Many Southern California high school-age teens are normally enjoying the carefree days of their youth by surfing and hanging out with good friends. One local San Diego teen is doing that and so much more.

Cody Lovaas has already made a name for himself and he’s only 16. A singer, songwriter, and surfer from Carlsbad, California, just up the coast from San Diego, Cody Lovaas is a 2015 breakthrough artist to watch.

This past October the San Diego teen became the youngest artist to be honored by the San Diego Music Awards as 2014 Best New Artist.

There isn’t a teenage pop gimmick with Cody. The young, blossoming artist writes and plays an acoustic mix of blues, folk and surf with an island aesthetic sound and a hint of ukulele. His lyrics are mature, upbeat, and meaningful. Not even out of high school and barely old enough to drive, his signature sound already radiates the maturity of a veteran artist.

Combining his passions for surfing, music and love of community, Cody has recently become the newest and youngest ambassador for SurfAid and Natural High. Cody believes in making a difference in the world and giving back to the community. He takes part in many charity events benefiting music programs, surf, and water-based activities for youth. In July 2014 he played for a more than 15,000-person audience at the 10th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am surf contest and concert benefiting local children’s and water-based charities.

Cody’s New music video for his new song “Take A Ride” premieres next Wednesday, December 17. Watch some of the behind-the-scenes footage here.

Want to see him live:

Cody will be at the Star Theater in Oceanside on December 20, 2014, for the Feeding the Soul “A Holidaze Show” benefiting Rock & Roll Camp for Girls in Los Angeles.

Kicking off 2015, Cody will be bringing his good vibes to Carlsbad Village Theatre on January 10.

Want to know more:

Check out Cody’s debut album Pacific Beats on Soundcloud.

Stay up to date on future concerts and charity work by following him on Facebook.