Whether he’s living out of a van in Santa Cruz, surfing along the coast of France, working a horse ranch in Montana, or paragliding over Utah, Tyke James has built a life defined by movement. That restless, nomadic spirit feeds directly into The Moss, the project under which he’s crafted a distinct and evolving take on alternative rock—one that first took shape in O’ahu, Hawaii, and now continues to grow in Salt Lake City.
The band’s name carries its own philosophy. “Moss grows on every continent,” Tyke James explains. “It’s not to be confused with its cousin algae. It’s neither commonly noticed nor widely celebrated, but it’s everywhere—it’s ubiquitous. All the things you’ve heard about moss apply to us.” The name, much like the music, reflects something organic, ever-present, and quietly powerful.
The Moss broke through with their Insomnia EP, a four-track release that has amassed over 25 million streams. Its title track, described by Tyke James as “a bittersweet song about codependency,” landed on Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 and gained major support from SiriusXM’s Alt Nation. Momentum continued with standout performances at festivals like Life Is Beautiful in Las Vegas and The Festival at Sandpoint in Idaho, further cementing their growing presence.
Their latest album, Big Blue Moon, marks a defining moment—an expansive nine-track collection rooted in themes of freedom, self-confidence, and living outside conventional expectations. “This is our first complete project in years,” says Tyke James. “I feel like a totally different person from the last time we released an album. We’ve been writing, touring, and growing. This record represents breaking free from social norms and living life on your own terms.”
Sonically, The Moss weave together a wide range of influences, pulling from ‘60s surf rock, the melodic brilliance of The Beatles, reggae’s rhythmic bounce, and the raw edge of ‘90s alternative acts like The Replacements, U2, and Vampire Weekend. Their sound feels both nostalgic and fresh, shaped as much by geography as by genre.
That connection to place runs deep. Raised in Arizona, Tyke James later spent time working on a ranch in Montana, where he learned to ski, before relocating to O’ahu at age 13 and discovering surfing. It was there that The Moss began to take form, including early performances alongside Jack Johnson at local fundraisers, balanced with playing gigs at taco trucks between surf sessions.
“The music is definitely inspired by the environments we’ve been in,” Tyke James explains. “The balance of nature is the most creative thing in the world. When you’re surfing, hiking, or just present in those spaces, everything else fades away. That same feeling carries into the music.”
With a packed 2026 touring schedule underway, The Moss continue to build their connection with fans in real time. “There’s something special about seeing an immediate reaction to a song,” says Tyke James. “Whether it’s live or in a writing session, you can feel when something connects. It feels personal with our fans, and I’m really grateful for that.”
At its core, the project remains rooted in expression and exploration. “Anything you put creative energy into can become an art form,” he adds. “And the better you get, the more clearly you can express yourself. Sound is at the basis of all matter—that’s pretty epic.”
Tour Dates
April 23 — Philadelphia, PA — Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
April 24 — New York, NY — Music Hall of Williamsburg
April 25 — Boston, MA — Paradise Rock Club
April 27 — Pittsburgh, PA — Thunderbird Cafe
April 29 — Ann Arbor, MI — Blind Pig
April 30 — Columbus, OH — Skully’s
May 1 — Indianapolis, IN — Hi-Fi
May 2 — Chicago, IL — Thalia Hall
May 6 — Minneapolis, MN — Fine Line
May 7 — Madison, WI — Majestic Theater
May 8 — St. Louis, MO — Off Broadway
May 9 — Kansas City, MO — Madrid Theater
May 11 — Omaha, NE — Slowdown
May 13 — Fort Collins, CO — Aggie Theater
May 14 — Englewood, CO — Gothic Theater
May 16 — Salt Lake City, UT — Kilby Block Party