Wild Youth's new single, Champagne Butterflies is out now! We chat to member Conor O'Donohoe about the release and more!
Image: Supplied.
Irish band Wild Youth are ringing in the new year with the release of their new banger, Champagne Butterflies. The bedroom alt-pop track navigates the positive feelings someone can ignite within you, that only this person can make you feel.
Building up to a massive sing-a-long chorus, the vibrant track continues the tone the band have set on their previous releases, with a euphoric spin. Complete with gorgeous melodies and deft lyricism, Champagne Butterflies sees the four-piece at their best, ready to conquer the world in 2021. The song feels like something you'd expect from The 1975 if they forayed into pure pop.
The track follows up their latest single, Through The Phone which came at a time in the worlds history where we can’t physically connect with each other, relying on technology such as phones to connect with loved ones. The track is full of vibrant acoustic guitars and energetic pop sounds that build to an anthemic chorus.
Homegrown, humble fun is the main preoccupation of the Irish quartet, comprised of lead vocalist David Whelan, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conor O'Donohoe, lead guitarist Ed Porter and drummer Callum McAdam. Having toured with and gained support from the likes of Niall Horan and The Script, Wild Youth are proving to be one of the most exciting up and coming acts.
Champagne Butterflies is out now! Read our full interview with Wild Youth below!
Tell us a bit about how you each began your musical journey and how the band formed…
We’ve all loved and played music for as long as we can remember. Dave and I have been best friends since we were kids so we always played music together and we very luckily then met Edward and Callum
Your new track Champagne Butterflies is a banger! It navigates the positive feelings someone can ignite within you, that only this person can make you feel. What inspired you to write the track?
It was actually inspired by not being with anyone, and the want of feeling that magical moment when you meet the one. I’ve now felt that feeling recently, and it’s exactly how the song describes it.
Will we be seeing a music video for the track and can you give us any hints on what to expect?
Yes. It’s the four of us uncomfortably dancing in front of a green screen. Who wouldn’t wanna see that, right?
If Champagne Butterflies was a piece of visual art, which artwork would it be?
Four Rainbows Over Niagara Falls by Albert Bierstadt.
Your track Through The Phone came at a time in the worlds history where we can’t physically connect with each other, relying on technology such as phones to connect with loved ones. What messages do you hope listeners take away from Through The Phone?
That as hard as it is that we can’t see each other, to remember there are so many ways to show love now. Like through the phone.
How did you arrive at the sonic sounds present throughout your releases to create your signature Wild Youth sound?
I think we’ve hunted down our sound on this EP, and now we’ve developed to a place we’re really happy with. I do really hope we will always evolve and change.
Could you tell us a bit about your creative process when writing and recording songs?
Yes, it can come in so many different ways. At the piano, a song title, in the studio or just vocal melodies on my voice notes.
You’ve toured with Niall Horan, playing some massive shows! What was the most valuable piece of advice and wisdom he imparted to you whilst on the road?
Just to always remain professional, to always give 100% in every show. To always remain humble, thankful and hard working and write good songs ha.
Will you be dropping a full length release this year? And what can fans expect from your future releases?
An EP for sure, maybe an album.
What has been the most challenging part about creating music during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Studio dates being moved around, people cancelling sessions. Just not knowing what is going to be happening in the world every week, and not being able to play shows.
The current pandemic has obviously put a halt to touring and performing live, what are your touring plans post pandemic. What can people expect from a Wild Youth live show and do you hope to visit Aussie shores when able to do so?
It’s gonna be so long, we won’t want to leave the shows. A progression of visuals, lots of new music. Honestly Niall speaks so highly of Australia he always tells me about touring there. I can’t wait to visit it and to play a show would be a dream.
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Prince.
Dream collaboration?
Tame Impala.
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Very open minded.
Best song of 2020?
Blinding Lights by The Weeknd.
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Doing That Thing You Do.
The most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
Electric Picnic 2019.
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Freedom Flight by Shuggie Otis.
Best concert you have been to?
The 1975.
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
That’s so hard, Hannah Montana was my crush.
Last concert you went to?
The 1975.
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Clumsy Spice.
Guilty music pleasure?
The Greatest Showman soundtrack.
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
The Weeknd, BTS, Arctic Monkeys or Bruno Mars.
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry?
Ever ? The Beatles.
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
To chill and that shows will come back haha.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
The moment I was a kid and saw The Script on MTV.