Youngster Year

Lunar Vacation have been making music together since high school, and although that wasn't really that long ago, they are wise beyond their years. With an imminent sophomore album, the band has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

See them at the Night Moves Festival in Pensacola November 4th, and stay tuned for that release! Out soon on Keeled Scales.

Since the deepest, darkest, early days of Chicago's Deeper, the group has been curating a distinct brand that is unmistakably theirs. The faintest hint at one of their songs from any release (be that on your home stereo, coffee shop ambience, or at a festival from some distant stage) conjures immediate recognition: this is Deeper.

The spellbinding third album, Careful!, comes out September 8th on Sub Pop Records, after which Deeper is set to tour the US and EU through the fall. Check them out and show them some love! They have their own hotdog for crying out loud.

I recently had a great opportunity to sit down with Chris Gaylor—best known as the drummer for The All-American Rejects—to talk about his time thus far with Australian legends Le Shiv for an ongoing project, but we set aside some time at the end of our interview for a quick chat about The Rejects, and what they have going on at the moment. This is that chat—short and sweet, yet informational and exciting. The Rejects are still going strong, having recently announced their Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour, which marks their first proper headliner in many years. Take a listen!

This episode marks a Youngster Year first: Jack interviews a concert venue. But this isn't just any venue--Bobby and Brit have founded one of the few established backyard venues in the Los Angeles area, with the rise in popularity of backyard shows being only a recent phenomenon. Although DIY shows and backyard events aren't anything new for the indie scene, seldom have we witnessed a "Backyard Movement," as Bobby calls it, quite like this one. The Shed is one of a number of independent backyard venues that have opened their doors (or rather, their gates) in the wake of COVID, demonstrating not only the return of, but a resurgence in DIY shows that are solely in support of the artists and their fans.

The Shed's one year anniversary fest goes down the night of March 25th, and shows all signs of being their best yet. Huge thanks to Bobby for the enlightening discussion!

Ron Gallo takes little for granted, and time is certainly no exception. FOREGROUND MUSIC is not only yet another original take on what's really going on, but also a survey of Ron's primary ruminations on the world from past, present, and future. Still, the substance of these songs--some in-your-face, some buried deep within--is hyper-current, timeless, and relevant as ever. The fourth studio album from Ron Gallo is out everywhere March 3rd on the legendary Kill Rock Stars label--the perfect fit for the pioneering artist.

LA's hyperactive Crossing I's Dotting T's have been called many things--"genre-defying" is one of those labels, and perhaps the most expansive. It's mostly just a complement from critics, parallel to "unique" or "special." At its root, it plainly urges you to listen to this band and make up your mind for yourself, and it's highly likely you'll agree.  

Matt has assembled a brand new lineup for this project, and the band is now better than ever. So go see them play (because they're probably coming to a place near you very soon) and look for their debut album, due out some time this year.  

A great big thanks to Matt and Melanie for their time and a great chat!

In this special extended episode, Jack takes some time to discuss his favorite releases of the past year, as well as a few he's looking forward to in the new year. Featuring clips of past YY interviews with some of these amazing artists! PLUS: a sneak peak at what's to come in the very near future, as we enter into a brand new era of Youngster Year. What were some of your favorites? Let us know on Instagram @youngster.year, or email us at [email protected]! Or don't, that's cool too.

Nearly four years passed between the release of Pool Kids’ first album and their most recent self-titled—but four years without an album doesn’t mean four years of inactivity. While “Safe Sex” stands on its own as a DIY release, the difference in processes between their two full-lengths is impressive. With a new goal to write with a wider range of listeners in mind, Christine challenged herself to create a more comprehensive final product. And with help—and at times, tough love—from her bandmates, even the casual listener will agree: Pool Kids has delivered. Now, they’re heading out on tour as they continue to exceed expectations, so catch them while you can and experience Pool Kids at their best yet. (Originally aired on Behind the Vinyl)

KNOWN. is so much more to Cody than just a recording project—it’s an expression of a deep appreciation and admiration for the visceral effects that music brings to the listener. Through his music, he seeks to instill the very same feelings he feels when listening to his favorite artists, and the authenticity of his personality shows just how much he values connecting with listeners and fans in this very way. Watch or listen to this interview and you’ll see exactly what I mean. 

The new single from KNOWN, “Himalayas,” is out September 9th, and the new album is coming shortly after. Pre save the new single now! 

Huge thanks to Cody for the wonderful chat!