Interview with Young Decades
Following their debut EP release which received notable support from BBC Introducing and reached 100k streams on Spotify in a matter of months, Young Decades are back with their new track ‘Sinner’.
It is a song to help celebrate the pending return of live music. It is ideal for live performances with its catchy choruses, bold synths and driving guitar riffs.
It is made for hands in the air moments and you can feel this band is ready to get up on a stage and perform to huge crowds!
Despite beginning during a pandemic, Young Decades have stuck to an intensive plan to get their music heard, releasing a new track every nine weeks alongside several collections of remixes and alternative versions.
‘Sinner’ was produced in collaboration with songwriter James Tidd, with help from from Human League bassist Ian Burden, long-time friend and engineer Tom Longworth (Vistas, Tom Speight) and mastering Engineer Mike Marsh (Phoenix, Chemical Brothers, Empire of the Sun).
It was lovely to chat to the band about their latest release, favourite performance venues and their thoughts on the UK music scene…
Who or what first got you involved with music/song-writing and how did you come together as a band?
Music has been something that we were all passionate about from a young age. I think we idolised various artists growing up and wanted to replicate them. I was obsessed with Michael Jackson since I could walk and always felt a need to perform.
What are some of your key influences?
Myself and Scott got together when I was 14 or 15. He gave me some lessons and then we became friends and kept playing together. Eventually, Liverpool became our new base of operations, and Scott saw an advert from a guy named James who wanted to start a band. We were lucky in that we hit it off and liked playing together.
What sets your music apart? What is unique or at least uncommon about it?
Our sound is almost like a natural evolution of bands like The Killers and Future Islands. With the idea of like a synthy hook. But it stems from all sorts, like electronic artists such as Daft Punk and Kraftwerk. To hip hop like Kanye and MF Doom, particularly when writing rhythm.
People take different things from music. Some people really gravitate to the hooks, some to a drum beat. We get a lot of really nice comments around our harmonies. You don’t hear them anymore like you used to. We try and write something to be as simple as possible. Then make it interesting.
Can you tell us about the meaning behind your new track ‘Sinner’?
It’s about being an introvert and insular, which is fine but you don’t always get the most out of life. But then growing as a person and expanding your horizons. Trying new experiences and ultimately deciding if you’re ready to almost be a different person. Putting yourself out there in the world.
I think lockdown has affected everyone differently but one thing that a lot of people have gone through is that feeling of being trapped both physically and by your own thoughts. Stepping back into reality is a test on its own as people are readjusting to a world that hasn’t seen people come together for a really long time.
How did it feel to reach 100,000 streams for your EP ‘Let You Down’? What would you like to say to everyone who has listened?
Unbelievable, the response to our music has been phenomenal from all over the world. We’re not a huge band yet by any means but we see where our listeners are based and it means so much to get such variety. There’s a lot more to come so I hope they keep on listening and liking the music as much as we like making it.
Can you tell us about the best live show that you have ever played?
We started this project during the pandemic so we’re waiting impatiently to play our first show as Young Decades. But I’ll always remember a gig with our old project COLOUR. It was a single launch at East Village Arts Club (I think) in Liverpool. The show was great and was our biggest to date at the time, but I’ll always remember playing and it was the first time I heard the crowd singing our songs back at us. It was an overwhelming experience.
What do you love most about the UK music scene and what do you think it will look like in the next ten years?
People in the UK love music. It’s that simple. When you go to a gig, either playing or to watch there’s just a buzz in the room. Maybe it’s the alcohol. But everyone’s there for one thing – to have a good time.
I hope in 10 years time it’s the same story, BUT with more independent venues. I’m disappointed every time I hear of one shutting down, especially when I’ve played there. It’s such a wasted opportunity.
Which local music venues are your favourite to play at?
There’s a few. Speaking of places that have closed down, the Magnet in Liverpool was always good. Night and Day Cafe in Manchester. Old Blue Last in London. Chester as a place always make us feel at home. Particularly Alexanders – somewhere we’ll be going back to very soon.
Which artists do you think deserve more love and recognition?
Our friends over at The Underclass are worth a listen. I recently discovered a band called Smithpools, they’re song caller unknown sounds like a mix of an Arctic Monkeys b side and Slaves. Then you should check out a band called Cuffed Up. They’ve got this angsty Courtney Barnett sound that I love.
What can we expect from you within the next six months? Any releases planned? Future gigs?
We’re constantly working on new stuff. ‘Sinner’, obviously, but we have the next 2ish tracks written/recorded at pretty much all times. We want to keep that pipeline flowing. Our first gig of the year will be at Alexander’s in Chester on 29th Aug. Hope to see you there!
To keep up to date with the latest news from Young Decades, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To listen to their latest releases, head to YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify.
by Eveline Vouillemin ©