Youngster Year

It's time for another year-end countdown! On (approximately) the first anniversary of Youngster Year's most streamed episode, we continue the tradition with Youngster Yearly Volume Two. Enjoy this extra long, extra special bonus episode as we count down and play selections from five of my favorite albums of 2023, review the podcast's impressive analytics from this past year, discuss fo...

Listeners and critics alike have revered The Dwarves as some of the last true purveyors of punk -- and then, some have not. But there is one thing that everyone can agree on: having churned out an endless flow of unapologetic punk rock since the 1980s, The Dwarves have undoubtedly solidified themselves as a longstanding force to be reckoned with. The Dwarves have just released their latest record,...

Talk about "Holding Out On a Dream" -- Pensacola's Glazed Eyes have been nurturing their debut album of the same name since 2019. Finally, this Friday, it will be released to the world. Listen to this interview to get a better idea of what to expect from them, and to educate yourself on the history of this enduring local band. Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if Turnov...

Indie legends Built to Spill rode into town the weekend before last -- their first couple of shows back from an Australian run were spent with the fine people of Pensacola, Florida. I was fortunate to speak with singer/songwriter/guitarist Doug Martsch just after soundcheck for a brief crash course on all things Built to Spill, and the man did not disappoint. He is incredibly humble and kind, and...

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...

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 e...

Dirty Heads have by now solidified themselves as a true southern California staple group, with each release continuing to demonstrate their ability to effortlessly transcend genre. It seems the trick to their unique brand of artistry is to often create (and at times, reimagine) as an extension of an intended mood, without overthinking or taking things too seriously--a feat much easier said than do...

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 &quo...

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 stud...

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 fo...

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...

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...

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 thi...

Orange County’s own DIY band The Hashi are continuously staying busy, and in the best way possible. With a constant drive for learning and honing, the trio are a perfect representation of the supportive and tight-knit musical community from which they hail—a scene built on mutual support and a simple love of making music. Catch The Hashi at any of their upcoming September / October shows in the Or...

Is Teen Mortgage punk? Well, yes and no. Punk is in the eye of the beholder, and the spirit of the band is more about playing their music than fussing over labels anyway, which just feels right. Ed and James have been making music in the DC area for years, but Teen Mortgage is from everywhere, and their reach is just as wide. The new single from Teen Mortgage, “Tuning In,” is out everywhere on Aug...

Originally aired on Behind the Vinyl. Each time Tijuana Panthers release a new record, they often hear that same familiar statement: “this is your best record yet.” Many bands might hear this and feel as though they have arrived, while others use it as motivation to continue to outperform themselves. But Chad, Phil, and Dan seem unbothered by the phrase, perhaps from hearing it directed toward nea...

One of the many fantastic bands to come out of Australia’s famous Byron Bay, the boys in Flying Machine have set themselves apart with their driven yet easy-going style, and an eclectic flavor that by definition, cannot possibly be replicated. Their passionate and open approach toward the music they create is accompanied by an understanding of the necessity of community in their field. With a trie...

“Driven” is the first word that comes to mind when describing Mario’s approach to his music—in a sense, he must continue to create in order to stay sane. A true veteran of the DIY scene, MC has taken his talents to LA, where he will continue to innovate alongside likeminded artists who similarly stop at nothing to keep making music. This Middle American might be moving out west, but he isn’t going...

Originally aired on Behind the Vinyl. Joel has been involved in music quite literally his entire life, whether it’s been booking local shows, managing his best friends’ bands, or writing his own music and performing it with his friends. His approach to the world of music is a special one—in his mind, music is far too important to be left playing in the background and forgotten about. It deserves o...

One listen to the artful chaos of No Lungs yields an immediate assumption that there surely must be a group of talented musicians behind all that studio energy, but in reality, it's just one guy. Austin Cooper's recording project represents the true definition of DIY, and the chance to see him and the boys out on the road is truly something special. Their recent tour was cut short, but the spirit...

Originally aired on the Behind the Vinyl Podcast

Tacoma's finest: Enumclaw, are "kings of self promotion." Their debut EP, Jimbo Demo , has barely been out for a year, but they're already known across the nation, garnering positive reviews from KEXP, Pitchfork, and the like. Their list of achievements goes on, but their charm both on and off the stage speaks for itself.   After a nation-wide tour and several local gigs, they're heading back...

Originally aired on the Behind the Vinyl Podcast. A night drive can be anything you want it to be, from a moment of silent reflection to a loud night out with great music and better friends. And just like the title of the band's new album, the appeal of VHS Collection is universal: however you receive their music, you're doing it right. One discussion with guitarist Conor Cook reveals an immediate...

A conversation with Ron Gallo is a step into the unknown, and as far as anyone is concerned, a step in the right direction. The direction he takes with each album is impossible to guess, but nearly five years after his first solo release (and five years of experimentation), he is nearly returning once again to the sonic novelty of Heavy Meta in his infinite creative wisdom. But there is much more...