Interview: Owl City
In a very short time it seems that Owl City has polarized the masses. Half of you are all about his lovey-dovey, auto-tuned pop songs and half of you could do without. And, surprise! Buzzgrinder’s got some of both. So you can duke it out in the comments if you want. That’s half the reason I took the energy to get this interview. I know, I love you guys so much.
So read on if you would like to see what Mr. Adam Young thinks of ambient music and Gerard Way vs. David Bowie. And bacon.
I was surprised to find out how much of an ambient/post-rock fan you are. Do you ever think of making an instrumental record in that vein?
It’s funny you should mention it. I write a lot of ambient music in a solo project by the name of Port Blue which is largely inspired by bands like Unwed Sailor, Boards of Canada and Hammock. I love the idea of creating wordless abstract music without telling a listener specifically what to think or how to feel. It feels limitless because you can go anywhere, do anything or be anyone in your mind. You can let your imagination go and there’s no telling where it might take you. I find my escape in instrumental soundscapes and I definitely plan on writing and releasing more records under Port Blue. It’s very dreamy stuff.
Why do you write about beaches and the ocean when you’re from a land-locked state? Wishful thinking?
Absolutely. I grew up in the midwest so most of my daydreams revolved around faraway places, the ocean being the most interesting to me. I’d never flown on an airplane or stood on either coast up until a few months ago and both experiences have proven to be even more inspiring than I’d imagined. I probably spend way too much time lost in wishful thinking but there are so many places I’ve never been, people I’ve never met, things I’ve never experienced… sometimes I’m afraid I’m missing out on something wonderful, you know? I mean, I couldn’t be more grateful for who I am or where I’m at in life, but it’s the “great unknown” that fascinates me.
Is there a real girl that you’re singing these songs to? An old high school flame, perhaps?
Haha, yeah. I met the most charming girl imaginable when I was in high school and most of my “cozy” songs are about her. She moved away to college for a few years and we kind of lost touch. She and I recently started talking to each other again and life has a way of reshaping sometimes. I’m absolutely crazy about her.
Do you like all the Postal Service comparisons? I’m hearing more hellogoodbye, but maybe that’s just me.
It was never the intention or the initial concept of the band to remind people of The Postal Service, but it’s proven to do just that and I take it as a total compliment. The idea of my music being likened to a Ben Gibbard side-project is a pretty honoring thing.
Do you tour with a live band, or is it just you up there pushing all the buttons?
Matt plays drums, Breanne sings and plays piano, Laura plays violin, Hannah plays cello and I play synth and guitar. I’d hate to tour without them. Best bunch of friends you could ask for.
Top five things you are looking forward to on your fall US tour. Go.
01. Pizza
02. Miniature golf
03. Someone telling a stupid joke and me spitting coffee all over them
04. Pop
05. Awkward hotel bathrobes
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you like bacon?
I’d be lying if I said anything other than 1. I’m not really a fan of eating helpless little porkers.
Gerard Way vs. David Bowie. Who wins?
Bowie all the way.
11 Responses to “Interview: Owl City”
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On 08/20/09 11:11 AM, Jadyn said:
Owl City is fun.
Port Blue is a great listen as well. All around good stuff from this guy. -
On 08/20/09 7:21 PM, Cool dude said:
hello Seattle i am a blah blah blah!
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On 08/21/09 8:18 PM, 7'6 Ben Gibbard said:
Hey cool album, y you rippin’ my shit off. No for real it took forever for me to perfect this.
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On 08/23/09 1:17 AM, Jordan said:
The new album is actually really good. I didn’t really get into the older stuff because a lot of it sounded alike and the autotune drove me nuts.
However the new stuff is more diverse and the autotune is gone. Also Matt Thesien from Relient K sings on the CD which is rad.
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On 10/21/09 5:53 PM, Charlotte said:
Hey i just found out about ur songs from my friend. Your songs are just great i love them especially rainbow veins and Dear vienna!!! keep on rockin
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On 11/17/09 9:57 AM, Bella said:
This guy’s adorable but horribly wrong. Gerard Way all the way. Sheesh
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On 11/17/09 8:39 PM, cool said:
Before these guys became super popular, their music was pretty good, but after hearing “Hello Seattle” a million times, I have to admit, its rather annoying. The Postal Service/Ben Gibbard can never be compared to anyone by the way. I do agree on the David Bowie thing though. Bowie totally wins.
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On 11/23/09 9:31 PM, Melanie Cullen said:
i love him but…he doesnt like bacon? its never going to work between us.
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On 11/23/09 10:55 PM, 7'6 Ben Gibbard said:
for real man, whats next. horn rim glasses? are you trying to impress zoey? the other dude from postal service told me you called him ??!!! whats up
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On 11/24/09 9:12 AM, j said:
Man, this dude’s video is all over VH1 and MTV and I must say – it’s fucking atrocious. How can you even entertain for a second that this isn’t a complete Postal Service rip off? With some of the worst, most uninspired and cliche lyrics I’ve ever heard, no less. The Postal Service was cheesy, but could get by on the fact that it was tuneful and well-put together. This just reeks!! Yikes, that people could take this seriously.
You know it’s bad when Aaron Carter says you’ve written his new favorite song of all time.
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On 01/29/10 11:36 AM, Fresh, Yesh! » Owl City, Ocean Eyes (Deluxe Edition) said:
[...] Adam took to the basement and found several instruments and a computer sitting around and wa-la: Owl City was born. In the heyday of Myspace, which I think is now returning to its roots as a place for bands to [...]
