Adam Young (American musician)
{{Short description|American musician (born 1986)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Adam Young
| image = Owlcity (cropped).png
| caption = Young performing at the Bowery Ballroom in 2009
| birth_name = Adam Randal Young
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|7|5|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = Ottumwa, Iowa, U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Singer
- songwriter
- musician
}}
| years_active = 2002–present
| spouse =
| children =
| relatives =
| signature = Adam Young signature.jpg
| signature_size = 100px
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| origin = Owatonna, Minnesota, U.S.
| instrument = {{flatlist|
- Vocals
- guitar
- bass
- drums
- keyboard
}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
- Ambient
- contemporary Christian music{{cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/six-years-after-fireflies-owl-city-is-still-glowing-as-an-accidental-careerist/332396832/|title=Six years after 'Fireflies,' Owl City is still glowing as an accidental careerist|website=Star Tribune|author=Jon Bream|date=October 13, 2015|access-date=July 22, 2023}}
- dance-pop{{cite magazine|url=https://www.altpress.com/interview_owl_city_on_collaborations_edm_and_his_new_record/|title=Interview: Owl City on collaborations, EDM and his new record|magazine=Alternative Press|author=Evan Lucy|date=August 9, 2012|access-date=April 17, 2024}}
- electronica
- indietronica
- synth-pop
}}
| label =
| current_member_of = Owl City
| past_member_of = {{flatlist|
}}
| website = {{URL|https://ayoungscores.com}}
}}
}}
Adam Randal Young (born July 5, 1986){{cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/new-owl-city-album-powered-by-fireflies-hitmaker-s-wholesome-owatonna-life/495209631/|title=New Owl City album powered by 'Fireflies' hitmaker's wholesome Owatonna life|website=Star Tribune|author=Chris Riemenschneider|date=October 6, 2018|access-date=July 14, 2023}} is an American singer-songwriter and musician. He is best known as the founder and sole member of electronica project Owl City. Outside of Owl City, Young has recorded music under different musical projects, most notably Port Blue and Sky Sailing.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/adam-young-mn0002045216/biography|title=Adam Young Biography by Andrew Leahey|website=AllMusic|author=Andrew Leahey|access-date=June 13, 2023}} In addition to these works, Young was part of the electronica band Swimming With Dolphins and post-rock band Windsor Airlift.{{cite web|url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/AmbientBlueEP.asp|title=Swimming With Dolphins - Ambient Blue EP|website=Jesus Freak Hideout|author=Ben Cardenas|date=May 25, 2011|access-date=July 14, 2023}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.thatsmags.com/guangzhou/post/9789/interview-with-owl-city-s-adam-young|title=Interview with Owl City 's Adam Young|magazine=That's Magazine|author=Andrew Chin|date=May 8, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2023}}
Young has also collaborated with numerous musical artists such as Paul van Dyk, Chicane, Armin van Buuren, Schiller, Relient K, Jars of Clay, and Switchfoot. Young has composed music for brands such as Apple and Disney.
Early life
Young was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States on July 5, 1986. He was raised in Owatonna, Minnesota.{{cite web|last1=Kingkade|first1=Tyler|title=The one man show Owl City|url=http://www.iowastatedaily.com/ames247/article_5df22f91-e9c5-59f5-b8da-df77cfb4d4cf.html|publisher=Iowa State Daily|date=October 7, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201232947/https://iowastatedaily.com/ames247/article_5df22f91-e9c5-59f5-b8da-df77cfb4d4cf.html|archivedate=December 1, 2017|access-date=December 1, 2017}} He is the son of Joan Young and Randy Young.{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/owl-city-goes-back-to-school-for-halloween/106422508/|title=Owl City goes back to school for Halloween|website=Star Tribune|author=Chris Riemenschneider|date=October 31, 2010|access-date=July 15, 2023}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/owl-city-not-all-heroes-wear-capes-video-dad-fathers-day-7833920/|title=Owl City Dedicates 'Not All Heroes Wear Capes' Video to Dad for Father's Day: Watch|magazine=Billboard|author=Ashley Iasimone|date=June 16, 2017|access-date=December 17, 2023}} Growing up, he was raised as a Baptist.{{cite web|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/owl-citys-adam-young-prepares-for-new-album-refuses-to-let-fame-change-him.html|title=Owl City’s Adam Young Prepares for New Album, Refuses to Let Fame Change Him|website=The Christian Post|author=Emma Koonse|date=July 13, 2011|access-date=November 25, 2024}} He graduated from Owatonna Senior High School and then found work at a Coca-Cola shipping warehouse.{{cite news|last1=Sisario|first1=Ben|title=From Mom's Basement to the Top of the Chart|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/21/arts/music/21owl.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 1, 2017|date=November 20, 2009}} He later worked as a UPS truck driver working night shifts.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/10/30/owl-city-fireflies-interview/|title=Owl City: 'Fireflies' singer on sounding like the Postal Service and having a No. 1 single|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|author=Simon Vozick-Levinson|date=October 30, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2023}} He attended a community college for a general arts degree.{{cite web|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Owl_City_The_pop_emo_hitmaker_and_what_inspired_Fireflies/38825/p1/|title=Owl City: The pop emo hitmaker and what inspired "Fireflies"|website=Cross Rhythms|author=Tony Cummings|date=February 21, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2024}} He began composing melodies in his head while working, which he would then record in his studio in his parents' basement.{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/owl-city-goes-back-to-school-for-halloween/106422508/|title=Owl City goes back to school for Halloween|last=Riemenschneider|first=Chris|date=October 31, 2010|access-date=June 10, 2017|publisher=Star Tribune}}
Career
=2007–present: Owl City=
{{Main|Owl City}}
Young began uploading songs recorded in his parents' basement to MySpace, where he started to attract favorable attention for his music.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/owl-city-mn0001030695/biography|title=Owl City Biography by Andrew Leahey|website=AllMusic|author=Andrew Leahey|access-date=July 15, 2023}} He released his debut studio album, Maybe I'm Dreaming independently on March 17, 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/maybe-im-dreaming-mw0000805328|title=Maybe I'm Dreaming Review by Anthony Tognazzini|website=AllMusic|author=Anthony Tognazzini|access-date=July 15, 2023}} In February 2009, he signed with Universal Republic.{{cite web |url=http://www.crazedhits.com/owl-city-signs-to-universal-republic/ |title=Owl City Signs To Universal Republic |publisher=crazedhits.com |date=February 7, 2009 |access-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001930/http://www.crazedhits.com/owl-city-signs-to-universal-republic/ |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |url-status=usurped }} His second studio album, Ocean Eyes, was released on July 14, 2009, and spawned three singles, most notably "Fireflies".{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/electro-pop-act-owl-city-takes-off-with-fireflies-267847/|title=Electro-Pop Act Owl City Takes Off With Fireflies|magazine=Billboard|author=Jill Menze|date=August 4, 2009|access-date=July 15, 2023}} The song peaked at number one for two non-consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266734/rihannas-roulette-lands-in-hot-100s-top-10|title=Rihanna's 'Roulette' Lands In Hot 100's Top 10|author=Silvio Pietroluongo|magazine=Billboard|date=November 12, 2009|access-date=July 15, 2023}}{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|artist=Owl City|refname=RIAA|accessdate=July 15, 2023}} On June 14, 2011, he released his third studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful.{{cite web|url=http://www.christianrockrocks.com/2011/04/owl-city-pushes-back-new-album.html|title=Owl City Pushes Back New Album|publisher=Christian Rock Rocks|date=April 7, 2011|access-date=July 15, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304110856/http://www.christianrockrocks.com/2011/04/owl-city-pushes-back-new-album.html|archive-date=March 4, 2012}} His fourth studio album, The Midsummer Station, was released on August 17, 2012.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/the-midsummer-station/539497829|title=The Midsummer Station by Owl City|website=iTunes|access-date=July 15, 2023|archive-date=June 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601124713/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-midsummer-station/id539497829|url-status=live}} The album's lead single, "Good Time" featuring Carly Rae Jepsen, peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swifts-never-ever-fever-persists-at-no-1-on-hot-100-475355/|title=Taylor Swift's Never Ever Fever Persists At No. 1 On Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|author=Gary Trust|date=August 29, 2012|access-date=July 15, 2023}} He composed the song "When Can I See You Again?" on Disney's Wreck-It Ralph in 2012.{{cite web|url=http://blog.music.aol.ca/2012/10/05/owl-city-when-can-i-see-you-again-wreck-it-ralph|title=Owl City, 'When Can I See You Again' Audio Premiere: Adam Young Pens Song for Disney Soundtrack|website=AOL|author=Maggie Malach|date=October 5, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018083339/http://blog.music.aol.ca/2012/10/05/owl-city-when-can-i-see-you-again-wreck-it-ralph|archivedate=October 18, 2012|access-date=September 15, 2023}} He released his fifth studio album, Mobile Orchestra on July 10, 2015, which was his last album released under Republic Records before parting ways with the label in 2016.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.altpress.com/owl_city_reveals_new_album_mobile_orchestra/|title=Owl City reveals new album, 'Mobile Orchestra'|magazine=Alternative Press|date=May 11, 2015|access-date=July 15, 2023}} He subsequently released his next two albums, Cinematic (2018) and Coco Moon (2023) independently.{{cite web|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Cinematic_Releases/61451/p1/|title=Cinematic Releases|website=Cross Rhythms|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=July 15, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/CocoMoon.asp|title=Owl City — Coco Moon|author=Joel Zaloum|website=Jesus Freak Hideout|date=May 29, 2023|access-date=July 15, 2023}}
=2002–2009: Windsor Airlift=
{{Main|Windsor Airlift}}
In 2002, Young formed a pop-punk band with his childhood friends Anthony and Andy Johnson. Young was the group's drummer{{cite tweet|number=713047906492686337|user=windsorairlift|title=Shout out to our first drummer Adam, who spontaneously combusted on stage. @owlcity #wolfshirt #sometal|date=March 24, 2016}} and they released their debut EP, The Basement on April 25, 2003.{{Cite instagram|user=windsorairlift|postid=l2hqR3OKsu|title=April 25, 2003 - Our first release as #windsorairlift #thebasementep #archives|date=March 22, 2014}} The group would perform shows at local churches, as well as competing in the Steele County's Battle of the Bands competition in 2003.{{cite web|url=https://www.southernminn.com/scene/music/owl-city-beginnings/article_62a84cc7-3684-5453-8537-8fe32dd5c1f5.html|title=Owl City Beginnings|website=SouthMinn.com|publisher=Faribault Daily News|author=Autumn Van Ravenhorst|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=November 13, 2024}} He has been credited on several releases with the band, most notably: Selections for a Fallen Soldier Vol. 2, Ocean City Park, Hotels and Beneath the Crystal Waves.{{cite web|url=https://windsorairlift.bandcamp.com/|title=Windsor Airlift - Bandcamp|website=Bandcamp|access-date=December 27, 2023}} Young departed the band in 2009 to focus on Owl City.{{cite web |accessdate=January 16, 2024 |author=Derek Sullivan |date=April 18, 2012 |publisher=Faribault Daily News |title=Announcement of Windsor Airlift's April homecoming concert |url=http://www.southernminn.com/owatonna_peoples_press/news/local/article_a9305134-fd6f-5599-8e93-b29ab1b2208d.html |website=SouthernMinn.com}}
=2006–2011: Sky Sailing=
Sky Sailing is a musical project created by Adam Young and began in 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sky-sailing-mn0002480647/biography|title=Sky Sailing Biography by Heather Phares|author=Heather Phares|website=AllMusic|access-date=April 25, 2023}} Young wrote and recorded Sky Sailing's songs while he was still a metalworker living with his parents. Young recorded songs for An Airplane Carried Me to Bed in the summer of 2007 before Owl City broke out into the mainstream.{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/29z3pl/owl-citys-adam-young-calls-sky-sailing-project-a-dream-come-true|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426195317/https://www.mtv.com/news/29z3pl/owl-citys-adam-young-calls-sky-sailing-project-a-dream-come-true|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2023|title=Owl City's Adam Young Calls Sky Sailing Project 'A Dream Come True'|website=MTV|author=James Montgomery|date=June 18, 2010|access-date=April 26, 2023}} Once Ocean Eyes became a commercial success in 2009, Young announced that he would re-launch the Sky Sailing project in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/133e9e/owl-citys-adam-young-re-emerges-as-sky-sailing|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426195319/https://www.mtv.com/news/133e9e/owl-citys-adam-young-re-emerges-as-sky-sailing|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2023|title=Owl City's Adam Young Re-Emerges As Sky Sailing|website=MTV|author=James Montgomery|date=May 6, 2010|access-date=April 27, 2023}} Young called the project, "darker, moodier, and much more organic" than Owl City and is a lot more acoustic.{{cite web|url=https://americansongwriter.com/writer-of-the-week-adam-young-sky-sailingowl-city/|title=Writer Of The Week: Adam Young (Sky Sailing/Owl City)|website=American Songwriter|author=Erin Carson|date=2 August 2010 |access-date=April 27, 2023}} Upon his return to Sky Sailing, Young uploaded two tracks on MySpace, "Brielle" and "I Live Alone".{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2010/05/owl-citys-adam-young-returns-sky-sailing/|title=Owl City's Adam Young Returns As Sky Sailing|website=NME|author=Luke McCormick|date=May 7, 2010|access-date=April 30, 2023}} On July 13, 2010, he released his debut album An Airplane Carried Me to Bed and was one of the most-downloaded new albums on the week it was released.{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/5567651/sky-sailing-an-airplane-carried-me-to-bed|title=Sky Sailing Flies Up The iTunes Chart With An Airplane Carried Me To Bed|website=Idolator|publisher=SpinMedia|author=Robbie Daw|date=July 16, 2010|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240527043329/https://www.idolator.com/5567651/sky-sailing-an-airplane-carried-me-to-bed|archivedate=May 27, 2024|access-date=July 17, 2023}} The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 30.{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard 200 Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2010-07-31|access-date=April 25, 2023|magazine=Billboard}}
=2006–2013: Port Blue=
In 2006, Young formed an instrumental and ambient music project called Port Blue, creating electronic-based songs that he has described as "dreamscapes".{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/port-blue-mn0001494292/biography|title=Port Blue Biography by Timothy Monger|first=Timothy|last=Monger|website=AllMusic|access-date=2023-07-14}} The musical project was inspired by Saxon Shore, Unwed Sailor, Helios, Boards of Canada, and The Album Leaf.{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1832842|title=Adam Young (Owl City) - 08.02.10|website=AbsolutePunk.net|author=Keagan Ilvonen|date=2010-08-02|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20140320224140/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1832842|archivedate=2014-03-20|access-date=2023-07-15}}
On September 13, 2007, Young released his debut album as Port Blue, The Airship.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-airship-mw0001775231|title=Port Blue - The Airship|website=AllMusic|access-date=2023-07-14}}
On January 10, 2008, Young released an initial follow-up EP, The Albatross.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/albatross-mw0001789466|title=Port Blue - The Albatross EP|website=AllMusic|access-date=2023-07-14}}
In 2013, Young released his second EP, The Pacific, on his SoundCloud page.
=2008–2009: Swimming with Dolphins=
{{Main|Swimming With Dolphins (band)|l1=Swimming With Dolphins}}
In 2008, Young formed an electronica band along with Austin Tofte called Swimming With Dolphins.{{cite web|url=https://www.louderthanthemusic.com/document.php?id=1912|title=Swimming with Dolphins Prepare For Full-Length Debut Water Colors|website=louderthanthemusic.com|date=2010-12-29|access-date=2023-07-20}}
On September 2, 2008, Young and Tofte released their debut EP, Ambient Blue. Young produced the EP, which would be the only release on which he was featured.{{cite web|url=https://www.louderthanthemusic.com/artist.php?id=517|title=Louder Than The Music - Swimming With Dolphins|website=louderthanthemusic.com|access-date=2023-07-14}}
In 2009, Young left the band to focus on Owl City.{{cite web|url=https://www.louderthanthemusic.com/product.php?id=487|title=Swimming With Dolphins - Water Colours|website=louderthanthemusic.com|author=Rich Smith|access-date=2023-07-14}}
=2015–2016: Adam Young Scores=
On December 18, 2015, Young announced that he would be focusing on a new project titled "Adam Young Scores".{{cite web |url=http://www.owlcitymusic.com/2015/12/18/adam-young-scores-coming-2016/ |title=Adam Young Scores coming 2016 |date=December 18, 2015 |website=Owlcitymusic.com |access-date=November 29, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025130102/http://www.owlcitymusic.com/2015/12/18/adam-young-scores-coming-2016/ |archive-date=October 25, 2016 }} During each month of 2016, he composed and recorded a score based on a subject of his choice, which is something he had wanted to accomplish for a long time.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7262929/owl-city-adam-young-film-score-month|title=Owl City's Adam Young Is Creating a Film Score a Month For One Year |last=Newman |first=Melinda |date=March 3, 2016|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 14, 2016}} Young stated he was originally inspired by the music from Disney films that made him want to create scores of his own. In reflection of this discussion, each song, 10 scores, were all based on historical events that impacted Adam Young in some manner over the time of his entire career as a musical artist and personal lifetime. On February 1, 2016, the first score, Apollo 11, which is based on the Apollo 11 mission, was released on Young's "Adam Young Scores" website.{{cite web|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Adam_Young_The_Owl_City_synth_pop_man_launches_conceptual_film_scores/57583/p1/|title=Adam Young: The Owl City synth pop man launches conceptual film scores|website=Cross Rhythms|author=Tony Cummings|date=February 1, 2016|access-date=June 16, 2023}} He released his second score, RMS Titanic on March 1, 2016, which is based on the sinking of the Titanic.{{cite web|url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/RMSTitanic.asp|title=Adam Young Scores - RMS Titanic|website=Jesus Freak Hideout|author=Mark Rice|date=March 18, 2016|access-date=July 14, 2023}} His third score, The Spirit of St. Louis, was released on April 1, 2016 and is about Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight from New York to Paris.{{cite web|url=https://www.kpcc.org/show/the-frame/2016-04-28/adam-young-makes-a-fictional-film-score-for-the-spirit-of-st-louis|title=Adam Young makes a fictional film score for 'The Spirit of St. Louis'|access-date=July 14, 2023}} The Ascent of Everest was released on May 1, 2016, as Young's fourth score. The score is based on the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition and stated that the success of the expedition inspired him to create the score.{{cite web|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Everest_Ascent/58221/p1/|title=Adam Young tackles Everest on latest imagined film score|website=Cross Rhythms|date=May 10, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2023}} On June 1, 2016, he released his fifth score, Omaha Beach.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/omaha-beach-original-score/1115333970|title=Omaha Beach (Original Score) - Adam Young|website=Apple Music|access-date=July 16, 2023}} He released his sixth score, Miracle in the Andes on July 1, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/fr/album/miracle-in-the-andes-original-score/1125500354?l=en-GB|title=Miracle in the Andes (Original Score) - Adam Young|website=Apple Music|access-date=July 16, 2023}} On August 1, 2016, he released his seventh score, Project Excelsior.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/project-excelsior-original-score/1135917266|title=Project Excelsior (Original Score) - Adam Young|website=Apple Music|access-date=July 16, 2023}} He released his eighth score, Corduroy Road on September 1, 2016 and is based on the American Civil War.{{cite web|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/American_Civil_War/58938/p1/|title=Latest Adam Young imagined film soundtrack inspired by the American Civil War|website=Cross Rhythms|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2023}} On October 1, 2016, he released his ninth score, Voyager 1 which is based on the first Voyager program launched by NASA in 1977.{{cite web|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Voyager_1/59076/p1/|title=Space probe inspires latest Adam Young album|website=Cross Rhythms|date=October 3, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2023}} He released his tenth score, Mount Rushmore on November 1, 2016 and was inspired by the carved sculptures of four US presidents in Mount Rushmore.{{cite web|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Mount_Rushmore/59280/p1/|title=Latest Adam Young imagined filmscore released|website=Cross Rhythms|date=November 1, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2023}} The Endurance was released on December 1, 2016 as the eleventh and final score. It is based on Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1914.{{cite web|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Endurance/59467/p1/|title=Adam Young continues his imagined film soundtrack releases with 'The Endurance'|website=Cross Rhythms|date=December 1, 2016|access-date=July 16, 2023}}
=Other side projects and collaborations=
Young recorded music under the name Insect Airport. He has also done multiple screamo projects such as Aquarium and Novel,{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/owl-city-the-tornado-screamo-reaction/|title=People React to Screamo Part in New Owl City Song|website=Loudwire|author=Ryan Reichard|date=April 21, 2023|access-date=June 25, 2023}} as well as played drums for a band called Isle.{{cite web|url=https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/tidbits/owl-citys-adam-young-used-be-drummer-screamo-band|title=Owl City's Adam Young used to be the drummer in a screamo band|website=Coup de Main|author=Shahlin Graves|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=June 25, 2023}} Young has experimented with comedy rap projects such as Charlton Heston and the Blast Beats, the Wellington Giggle-Bomb Experience and Apes with Guns. In 2004, he formed an electronic project called The Atlantic with Andy and Tony Johnson and released the album, I'll Set Out on an Ocean Voyage.{{cite web|url=http://www.purevolume.com/TheAtlantic|title=The Atlantic on PureVolume|website=PureVolume|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20140320224146/http://www.purevolume.com/TheAtlantic|archivedate=March 20, 2014|access-date=July 21, 2023}} In 2015, Young released an album titled, Mr. Wolf Is Dead, under the name Color Therapy.{{cite web|url=https://owlcity.com/color-therapy|title=Owl City - Color Therapy|website=owlcity.com|access-date=December 27, 2023}} Other lesser known projects Young has created include, Dolphin Park, Keehar, The Grizzly and Seagull Orchestra.{{cite web|url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/artists/OwlCity.asp|title=Jesus Freak Hideout Artist Page - Owl City|website=Jesus Freak Hideout|access-date=December 27, 2023}}
Young was featured on the single "Middledistancerunner" by English electronic musician Chicane and was released on July 30, 2010.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/middledistancerunner-feat-adam-young-ep/385272267|title=Middledistancerunner (feat. Adam Young) - EP by Chicane|website=Apple Music|access-date=July 21, 2023}} He also worked with Dutch producer Armin van Buuren, appearing on a track called "Youtopia" which was released as a single on November 28, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/jfe5kw/owl-city-armin-van-buuren-build-youtopia-together|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324220350/https://www.mtv.com/news/jfe5kw/owl-city-armin-van-buuren-build-youtopia-together|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 24, 2023|title=Owl City, Armin Van Buuren Build 'Youtopia' Together|website=MTV|author=Akshay Bhansali|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=July 21, 2023}} In 2012, he was featured on the single "Eternity" by Paul van Dyk.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/eternity-feat-adam-young-single/897964551|title=Eternity (feat. Adam Young) - Single by Paul van Dyk|website=Apple Music|access-date=July 21, 2023}} In 2013, Young worked with Apple in creating some of their ringtones and system alerts on the iOS 7.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-10-21-owl-city-s-adam-young-says-he-created-ios-7-s-sounds.html|title=Owl City's Adam Young says he created iOS 7's sounds|website=Engadget|author=Michael Grothaus|date=October 21, 2013|access-date=September 15, 2023}} In 2015, Young co-wrote and co-produced the single "Mr. Heartache" by Sekai no Owari which appeared on their fourth studio album, Lip.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/j-pop-end-of-the-world-sekai-no-owari-american-debut-7476237/|title=J-Pop Group End of the World Talks English-Language Album & More Before Live American Debut|magazine=Billboard|author=Fred Bronson|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2024}} In 2018, Didrick released the single "Ready to Fly" which featured guest vocals from Young.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/owl-city-adam-young-didrick-ready-to-fly-monstercat-instinct-8093233/|title=Didrick & Adam Young of Owl City Are 'Ready To Fly' With Debut Release on Monstercat's Instinct Imprint: Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|author=David Rishty|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=July 21, 2023}} Young sang a cover of "Gone" by Switchfoot and was released on September 15, 2023, on the deluxe edition of The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/switchfoot-jon-bellion-beautiful-letdown-our-version-1234801105/|title=Hear Jon Bellion Transform Switchfoot's Millennial Grunge Angst into Orchestral Pop|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Kory Grow|date=August 4, 2023|access-date=August 11, 2023}}
Musical styles and influences
Young has experimented with different genres of music.{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2010/8/26/20136997/owl-city-just-one-outlet-for-musician-s-creativity|title=Owl City just one outlet for musician's creativity|author=Scott Iwasaki|website=Deseret News|date=August 26, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2024}} His music under Owl City has been described as dancepop, electronica and synthpop. Comparisons have been made to the Postal Service for its combination of fuzzy synths and ironic lyrics.{{Cite news|last=Westhoff|first=Ben|title=Owl City: The Latest In A Long Line Of Rip-Offs|url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/2009-10-29/music/owl-city-the-latest-in-a-long-line-of-rip-offs/|newspaper=Dallas Observer|date=October 28, 2009|access-date=January 22, 2024|archive-date=December 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218185245/http://www.dallasobserver.com/2009-10-29/music/owl-city-the-latest-in-a-long-line-of-rip-offs}} Young also incorporates faith into his music,{{cite web|url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/aprilweb-only/adamyoung-april10.html|title=Owls, Fireflies, and Jesus|website=Christian Today|author=Mark Moring|date=April 20, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2024}} as well as experimenting with EDM.{{cite web|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/owl-city-already-working-on-new-album/10335832|title=Owl City Already Working on New Album @ARTISTdirect|author=Maggie Pannacione|website=ArtistDirect|date=December 11, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420110152/http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/owl-city-already-working-on-new-album/10335832|archivedate=April 20, 2013|access-date=January 22, 2024}} He cites Mark Schultz and Nichole Nordeman as Christian influences for his music.{{cite web|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/interview-owl-citys-adam-young-and-how-his-music-comes-from-god.html|title=Interview: Owl City's Adam Young and His God-Inspired Music|website=The Christian Post|author=Josephine Vivaldo|date=25 June 2011 |access-date=January 28, 2023}} Young stated he was inspired by dance music and listens to a lot of trance DJs.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/owl-city-wants-ellie-goulding-collab-says-next-album-will-be-edgy-473843/|title=Owl City Wants Ellie Goulding Collab, Says Next Album Will Be 'Edgy'|magazine=Billboard|author=Sarah Maloy|date=December 5, 2012|access-date=January 22, 2024}} He cites early influence from Dashboard Confessional. He also took inspiration from movie soundtracks and film scores{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jan/28/owl-city-adam-young-fireflies|title=Owl City: Shy, retiring and No 1 everywhere|author=Mike Atkinson|website=The Guardian|date=January 28, 2010|access-date=January 22, 2024}} which later inspired him to create scores of his own in 2016. He cited the 2003 film Finding Nemo as what inspired him to make music. Lyrically, he takes inspiration from reading the dictionary which allows him to "dream up an entire scenario or 'world' around it."
His side project Sky Sailing has been described as acoustic with fewer electronic elements compared to Owl City. He has also created instrumental and ambient music projects such as Port Blue and Color Therapy, with the former being influenced from bands like Unwed Sailor, Boards of Canada and Hammock. He played pop punk music with the band Windsor Airlift before they shifted their sound to post-rock. His music under the names Aquarium and Novel were described as screamo. His drumming for the band Isle was influenced by the bands Botch, Pelican, Neurosis and Isis.{{Cite web |date=2010-08-05 |title=Owl City guy likes Botch, Neurosis & Mogwai, hates self |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/owl-city-guy-li/ |website=BrooklynVegan}}
Awards and nominations
Young's album Ocean Eyes was nominated for Top Dance/Electronic Album of the Year at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/full-2011-billboard-music-awards-finalists-list-472097/|title=Full 2011 Billboard Music Awards Finalists List|magazine=Billboard|date=April 12, 2011|access-date=February 10, 2023}} "When Can I See You Again?", a song he composed for the 2012 film Wreck It Ralph, was nominated for Best Original Song at the Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards in 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/awards/industry/les-miserables-leads-phoenix-film-critics-nominations-42519/|title=Les Miserables Leads Phoenix Film Critics Nominations|website=IndieWire|author=Peter Knegt|date=December 12, 2012|access-date=July 14, 2023}} He was a recipient for the Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in a Feature Production in 2013.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/02/annie-awards-2013-winners-list-animated-movies-416950/|title=Annie Awards: 'Wreck-It-Ralph' Wins 5 Including Feature, Robot Chicken 'DC Comics Special' TV, 'Paperman' Best Short|website=Deadline|author=Dominic Patten|date=February 2, 2013|access-date=January 13, 2024}}
Personal life
Young is a devout Christian and has stated that his faith is the only thing more important to him than music.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/juneweb-only/brightbeautiful-june14.html|title=Q & A: Owl City|last=Moring|first=Mark|date=June 14, 2011|access-date=June 10, 2017|magazine=Christianity Today}} He still lives in Owatonna, Minnesota.{{cite web |title=Owl City's Adam Young Chooses Owatonna Over L.A. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/owl-citys-adam-young-chooses-owatonna-over-l-a/ |website=CBS News |access-date=12 February 2024 |date=27 July 2012}}{{cite web |last1=Riemenschneider |first1=Chris |title=New Owl City album powered by 'Fireflies' hitmaker's wholesome Owatonna life |url=https://www.startribune.com/new-owl-city-album-powered-by-fireflies-hitmaker-s-wholesome-owatonna-life/495209631/#:~:text=Adam%20Young%20is%20still%20living,his%20parents%20and%20their%20church.&text=Of%20course%20he%20still%20remembers,10%20years%20ago%20this%20year. |website=Star Tribune |access-date=12 February 2024 |date=6 October 2018}} He describes himself as introverted and believes he has symptoms of Asperger syndrome. However, he has not been officially diagnosed.{{cite web|last=Fischer|first=Reed|date=August 22, 2012|title=Owl City's reclusive Adam Young opens up - City Pages|url=http://www.citypages.com/music/owl-citys-reclusive-adam-young-opens-up-6761494|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212124355/http://www.citypages.com/music/owl-citys-reclusive-adam-young-opens-up-6761494|archive-date=February 12, 2020|access-date=June 10, 2017|website=City Pages}} Young enjoys photography and considers himself to be an amateur photographer.{{cite web|url=http://adamrandal.com/about|title=Adam Randal Photography - About|website=adamrandal.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420230011/http://adamrandal.com/about|archivedate=April 20, 2012|access-date=July 14, 2023}}
Discography
as Owl City
{{main|Owl City discography}}
- Maybe I'm Dreaming (2008)
- Ocean Eyes (2009)
- All Things Bright and Beautiful (2011)
- The Midsummer Station (2012)
- Mobile Orchestra (2015)
- Cinematic (2018)
- Coco Moon (2023)
Adam Young Scores
- Apollo 11 (2016)
- RMS Titanic (2016)
- The Spirit of St. Louis (2016)
- The Ascent of Everest (2016)
- Omaha Beach (2016)
- Miracle in the Andes (2016)
- Project Excelsior (2016)
- Corduroy Road (2016)
- Voyager 1 (2016)
- Mount Rushmore (2016)
- The Endurance (2016)
as Port Blue
- The Airship (2007)
as Sky Sailing
as Color Therapy
- Mr. Wolf is Dead (2015)
{{main|Swimming With Dolphins (band) #Discography}}
- Ambient Blue (2008)
with Windsor Airlift
{{main|Windsor Airlift #Discography}}
- Selections for a Fallen Soldier (2003)
- Moonfish Parachutist (2004)
- Selections for a Fallen Soldier Vol. 2 (2004)
- Qui! (2005)
Other appearances
References
{{reflist}}
{{Owl City}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Young, Adam}}
Category:American male drummers
Category:American electronic musicians
Category:American male pop singers
Category:American multi-instrumentalists
Category:American synth-pop musicians
Category:Drummers from Minnesota
Category:Christians from Minnesota
Category:People from Ottumwa, Iowa
Category:People from Owatonna, Minnesota
Category:Singers from Minnesota
Category:Songwriters from Iowa