practicing techniques like slap and pop.

In college I continued to pursue music. I skipped Music Theory I and went straight through II, III, and IV. I also took a Music Composition class in which I wrote several pieces for various instruments including a sonata for an 18-piece orchestra.

After college I became involved with a friend in church and for the past seven years have been playing nearly every week in some capacity. I've become proficient with improv on the guitar and improved my singing voice greatly. I've been involved in multiple projects and have continued to pursue the dream of music.

I started my first "band" in junior high. In reality it was only me and a friend, but we wrote and recorded several songs, most instrumental.

In high school I met another guitar player who was of the same level I was and we formed the band "Demon Seed." From 1996-1998 we wrote, played bars (yes at 16 years old) and other venues. We recorded 6 original songs and other covers. Despite management interest and a growing popularity, things started falling apart. And so after cycling through 3 bass players and with our drummer leaving for college, the dream slowly faded.

After two years of searching and jamming with people, I joined "Generation Vineyard." This alternative Christian band was leading worship for Inland Vineyard in Corona. I came on as lead guitarist and quickly began writing original songs along with the group's leader.

In 2002 we gained the interest of an independent producer for Sony. Although she dealt mainly with hip-hop, she enjoyed our sound and wanted to fund an album. So on April 20, 2002, we entered a studio in Hollywood to begin recording. Unforunately funds ran short and after only recording the music, the project came to a halt. We eventually found more financial support and after recording in five different studios, with four different engineers, over a two year period, we released the album "Spirit Come" on April 16, 2004.

In support of the release we were joined by "Violet Burning" for the release party, and were asked to play some local Christian college gigs. We were also interviewed and played live on a local radio program. Yet tensions between the 8 band members mounted and eventually the group parted ways.

Since 2004, I have been leading groups at my church, and have been a guest musician on some projects. I've also filled in as a guitar player for some local bands including "Gadget Car."

Currently, I am working with two amazing groups.

The first, Destination 7 , is a Christian ministry band that has a great sound and even greater message. With airplay and a possible tour upcoming, the potential to spread the Gospel is growing.

The second, A Living Daylight , is with an incredible singer-songwriter Anthony Carroll. With a unique voice and great commercial instinct, we are working to create music that pushes the boundaries of alternative pop-rock.

Please check out these two awesome bands, become their friends, and let me know what you think. Also stay tuned for more info about shows, CDs, etc.

Thanks... Jason