(Answers By Andy from Young Rising Sons)
How did you guys become a band?
We’ve been playing music ever since we can remember. Steve & Julian met in high school & began playing together shortly after. I went to school in NYC and met them in the city at an open mic night. They approached me & asked me to come to NJ and practice. I begrudgingly agreed (as NJ gets a bad rap since most people only see Newark in passing). I fell in love with NJ & became best friends with the guys; years later we’re still chugging along.
How did you guys come up with the band name Young Rising Sons & whats the meaning of the name?
It didn’t really take on meaning until we had been a band for a few years. Initially, we thought it sounded cool & that was about it. However, as our fanbase has grown we’ve noticed this family aspect among everyone. Those who start as fans eventually grow into friends who grow into family.
Can you tell us a little something about each of you?
Some random facts: I studied vocal jazz in college and put out a solo jazz album (It’s bad, please don’t try and find it), if Julian could do nothing but watch Wrestling for the remainder of his life he would, and Steve was essentially born into hockey royalty.
What is it like being in a band? And Whats the difference from going from being solo artists to becoming a band?
It’s hard & rarely is it actually glamorous. The music industry is just a difficult place, but we all knew that when we decided to do this. The upside to being in a band is that it’s a build in support system. And when you’re in a band with your best friends the ‘work’ that you’re doing is never really work.
How would you describe your musical style as a band?
We’ve always sort of straddled the line between pop and alt. In this era of music the distinction between genres is so blurred that it’s hard to say. So many people are breaking the ‘rules’ of writing a hit and a lot of the time it not only works, but becomes a song that isn’t as forgettable as the rest of music coming out on any given Friday. At the end of the day we just try to be honest in our music. The best songs are those that come from a truthful place.
What artists/bands are you influenced by?
My parents always had on either a record from The Beatles or a Motown record- Donna Summer/The Four Tops/Isley Brothers/etc, so I feel like those artists will just be forever engrained in me. When I got a little older I discovered artists like Bowie & Springsteen and fell in love with music all over again. My current go to is The Killers (but let’s be honest I loved them whole-heartedly since they played ‘Smile Like You Mean It’ on The O.C.).
What’s the difference from your band and all bands that have come before you?
I think a lot of artists don’t take the time to engage with their fans. At the end of the day they are the reason we’re able to continue our journey & they are the ones who consume our music, it’s important to have a dialogue with them. We try not to get caught up in the superficial aspects of the music industry and like to believe that we are pretty transparent & genuine guys.
https://open.spotify.com/track/58aORGazFkDNAmziZA1gl4?si=XssajMtyRPuW5hYn4t8a_Q
You guys recently released your new single, “Whiskey”. Can you tell us how this song came about and the meaning of the song?
Whiskey is about addiction, whether it be to a substance or another person. It’s something that all of us have struggled with in some facet, and it was an important topic for us to cover. When you find yourself faced with an addiction it’s easy to feel alone, and we wanted to give people something to grasp onto if they need it & open up a dialogue. Talking about it is always one of the first steps.
How did you find out about the song being included in Spotify’s acclaimed New Music Friday?
We woke up on Friday of the release & it was there. I wish I had a more fascinating story or an eloquent way to put it, but in a way that’s the beauty of independent artists putting out music today. On any given Friday any given artist can get a real look and a real shot.
What was your reaction like when you learned about this huge accomplishment? & What do you hope to gain out of this huge accomplishment?
We’ve had so many ups & downs at this point that I think we know not to get ahead of ourselves, but to also enjoy those little victories. It gave us a little launching pad for our next few releases, especially after being kind of MIA for a few months. We know not to bank on one specific thing that will make or break us, and that each accomplishment becomes a building block.
You also just released the music video for “Whiskey”, how did the idea for this music video come about?
We wanted to have a visual for the fans. It had been so long since we were able to put music out and we wanted a vessel & for our fans to be able to see us again.
Do you guys have a creative say in your music and videos?
We have all the creative say. Of course it’s a collaboration with the director & at the end of the day with our team, but visuals are very important to us.
What do you hope to gain out of your music careers?
We’ve always joked that we wanted to be the biggest band in the world. While that would certainly be welcomed, I think we’ll be happy as long as we get to continue to create music and play it for people that give a damn.
Are you guys planning on touring or doing any shows anytime soon?
We leave in 3 weeks for a tour, heading out to the West Coast & back.
Whats the feeling you guys get when performing in front of your fans?
It’s the reason we do this. We picked up instruments when we were kids because we loved playing them. Having a connection with someone during a show, when you can lock eyes and know in that moment you’re both feeling the same thing is very special.
Does your fanbase have a name?
We call it the Sons Family.
How do you want your relationship to be with your fans?
Easy, personable & approachable.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your fans?
Mostly Instagram & Twitter.
What was the craziest fan encounter you guys have had?
We toured with The 1975 a few years back. They have a wonderfully rabid fanbase. After our set in Phoenix we were making a break to our store to sign & take pictures and were mobbed to the point where it was almost scary. Someone grabbed Steve’s hair and started dragging him away & our tour manager had to go reel him back in.
Will there be an ep/album out soon?
We’ll be releasing a lot more music soon, most likely in an EP form.
What’s an average day for you guys look like?
It’s always a bit of a whirlwind. On tour the days get away from you very fast, but you find a rhythm after a certain point and hit a sweet spot where the flow of the day is seamless, drive, load in, sound-check, dinner, show, meet & greet, then off to the next city. At home I generally just live in my studio, whether it’s working on something for YRS or something else. But, no matter how busy the day Julian will make time to watch wrestling and Steve & I will find time to watch a Capitals hockey game.
What goals have you guys set out for the band?
Keep playing. Keep putting out music & growing this family of ours.
Where do you guys hope the band is in 5 years?
I hope we are still touring regularly & putting out music. We don’t have plans to stop any time soon.
Do you guys have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
Thank you for sticking with us & for being patient. The best things take time & we assure you we’ll make this new music worth the wait.
