Students know them as “the hipsters” and others may not know them at all. The beat of the song comes slipping through the cracks of their headphones as other students pass by. They are set apart by their skinny jeans, plaid shirts, TOM shoes, and head phones in their ears. With music playing they are able to keep in their own world, and shut ours out. At Blue Valley Southwest there is a pair of highly unique and talented siblings. Their names are Hunter and Shelby Moseley. Not only are their veins filled with music, but their hearts are set on creating it.
Shelby Moseley is a freshman this year. Her brother, Hunter is a senior. The two siblings are musicians, writers, and performers. Due to their hard work, supportive parents, and hard work ethic they have been given the opportunity to perform in front of many people. Making music is something they have dreamed about all their lives. In the future, they hope to be an inspiration to other kids and help them not be afraid to stand out.
Shelby believes that music is the one constant in her life. It has been such a huge part of her every day schedule that she can’t imagine her world without it.
“When I was six I realized I was a prodigal child,” Shelby said.
She first realized this after sitting down at the piano for the first time. Later in life, she realized that not only could she play the piano, but she could also play eight other instruments. This includes the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, electric bass, piano, violin, flute, recorder, mandolin and other various instruments. She has been playing the piano for eight years, the guitar for seven years, the bass for five years, and the mandolin for four months.
There are many musical artists who have inspired her drive to produce music. Her favorites are Vox Trot, Bright eyes, Bon Iver, The Frames, Joseph Gonzoles, Of Monsters and Men, Margo, The Nuclear So and So’s, and The tallest man on earth. Each one of theses bands/artists have had huge impacts on her. They have shaped the style of music that she writes, inspired her, and have also been a commonality between her brother and herself.
Shelby uses her music as an outlet for life. She appreciates how a song can have a certain meaning to one person, and a entirely different meaning to another person. The different interpretations of music are something she doesn’t take for granted.
“When I have my music, I can let my emotions out in a nicer way,” Shelby said.
Right now, Shelby Moseley plays at Church of the Resurrection, and has also has played at UMKC. In the future, she knows she will always love and perform her music.
Her brother, Hunter Mosley is also heavily influenced by music. Music has been a part of his life since kindergarten. He has been playing guitar since he was nine. Along with the guitar, Hunter plays the bass, piano, and is a vocal singer.
Hunter started writing music when he was only thirteen. He of course finds love as the inspiration for his songs. His love/hate relationships with his family and friends ignite his thoughts as well.
“The writing process is different for every song, I just got to let it flow,” Hunter said.
His musical inspirations aren’t far off from this sisters. They both love the Indy and Singer/Songwriter genera. Two of Hunter personal favorites are Jns Lakmen and The Radio Department Melts Together.
Hunter is currently playing his music for his friends, at clubs, and at church. In the future, he holds hopeful dreams about possibly making a career out of his band.
He gives some advice to other artists who are trying to find their way.
“Follow your heart, let it wander, it’ll find you, you’ll find it, and you’ll be together forever,” said Hunter.
Without the support of their parents Hunter and Shelby would never have made it this far. Todd and Lisa Moseley helped their kids get involved in the youth band at Church of the Resurrection. They also help keep their schedules organized so they know when and where their shows are at.
“I am so proud of my kids,” Lisa. “They have come to far and its been amazing to see their love of music never expire.”
Together, the dynamic duos are an inspiration for one another and are able to critique each other’s work and give valuable feedback. Due to their supportive parents, hard work ethic, and passion for music the Moseley’s hope to push their dreams to it’s limits. With potential like that, the two of them appear to be unstoppable.