Hidden Gems: Meet Jason Wall of Future Youth Records

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Wall

Hi Jason, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in South San Francisco, CA and started playing drums at nine. By 11, I was performing in the school district honor band, and by 13, I had been recruited by the Conquistadors Drum and Bugle Corps, even though their minimum age was 16. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for music.

In high school, I was asked to instruct the percussion ensemble during my freshman year, and a year later, I joined the College of San Mateo symphonic band, still just a high school student. However, at 17, my life took an unexpected turn when a severe car accident shattered my right wrist and left me with multiple fractures in my arm. Doctors told me I would never play drums again.

After seven surgeries and years of recovery, I refused to accept that outcome. With the incredible guidance of mentors like John Xepoleas, I defied the odds and returned to music. In 1998, I was offered the drum chair for the Stanford University Jazz Orchestra, where I recorded with the legendary Louie Bellson and toured Europe. My career expanded from there, with studio work for video games like Sim City 3000, as well as various TV and artist projects.

By 2012, my focus had shifted from just playing to helping others realize their musical potential. That year, I founded Future Youth Records, a nonprofit dedicated to giving young artists a platform to share their music. I officially retired from work-for-hire in 2015 to focus entirely on FYR and my own projects.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not, but the journey has taught me grit, resilience, and the importance of focusing on the journey rather than the destination. Making a living as a musician has had its struggles, especially when trying to build a reputation. However, starting a nonprofit without a business background or the necessary resources proved to be even more challenging.

Thankfully, FYR has grown both nationally and internationally. We’ve secured collaborations with major artists like Julian Lennon, Billy Bob Thornton, and Jesse Colin Young, and worked with legendary musicians like Steve Porcaro, Laurence Juber, Jim Keltner, Kenny Aronoff, and Matt ‘Doctor Fink.’ It’s been a challenging road, but one that has helped me grow as a leader and taught me the value of perseverance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
FYR is a nonprofit record label dedicated to empowering young artists worldwide. We provide a platform for youth to create and share their music, fully covering all production, marketing, and PR costs. What sets us apart is that we don’t recoup any of these expenses—our artists retain 100% of their rights and revenue, allowing them to focus on their creativity without financial burden.

We specialize in using music as a vehicle for change. Our artists create songs that address social justice issues, giving voice to critical global concerns through their art. We’ve had the privilege of working with incredible talents and building meaningful collaborations that expand the reach and impact of the music we produce.

Brand-wise, I’m incredibly proud of the authenticity and purpose behind FYR. We’re more than just a label—we’re a community that believes in the power of music to inspire positive change.

For readers, I want them to know that FYR is driven by passion and purpose. We’re always looking for young artists who want to use their music to make an impact and for supporters who believe in the future of youth-driven change.

What were you like growing up?
I was always very curious and knew from the age of three that I wanted to play the drums. Leadership and learning came naturally to me, but only when I was truly interested in something. If I didn’t care about a subject, I struggled with it, which made school challenging at times. But I was very social and really valued spending time with my friends—it was a big part of who I was growing up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futureyouthrecords/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jwallFYR/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/futureyouthrecords
• Other: https://www.futureyouthrecords.org/