An Interview with the Indie Newcomer: Youth

Last Monday I had the pleasure to interview a next upcoming indie artist and singer, his name is Darren Mulrooney from Newfoundland, Canada.
He describes his hometown as a ''very isolated yet picturesque island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean'', which inspires him in a lot of his work.

Recently he has released a new album called “Unscathed”, which is a good mixture of grunge and indie sound.

Why ‘’Youth’’? Is there a story behind it?

 ''I went through a few names before landing on YOUTH. But it's just a reminder to stay young, I think youth is important. It's a stage in life we always long for when we feel we no longer have it in us. So I always try and make time for doing the things that make me feel as if I haven't grown into someone who has any regret.''

When did your musical journey start? What does music mean to you?

''I think my musical spark began my first time going to any sort of local scene with my friend Max. There were bands from St. John's playing called "Sleepy" and "Bleu" and I was completely hooked! seeing that everyone was digging it so much really encouraged me to start playing music and it made me realize  their was like minded individuals out there who enjoyed music as much as I did. It was quite a cool moment for me.''

As an upcoming artist, you give out a pretty ‘’self-made’’ image, is it so? Are you the mastermind behind every song and video? If not, who are the people behind helping you create everything?

''I write, record, and produce everything you hear on the albums. I also piece together the videos and I owe a lot of credit to my friends for sometimes letting me borrow some of their instruments (thanks Brett and Ian) the entire "Peace" album I played on my friends Left handed Strat which I had to learn how to play upside down. But it was the only guitar I had at the time so I just did what I had to.''

Album cover ''Unscathed''

Your sound is a mixture of grunge, melancholy and 60s vibes, not to forget that some of your last releases like ‘’Hippy’’ or ‘’Peace’’ remind of that era. What is that about? Would you say that you feel connected to the past, or is it just a source of inspiration for you?

''In terms of my sound I think that a lot of it stems from the fact that I'm very much in love with bands like Nirvana, My Bloody Valentine, Beck, anything from the 90s I've REALLY identified with. Most of the music I listen to is from the past. But I also really dig modern bands like Mac Demarco and the Growlers, which remind me of that 60s style.. And their melodies are just amazing and really stay with me. They definitely serve as major inspiration to me.'' 

 Not only some of your songs have a rather melancholic tone to it or have clear titles like ‘’Seaside Suicide’’, but you are also pretty vocal on your social media about mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Would you say that you suffer from those? Is it a source of inspiration in a way? What do you think about talking about mental health in the public?

''I think we all suffer from these illnesses at some point in our lives. Some more deeply then others but it's something we cant deny or turn our attention away from. Music has always served as an escape for me and for the most part when I'm feeling down I'll usually play my guitar and a lot of how I'm feeling at the moment tends to come out of me sonically. But it's a way of progressing onto the next day for me. I'm open about it on social media because I want to remind people that they are not alone.''

You have already made the big step of signing to a music label, what was it like to sing to Moonbus Records? How has this changed your career?

''Bryan from Moonbus Approached me this past summer and I thought it would be the perfect fit. They have a very DIY attitude and I really dig the artists they have on the label. I think what him and his Girlfriend Emily are doing is fantastic, they're very much involved in the Art scene in California and they're both doing what the love, VERY cool individuals. It was a great boost of confidence, I'm taking a more serious approach to things musically now and it has given me a lot more exposure, I'm very grateful for the opportunity.''

As Bash is not only about indie music but also about alternative fashion, what do you think about clothing? As this is usually really important in the music industry, do you really care about image and having a certain look?

''I love clothing, I'd feel so naked without it..  although I dress like I'm homeless. All of my jeans have holes in them and I'll only ever buy clothes second hand. But Ive come across a lot of hot hot items. MANY fuzzy cardigans, plenty 70's esque style t-shirts. I think people had better taste back then.''

What are your hopes for the future? Do you have expectations and goals, or do you much rather prefer to go with the flow?

''At the moment I'm sort of going with the flow. I'm getting a lot of offers to play shows across Canada and the States and would just love to play some more live. Potentially playing in Anahiem on December 29th, have to work out some things financially but things are good at the moment and am excited to see what next year will bring.''

We wish Youth an amazing future and great success with his upcoming career, you can follow his journey on Instagram and buy his new album on Bandcamp

Who do you want to see next on Bash Magazine, let me know in the comments!