Bright lights, screaming fans, and music pounding through your ears. It’s pretty much every kid’s dream to be a star.

While most people don’t intend to pursue music as their chosen career, senior Kevin Gochez has taken the path less traveled. Armed with his guitar and in-home studio, Gochez plans to make his dreams come true.

Gochez did not always want to be involved in music, but he started in middle school and was influenced by his friends. “My two best friends played the guitar, and I wanted to fit in with them. So, I learned the keyboard, then I learned the guitar, and bass, and so on,” Gochez said.

Things started falling into place for him after he entered high school and realized that he could make a career out of his love for music. “[I] started writing songs and recording [during my] freshman and sophomore year,” Gochez said.

He is currently involved in a project called mrmrs, but Gochez has worked on several other projects in the past. Previous projects include a band called Flee the City, which he worked on with his friends from Northwest High School, and a solo project called the Kevin Gochez band.

Even though Gochez wants to pursue a career in music, he knows that it’s not the safest career choice. “[I want to make it in the music industry, but] I’m really worried it’s not a viable option,” Gochez said. “Everyone tells you, ‘no, don’t do music…it’s not safe, you’re not going to do anything with it.’”

Although many parents would be wary about their child wanting a musical career, Gochez’s parents support him to the fullest. “My dad is always at every one of my shows, and he’s always helping me pay for my gear,” Gochez said.

Despite the amount of negativity that gets thrown his way, Gochez does not let any of it get to him. He wants to follow in the footsteps of his biggest inspirations. A few of his inspirations include Matt DiMarco, The 1975, The Japanese House and John Lennon.