#softlighting #vibes #'80s influence #ambient music #dance-y beats #highly recommended !!
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Millionyoung Interview
How would you describe Million Young to those yet to be hear your music?
It's feel-good electronic music, with a lot of organic elements scattered through out. There's a lot of nostalgia in it for sure.
Which era or decade would you say has inspired your music the most ?
Well, I really enjoy all music from the twenty-first century. Primarily the last half; psych-rock from the 60s, funk from the 70s, and New Wave from the 80s, and 90s hip-hop. I won't shy away from using a few jazz chords here and there either, and I've even done some renditions of Erik Satie's work from the late 1800s. I don't think of my music as being from an era, it's from now.
Well, I really enjoy all music from the twenty-first century. Primarily the last half; psych-rock from the 60s, funk from the 70s, and New Wave from the 80s, and 90s hip-hop. I won't shy away from using a few jazz chords here and there either, and I've even done some renditions of Erik Satie's work from the late 1800s. I don't think of my music as being from an era, it's from now.
What is about electronic music that appeals to you ?
I love being able to mold sound into different shapes. Organic instruments are beautiful, but I like taking those sounds a step further by manipulating and bending them into something entirely new.
Is there a visual component involved in the creation of your music ?
I've always loved film scores, and there's usually some sort of cinematic element to my music. It isn't usually in a narrative sort of way, but in a more abstract sense. For me, I really feel the shapes that different sounds have, almost as if they can be touched and felt physically. I like to play a lot with texture and space in my music.
How do you normally work on songs? What are the steps/processes?
Usually I'll start with something percussive or rhythmic, just something that captures the mood I'm in at the time. From there it really becomes a lot of trial and error. I'll throw some chords then I'll sing some nonsense till a melody comes together. I'm not classically trained, so most of my music comes from a feeling rather than a method. I do have the utmost respect for people who take a more structured approach; I'd like to do that one day.
Usually I'll start with something percussive or rhythmic, just something that captures the mood I'm in at the time. From there it really becomes a lot of trial and error. I'll throw some chords then I'll sing some nonsense till a melody comes together. I'm not classically trained, so most of my music comes from a feeling rather than a method. I do have the utmost respect for people who take a more structured approach; I'd like to do that one day.
Can you talk a bit about the song “Cynthia”? There is a story behind it?
With most of my music, I'll write the words over a long period of time. That usually leads to a single song being about 10 different things, different moments in my life that connect in some way. Cynthia is about all those moments near the beginning of a relationship, the constant back and forth of wondering if the other person reciprocates your feelings. It's a song about mixed signals and learning to just enjoy the high points when they come.
With most of my music, I'll write the words over a long period of time. That usually leads to a single song being about 10 different things, different moments in my life that connect in some way. Cynthia is about all those moments near the beginning of a relationship, the constant back and forth of wondering if the other person reciprocates your feelings. It's a song about mixed signals and learning to just enjoy the high points when they come.
When did things (musically) really start picking up for you? Was it after a particular show?
I actually didn't really tour or play out of state till after I had gained some momentum. It's crazy how much power the internet has in shaping people's lives and letting people like me pursue something like this. I had been playing music for years, but it was in the spring of 2009 that I really noticed some changes after I put an EP on my Tumblr account.
What is your favorite chill wave artist right now? Have you worked with them in the past?
I've been fortunate enough to do shows with a lot of bands I like. It was great to go on the road with Jameson from Teen Daze, and I still keep in touch with Ernest from Washed Out. It's cool to have so much in common with people from such different parts of the world.
You’re also doing remixes – how do you choose which songs you like to remix ?
Most of the remixes I do are just a labor of love. It's a fun way to work with friends I've met on the road and done shows with. I just put out a collection of all the remixes I've done to date.
What can we expect from a Million Young live performance?
The live show is something that's constantly evolved. At first it was really simple, just me singing while playing guitar and messing with a midi controller. Now sometimes I'll play with a live band, still doing vocals/guitar/keyboard, but when the guys can't come on the road, I'll do a big multi-instrumental solo set where I'll be surrounded by a little bit of everything. The solo shows are as fun as they are exhausting, with me rotating from singing, to guitar, to one or two synths at the same time, to a drums, and any combination of those. I'll usually tailor the set list to fit the venue, with clubs being more focused around my dance music, and traditional rock venues being more my about my psychedelic or experimental pieces.
European tour?
I did a short 3 week tour of Europe last summer and I've wanted to go back everyday since. I love being home, I just wish it was easier to travel back and forth between here and there, hahaha. Hopefully I'll be able to pay another visit after I release my next album this summer.
