I first met rising artist Reece Young some years ago when he was opening up for Palisades. I offered to do photos for him as well, and he was very grateful. I remember thinking what a kind and down-to-earth guy he was. I've never forgotten how nice he was, and it's been great watching him grow ever since. I recently had the honor of interviewing him about his creative process, influences, collaborations, and more! It sounds like there's even more to love coming soon, so he's definitely one to watch in 2024!
How do you approach the songwriting process, and from where do you draw inspiration?
Writing songs is different each time for me. Sometimes I go in with an idea of what's to come musically, and other times I go in with melodies. But I almost always have what I want to talk about in mind. Lyrics are what I find most important.
What do you think sets your music apart?
I hate talking about myself, but since you asked- I try to make my music as inviting and helpful as possible. The goal is to help the listener get through whatever they need to get through. It's why I never really talk about the meanings behind songs and I keep them ambiguous. Music is for the listener, and always has been.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they helped to shape your sound?
My brain immediately goes to Twenty One Pilots. They’re the reason I started my musical journey. They first gave words to emotions that I didn't understand. I want my music to do the same.
Your music defies easy categorization, blending elements of different genres and styles. How do you approach genre and style when writing and recording music?
First of all, honored. Second, the only genre I follow is what I think is cool. I try to just have fun with it because, at the end of the day, if I’m not having fun, there’s no point in going on with it.
You’ve collaborated with a number of other musicians over the course of your career. What do you enjoy most about collaborating, and how do you approach working with other artists in the studio?
I love getting ideas from people I look up to on my own songs. I've been lucky enough to work with some SICK musicians in the past. Secrets out though, I'll be writing with even more sick musicians in June, which is all I'll say for now.
If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be?
Twenty One Pilots is my dream tour. I’ve attended an unhealthy amount of their shows. It would be an absolute dream come true to open one.
You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.
I learned that driving long distances sucks. Also, fans in smaller markets go HARD. Respect to the people in Lake Erie PA from this last run we did. They blew me away.
What artists have been inspiring you lately, or that you feel are consistently pushing boundaries and changing the game?
Bring Me the Horizon is constantly changing but somehow always changing in the right way. I look up to everything they do.
Last, but certainly not least, do you have anything else that you’d like to share with your fans?
My cat turns 4 this summer. Would love for you all to wish him a happy bday.
