Youth – Artist focus and in-depth interviews
Ralph Beauchamp
Youth is the alter ego of the incredibly talented artist, songwriter and producer Eric Puckett. youth Recently released his second single “21 Ways My Life Is Great” which will appear on his upcoming EP. The song is really ambitious. It brings an infectious poppy feel with punk undertones. This melodious song explores romantic breakups in a truly unique way. The airy melody and groove-filled chorus hide a caustic tribute to a dysfunctional lover. Double Rhythm is simply beautiful. His debut single “Basement” is another killer track that proves once again youthPowerful songwriting and creative craftsmanship.
youth “21 Way” was co-written and produced with rock legend Carlo Colasacco. The two collaborated on countless electric tracks. youth He has also collaborated with famous artists such as Lit, Dashboard Confessional, Letdown, and Michigander. Additionally, he has shared the stage with The Misfits, Jimmy Eat World, and Panic! At the disco. “21 Ways” is an imaginative video co-directed by Nick Stafford (All Time Low/Boys Like Girls). The footage is fun and whimsical, but still has an edgy tone. youth Set to become 2024’s breakout artist and this summer’s biggest hit, 21 Ways.
youth It was a pleasure to spend this wonderful in-depth interview with AMP.
AMP: What made you want to be a musician?
teenage-hood: When I realized I couldn’t be a superhero. Once I understood that I couldn’t fly or be a Ninja Turtle, becoming a rock star was my next choice. I’ve always been drawn to music. I started playing guitar around eight, but because I was so active I was more into karate and stuff like that. In fact, I remember crashing that guitar into a tree. Around ten o’clock, I saved up my own money and bought a new guitar, and this time I stuck with it. I’ve never looked back.
AMP: You are a songwriter, producer and artist. How does everyone’s dynamic play out?
Youth: Well, first and foremost I am an artist. When the band I was growing up with got really far, I started getting into production. We actually showed some labels. It didn’t work out, but when the band broke up I started getting serious about songwriting just to hone my skills. After working with some outside producers, it seemed like a cool world to be in. All the while, I’m still working on my own projects.
A lot of the songs I wrote for myself ended up on other artists’ records. Even though I wear many hats, I write primarily for myself, but when another artist becomes interested in a track, I start tailoring it to their style of music, but it all really starts with me writing for myself .
AMP: You have worked with many top artists including Lit and Dashboard Confessional. How was that experience?
Youth: I grew up with bands like Lit and Dashboard, and working with them was a full circle moment. My first band actually did a cover of “My Own Worst Enemy.” The collaboration with Lit happened on a whim. I just moved to Nashville. My fiancé and I were shopping when we got a call from a friend who said, “I’m in a meeting with Lit and I pitched them an idea we had. They loved it and they need you over now. So, I even nervously No time. They were like my heroes growing up. put in the sun is one of my favorite albums.
I got there and did what I had to do, and it turns out they are these amazing people. We became good friends immediately. That song worked really well and then we made another one. We were six songs into it when they asked us if we wanted to finish the album with them. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. The same goes for the dashboard. I worked with Chris Carrabba and he was the best, which was refreshing. Sometimes you meet your idols and it’s not a great experience, but that wasn’t the case with Chris. He is a completely sincere artist. He is passionate about his craft.
AMP: Can you describe your creative process?
Youth: What a mess (laughs). Generally, I try to focus on the melody. Also, I try to write lyrics freely. Sometimes I would sit on a park bench or jog and jot down lyrics. I just let my mind wander. So, when I hear that cool melody, I can go through my list of lyrics and see if there are some matches. If I get excited about a melody, I want to take it to the next level and start demoing it. That’s how I actually got into production. I learned how to model my own ideas.
I specialize in recording vocals and guitar parts. As a Tom Petty fan, I was attracted by the simple approach he mastered to “don’t let us get bored, start singing a chorus.” Once the vocals and guitars are done, I start adding things. Working with other producers helped me find my own style and ultimately turn my insecurities into confidence.
AMP: Your new single “21 Ways My Life Is Great” has a cool poppy feel, but the lyrics are about the breakup of a relationship. Is this from real life experience?
Youth: Yes, it does! Not naming names, but here are some things in my life. Some breakup songs are still sad and lonely, but we (Carlo Colasaco) wanted this song to have a more ironic feel. Again, the melody came first and then we started discussing ideas. As usual, the song came out of nowhere. We blend in and use our collective experience to create tunes. That’s one of the benefits of collaboration, you can bounce ideas back and forth. This song is something that both of us have been through.
AMP: Speaking of Carlo Carrasco, you co-wrote and produced 21 Ways with him. How did that happen?
Youth: Carlo and I went a long time ago. Carlo was one of the first musicians I started working with when my band broke up. I would take the bus from Springfield, MA to New York City to work with him almost monthly. Soon this turned into a weekly excursion until I started slumping on his couch. Now he’s in Nashville, too. We haven’t stopped working together. In fact, we have a couple of songs by a new artist named Letdown who is currently charting on the Billboard charts.
AMP: The video for “21 Ways” is very bright and cheerful. Is it intentional?
Youth: It was inspired by films like Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” and Nirvana’s “In Bloom.” I love it when bands from the 90s film their versions against a 50s backdrop. I wanted something fun and sarcastic to fit the tone of the song. Plus, I love that a band like Foo Fighters doesn’t take filming too seriously.
In fact, we shot at Lit singer Ajay’s house, The Atomic Inn. Everything you see is true to that era. His wife and Ajay really decorated the place beautifully. It’s located in Nashville and anyone can rent it for video or photo shoots. They are constantly changing things around them. Additionally, they have another hanger on the back that can be used for other projects.
Nick Stafford co-directed the film with me. We really worked hard on the storyline. I also styled it. I chose all the costumes, and Gabby (my fiancé) and AJ’s wife were on set dressing them.
AMP: It turns out you’re from western Massachusetts. When and why moved to Nashville?
Youth: Why? Because I feel like I’ve hit my ceiling here in Western Massachusetts. There wasn’t a big songwriter scene there. There are great bands and live music in the area, but not much that I needed. I started traveling to Nashville every other month. Then once a month turned into twice a month, and the idea of moving to Nashville became an obsession. I’m excited about the alternative/rock scene that’s thriving here. I was preparing to move in 2019, but we all know what happened then. But in 2020, my fiancé and I decided to take the plunge. Now or never.
AMP: Are there any plans for an EP or full-length version?
Youth: I just released my second single. The third one will disappear in a few weeks. After the fourth song, I will release a 7-song EP with 3 unreleased songs. My goal is to drop it by the end of summer. In fact, I changed the next single to an acoustic one. I think “21 Methods” will be more suitable after that. That’s the beauty of being independent, you have complete control. My team and I always seem to be on the same page. This really helps.
AMP: What’s next for Youthyear?
Youth: music! Putting out new material and doing whatever I can to promote it, like making more videos. When the EP comes out, I’m thinking of doing two release concerts. One is in Nashville and the other is in Massachusetts. A fall tour is also in the works. Besides, I was totally ahead of the game. I’m already composing music for my next project.
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