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Fairfax singer and songwriter Sophia Bass's debut album is called "Step Into My Dream," an apt title for the collection of accessible pop rock songs from an artist who, at 17, is beginning to live her dream of being a professional musician. Bass, a senior at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, recorded her independently released CD in May in Nashville with producer Paul Buono.

"Step Into My Dream" showcases Bass's talent for crafting catchy and memorable tunes and for a melodic sensibility that helps her avoid the musical cliches that can plague young songwriters. A plucky free spirit is reflected in Bass's lyrics, which seem likely to resonate with teenagers and young adults who are sorting out early experiences with love, loss and betrayal.

Three of the songs have been honored in the 2007 U.K. Songwriting Contest, which is open to contributors worldwide. "Sympathy" and the title track were semifinalists, and "The Future Is Ours" was a finalist. The annual contest is in association with the BRIT Trust, which produces the British equivalent of the Grammy Awards.

Bass began studying the piano when she was 6, at the suggestion of her grandfather. She proved a quick study who often preferred creating songs rather than playing the classical and jazz pieces her instructors prescribed.

As a preteen, she competed successfully in several local contests for young composers. These days, Bass makes her music most often on the acoustic guitar, which she picked up in her early teens.

Bass cites Norah Jones, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson and Sheryl Crow among her influences, and her voice and style have drawn comparisons to artists such as Vanessa Carlton and Michelle Branch.

Bass said that she plans to study music or music production in college after she graduates from Woodson next year. Recording in Nashville cemented her decision to make music her career.

"I felt very comfortable in the studio. I felt like this what I knew that I had to do."

As rewarding as recording and performing are, Bass said, songwriting is the most important aspect of making music for her.

"Songwriting to me is like breathing. I don't think I could live without it," she said.

-- C. WOODROW IRVIN

Bangkok Blues is at 926 W. Broad St., Falls Church. $7. For information, call 703-534-0095 or visithttp://www.bangkokblues.comorhttp://www.myspace.com/sophiabass.