Owl City
Adam Young is the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and all-around musical force behind Owl City, a MySpace phenomenon whose career has outlived the social network that spawned it. When the public first discovered Owl City’s ethereal electro-pop, Young was an insomniac making music in his parents’ basement.
After the success of his first major label release “Ocean Eyes”, and the album’s breakout hit “Fireflies”, Owl City has collaborated with a virtual who’s who of music and his duet with Carly Rae Jepson, “Good Times”, was one of the anthems of summer 2012.
Despite all of this success, Young lives far away from celebrity-centric cities, still residing in his hometown of Owatonna in Minnesota. Talk caught up with the introverted star prior to his second Shanghai trip to ask him about his songwriting process, popular online persona and the impact his Christian faith has on his music.
It's been a few years since your last show in Shanghai. Does anything in particular about that tour or show stand out for you?
That was my first trip to China and I just remember being taken aback by the cityscape and culture. It was really eye opening and I hope this time I get to try some more local cuisine.
What can people expect from Owl City's upcoming Shanghai show?
They can expect a loud rock show – louder drums, louder guitars and a good mix between my old and new songs.
How do you feel your music is developing over time; is there any difference in the way you put together a song now compared with when you first started out?
It’s really been the same process from the start. I start out with music and then lyrics. The only difference this time around for the newest record was the collaborating with outside producers and writers.
As well as your music, you are also known for having a hilarious Twitter feed and an all-around engaging online presence; is that something you work hard to cultivate, or does it come naturally to you?
They are pretty much just thoughts that randomly come to mind. I wish there was a method to it.
How important is it for you to connect with people in this virtual space?
It is still the predominant way I keep in touch with my fans. Social media has been the main reason my career was capable of taking off so I try to remain active in that virtual realm.
You've spoken freely about your faith over the years; do you ever worry about being pigeon-holed as a Christian musician?
Not at all. My faith is a huge part of who I am so I like to make sure that aspect of my life is never swept under the rug. I think people have been really accepting and supportive for the most part.
Do you ever find that people assign meaning to your songs you didn't intend; how does that make you feel?
It's a great feeling to know that people care enough about your music to create their own stories behind the songs. It's actually an honor.
Following this tour, what's next on the agenda for you and Owl City?
More music, more creating, more of everything!
8pm, 20 August, The Mixing Room and Muse, Mercedes-Benz Arena, 1200 Expo Avenue, near Shangnan Lu. Tickets: RMB 280-420. Tel: 400 610 3721. Web: www.damai.cn
