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Owl City
Adam Young performing in 2009
Adam Young performing in 2009
Background information
OriginOwatonna, Minnesota, United States
GenresElectronica, synthpop
Years active2007–present
LabelsUniversal Republic
MembersAdam Young
Websiteowlcitymusic.com

Owl City is an American electronica musical project by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adam Young formed in 2007 in Owatonna, Minnesota. Young created the project while experimenting with music in his parents' basement. Owl City developed a following on the social networking site Myspace, like many musicians who achieved success in the late 2000s, before signing with Universal Republic in 2008.

After two independent releases, Owl City gained mainstream popularity with the 2009 major label debut album Ocean Eyes, which spawned the quadruple-platinum[1] hit single "Fireflies". The album was certified Platinum in the United States in April 2010.[1]

In 2011, Owl City released its third studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful.[2]

History

Early years (2007–2009)

Suffering from insomnia while working loading Coca-Cola trucks in his hometown Owatonna, Minnesota, Young turned to composing music.[3][4][5] Recording with a C-1 Behringer Microphone. Among the software that he began with was Reason from Propellerhead[6][7]. He began uploading songs recorded in his parents' basement to Myspace.[5][8] He started to receive favorable attention for his music and then helped cultivate this nascent fanbase by being an open and accessible web presence, responding to any messages he received and constantly posting blogs.[9] His manager Steve Burksy later highlighted the significance of Young's engaging online manner in building his following saying: "People feel like they know him, like they've got a direct connection to him because of how he approaches his connection with them online."[9] Through a deal with the digital aggregator CD Baby, he then started making the songs available for sale through iTunes.[9] In 2007, Owl City released an EP titled Of June, followed by the 2008 release of the album Maybe I'm Dreaming. Of June reached No. 15 on the Billboard Electronic Albums chart, and Maybe I'm Dreaming peaked on the same chart at No. 13.[10]

The viral phenomenon that was building through Myspace caught the attention of Universal Republic presidents Avery and Monte Lipman who approached Young with a view to signing the artist.[9] Republic recommended Young partner up with 27-year-old manager Steve Bursky of Foundations Artist Management and the two began working together in late 2008. When later asked by HitQuarters why the label chose him for a major label act given his relative inexperience, Burksy said:

"I think they saw Owl City as representing the future of our business. This idea of a kid in a tiny town in rural U.S. being able to make songs in his basement that sound like Top 40 radio could never have happened ten years ago. By hiring a young management company who understands the business circa 2011 over a seasoned industry vet, who might not understand the online spaces well, showed a lot of understanding of where this kid was going to end up having success."[9]

Owl City's label deal with Universal Republic was finally confirmed in February 2009.[11] According to Bursky there was initially some disagreement about the direction Owl City should follow, telling HitQuarters: "They were ready to send him into the studio with big producers and polish him up to try to become this thing that he wasn't. But we put our foot down and said, 'Look, the reason you signed this kid is because it’s working. Whatever it is about him - his music, his interaction with his fans, his brilliance in the online space - these things are connecting with people, and as soon as you change that you lose what’s special about this artist.' To their credit, they really listened and they got it."[9]

Ocean Eyes (2009–2010)

Ocean Eyes, Owl City's first full-length album and major label debut, was released on iTunes on July 14, 2009, with the physical release following on July 28, 2009. The album debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard 200. Owl City has released three official singles from this album: "Umbrella Beach", "Vanilla Twilight" and "Fireflies".[12] "Fireflies" topped the US and Canadian charts. Ocean Eyes reached the top ten on the US album charts, topped the US electronic charts, and also reached Amazon MP3's top 10 most downloaded album list. By April 2010, it was certified Platinum in the United States. On January 24, 2010, Owl City reached the No. 1 spot in the UK Top 40 Singles chart with "Fireflies". The song "Tidal Wave" also received significant airplay on Christian music radio stations.[13] On January 2, 2011, it was revealed "Fireflies" was the 20th most downloaded song of all time in the UK.[14]

Young was joined by Breanne Düren on several tracks; the most notable example of which is "The Saltwater Room". Owl City's live band consists of Breanne Düren (background vocals/keyboards), Casey Brown (drums), Laura Musten (violin), Hannah Schroeder (cello), and Daniel Jorgensen (vibes).[15] Relient K vocalist Matt Thiessen has toured and collaborated with Owl City on several tracks, including "Fireflies", where Matt can be heard providing the backup vocals. Young also produced Relient K's song "Terminals".

"Umbrella Beach" (2010)
Sample of the song "Umbrella Beach" from Owl City's third album Ocean Eyes.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Fireflies" was released as a free download on the game Tap Tap Revenge 3 by Tapulous. Prior to the July 14, 2009 internet release of Ocean Eyes, and the "Fireflies" single, Steve Hoover was hired as a director for a music video for "Fireflies". The video was to have had an exclusive premiere on MySpace,[16] but had been leaked onto YouTube and Dailymotion hours earlier. "Fireflies" became a big sleeper hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States for the week ending November 7, 2009.[17]

Owl City is featured on Soundtrack 90210 with a song titled "Sunburn", which was released on October 13, 2009.[18] Owl City has toured with The Scene Aesthetic, Lights, John Mayer, Maroon 5 and Brooke Waggoner. He was also guest featured in the soundtrack to Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland with a song entitled "The Technicolor Phase" that had already been featured in his debut album.[19]

In 2010, Young revealed a new musical project known as Sky Sailing, which moved away from his usual electronica genre of music and introduced acoustic guitar and piano accompaniments into his work. The unrefined tracks were recorded in the summer of 2007 before he began making music as Owl City.[20] His first album under this new project is entitled An Airplane Carried Me to Bed, and was released July 13, 2010 via iTunes.[21]

In May of 2010, Young collaborated with high-profile British electronic composer, producer, musician, and songwriter Nick Bracegirdle. Under his Chicane alias, Bracegirdle released the single "Middledistancerunner" on August 1, 2010 featuring Adam Young on vocals. This is the first single from the fourth Chicane album Giants. He also worked with famed Dutch producer Armin van Buuren, appearing on a track called 'Youtopia' from the van Buuren album Mirage. In September, "To the Sky" was officially released via iTunes on the soundtrack for Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole. On October 25, 2010, Young released a cover version of the praise and worship song "In Christ Alone" as a streaming MP3 on his website.[22][23]

In November 2010, a new album called Flight was released on iTunes for one of his other musical projects, Windsor Airlift.[24] A new Christmas single called "Peppermint Winter" was also released during that month.

All Things Bright and Beautiful (2010–2011)

Production on Young's third studio album began around mid-2010, with Young being announced as the executive producer of the album.[25][26] On October 18, Young wrote an entry on his blog regarding his third studio album, saying that the album was nearing completion.[27]

In February 2011, the title of the album was announced to be All Things Bright and Beautiful and that the album would be released on May 17. However, on April 6, Young released a statement on his website, along with lengthy previews of four of his songs (Dreams Don't Turn to Dust, Alligator Sky Featuring Shawn Chrystopher, Galaxies, and Deer in the Headlights), that the release date for All Things Bright and Beautiful would be pushed back to June 14.[28]

"Alligator Sky" (2011)
Sample of the song "Alligator Sky" from Owl City's fourth album All Things Bright and Beautiful, featuring Californian rapper Shawn Chrystopher.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Alligator Sky" was released as the lead single from the album on iTunes. Later that month and in early April, tickets went on sale for the All Things Bright and Beautiful World Tour,[29][30][31] and All Things Bright and Beautiful became available for preorder.[32] The song, "Galaxies" would be released as the second single from the album.

Owl City performing at the 9:30 club in Washington D.C in November 2011.

The music video for "Alligator Sky" would released on May 6th. Young discussed the concept in a making-of video posted on Owl City's VEVO account, "The concept is basically about these two guys who are leaving Earth. Rather than it being this very dark post-apocalyptic vibe, it's very optimistic, and so it's like people are excited to leave earth."[33]

"Deer in the Headlights", the third single from the album, was released on iTunes on May 23rd. In June of that year, All Things Bright and Beautiful was released on iTunes. Although only a few days prior on May 20, almost all of the album leaked onto the internet.[34] The music video for "Deer in the Headlights" was released. It features Young driving through the night in the DMC DeLorean featured from the Back to the Future trilogy. Canadian musician Lights also makes a cameo appearance during the video.

"Lonely Lullaby" was released as a single on iTunes, which was previously available only to Owl City Galaxy members, on July 19th. Young was interviewed in the August issue of Cliché Magazine. He also appeared on the cover of the magazine and the issue also featured some of Young's very own artwork. Later during the month of July at the Club Nokia concert in Los Angeles, Young announced that the concert was being filmed for a Live DVD. The recordng was eventually released on iTunes in November of 2011.[35]

The Midsummer Station (2011–present)

In Young's final tour dates of 2011, he performed a new song entitled "I Hope You Think of Me".[36] On January 2, 2012, Young wrote an entry on his blog regarding his fourth full-length album. Young said that he would be collaborating with more producers and songwriters, saying that his new record "Marks a flying leap in this direction". Young expected the album to be released around late Summer to Fall 2012.[37] In an interview with Billboard, Young revealed that the new album is around 80-85% complete, and that Dr. Luke, JR Rotem, Norwegian production team Stargate, Brian Kennedy and Emily Wright are involved with the production of the album. He was also unsure whether or not "I Hope You Think of Me" would make the final tracklisting.[35]

Young, along with Jewel and Jay Sean, released a song in promotion of the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign by ConAgra Foods entitled "Here's Hope".[38][39] On April 17, 2012, "Dementia", a song by Young which was intended to be included on his upcoming album leaked onto the internet. The song features additional vocals by Mark Hoppus of Blink-182.[40]

"Shooting Star" (2012)
Sample of the song "Shooting Star" from Owl City's fourth album The Midsummer Station, showcasing his new musical 'style' on his most recent album.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Young announced via Twitter that a new EP entitled "Shooting Star" was to be released on May 15th. The EP features four songs off his upcoming album. Young stated that he released the EP because he wanted to give his fans a clear taste of what his upcoming album would sound like[41], although the EP was likely created to curb online pirating of "Dementia". On May 24, 2012, Young announced on Twitter that his fourth studio album would be titled The Midsummer Station[42] and that it would be released on August 14, 2012 worldwide, apart from in the United Kingdom where it would be released on September 17, 2012. [43] On June 21, 2012, Young announced that the release date of the album would be pushed back to August 21, 2012, but the UK release date would remain the same.[44]

Young announced via Twitter that he would be collaborating with Carly Rae Jepsen on a new song, claiming that it would be released on June 26, 2012.[45] On June 20, 2012, he released the single, "Good Time", via his SoundCloud account[46][47]. The song was released on iTunes on June 26, 2012. It received generally positive reviews from critics, including Billboard: "It only makes sense that he's joined by Jepsen...[on] a track that could become a radio staple for the rest of the summer," [48] and Entertainment Weekly: "'Good Time' goes down easier than a frozen margarita at a beachfront tiki bar."[47] "Good Time" was written by Matt Thiessen, Brian Lee and Young himself.[49]

Musical styles and influences

Owl City's music is described as indietronica and synthpop and is often described as belonging under the "electronic music" label.[50] Young has stated that he is inspired by disco and European electronic music, as well as instrumental genres such as drone, ambient, and post-rock. He cites his biggest influences as Johnathon Ford of Unwed Sailor and Thomas Newman. Young also incorporates a large amount of his Christian faith into his music, since he is a vocal Christian.[51][52][53] Young's faith is evident on the new album, "All Things Bright and Beautiful", especially in "Galaxies". Explaining why the faith-filled song was added to the mix, he said, "I feel like if I were ever to hide the fact that that’s what’s so important to me, it would be a crime, that I should probably be put in jail for that." [54]

Owl City also has been compared to The Postal Service, often critically, for his combination of fuzzy synths, ironic lyrics and use of female guest singers.[55] Pitchfork.com goes far enough to say that "The surprise No. 1 single in the country, Owl City's 'Fireflies,' jacks the Postal Service in such a bald-faced, obvious manner that getting into specifics feels redundant at best and tacky at worst."[56] In response to the suggestion that his work is derivative, Adam Young suggested in a 2009 interview with The New York Times that Ocean Eyes is perhaps the "next chapter" after American band The Postal Service: "The Postal Service released a record in 2003, and that was it. There was really nothing to compare it to until some one else came along and wrote the next chapter. Maybe that's this record. Maybe that's this band." [57]

Band members

Current members
Current touring members

While Young writes, composes, records, and produces all of Owl City's music, during live performances he is accompanied by a group of supporting musicians:[58][15]

Former touring members

Concert tours

Main article: Owl City concert tours

Discography

Main article: Owl City discography
Studio albums

References

  1. ^ a b "Multi-Platinum International Sensation Owl City Pens Theme Song to Zack Snyder's Animation Debut Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole". Jesus freak Hideout. Stunt Company. August 24, 2010. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  2. ^ http://www.amazon.com/All-Things-Bright-And-Beautiful/dp/B004T5IW0C
  3. ^ Riemenschneider, Chris (February 17, 2009). "Whooo's Owl City?". Star Tribune. Minneapolis. Retrieved November 26, 2009.
  4. ^ Sisario, Ben (November 20, 2009). "Adam Young, aka Owl City, Finds Pop Success". New York Times. Retrieved December 24, 2009.
  5. ^ a b Frenette, Brad (July 28, 2009). "Band of the Day: Owl City". The National Post. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  6. ^ "Propellerhead - Artist Stories - Owl City". Propellerhead Software. April 2010.
  7. ^ "Sky Harbor Studios - Gear List". Sky Harbor Studios.
  8. ^ Leahey, Andrew. "Owl City — Biography". Allmusic. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  9. ^ a b c d e f "Interview with Steve Bursky". HitQuarters. July 11, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
  10. ^ "Owl City > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". Allmusic. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  11. ^ "Owl City Signs To Universal Republic". www.crazedhits.com. Feb 7, 2009. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
  12. ^ "Free Download Owl City's new track: "Hot Air Balloon"".
  13. ^ http://dorothyinidaho.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/owl-city-fireflies/
  14. ^ "TOP 100 DOWNLOADS OF ALL TIME". http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/downloads. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  15. ^ a b "Owl City - Owl City Road Stories - VEVO - YouTube" (video). VEVO. June 28, 2010. End Credits contain citations needed
  16. ^ "Info On MySpace premier of Fireflies Music Video off of an Owl City Fan Website".
  17. ^ Pietroluongo, Sylvio (October 29, 2009). "Owl City's "Fireflies" Lands at No. 1 on Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved October 29, 2009.
  18. ^ "Sunburn". Amazon.com. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
  19. ^ "Almost Alice: Various Artists: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
  20. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (July 2, 2010). "Owl City's Adam Young Releases A New Old Project". Billboard. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  21. ^ "Sky Sailing". MySpace. May 13, 2010. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
  22. ^ "Owl City Blog". Owl City. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  23. ^ "My Hope Is Found". Owl City Blog. Owl City. October 25, 2010. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  24. ^ "Windsor Airlift - Flight". iTunes.
  25. ^ "A Letter from Adam Young « Owl City Blog". Owlcityblog.com. June 29, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  26. ^ "Ear Candy « Owl City Blog". Owlcityblog.com. July 26, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  27. ^ "An Essential Studio Update « Owl City Blog". Owlcityblog.com. October 18, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  28. ^ Posted by Admin (April 7, 2011). "Owl City Pushes Back New Album". Christian Rock Rocks. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  29. ^ "OWL CITY Official Site - News". Owlcitymusic.com. March 22, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  30. ^ "OWL CITY Official Site - News". Owlcitymusic.com. April 1, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  31. ^ "OWL CITY Official Site - News". Owlcitymusic.com. May 2, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  32. ^ "OWL CITY Official Site - News". Owlcitymusic.com. March 22, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  33. ^ Hensel, Amanda. "Owl City's 'Alligator Sky' Video With Shawn Chrystopher Is Out Of This World." Pop Crush. May 2011. Retrieved July 18, 2011. <http://popcrush.com/owl-city-alligator-sky-video/>.
  34. ^ [1][dead link]
  35. ^ a b Graff, Gary (February 28, 2012). "Owl City '80, 85 Percent' Done with New Album". Billboard.com. Detroit.
  36. ^ "I Hope You Think of Me- *NEW* Owl City Song". YouTube. November 12, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  37. ^ "Men With Pointy Teeth « Owl City Blog". Owlcityblog.com. January 2, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
  38. ^ Cerra, Allison. "ConAgra Foods taps recording artists for annual Child Hunger Ends Here campaign". Drug Store News. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  39. ^ ConAgra Foods (March 5, 2012). "ConAgra Foods Teams Up With Jewel, Owl City and Jay Sean to Kick-off Child Hunger Ends Here Campaign With Original Song, 'Here's Hope'". The Sacramento Bee.
  40. ^ "First Listen: Owl City combines with Mark Hoppus for new track 'Dementia'". HITFX. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  41. ^ "Adam announces via. Twitter a new EP". Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  42. ^ "Twitter / owlcity: The legitimate, confirmed". Twitter.com. May 24, 12. Retrieved May 25, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ^ "Owl City's 'The Midsummer Station' Mystery Album Unlocked by Fans". The Christian Post. May 31, 12. Retrieved June 2, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. ^ Name:. "OWL CITY Official Site - News". Owlcitymusic.com. Retrieved June 21, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  45. ^ "Twitter / owlcity: Incredibly thrilled to ann". Twitter.com. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  46. ^ 0.00. "OwlCityOfficial's sounds on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free". Soundcloud.com. Retrieved June 21, 2012. {{cite web}}: |author= has numeric name (help)
  47. ^ a b Hoffa, Meredith. "Carly Rae Jepsen and Owl City have a 'Good Time' in new collaboration: Hear it here | The Music Mix | EW.com". Music-mix.ew.com. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  48. ^ Up for Discussion (September 14, 2009). "Carly Rae Jepsen & Owl City Team Up for 'Good Time' Summer Anthem: Listen". Billboard.com. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  49. ^ http://www.billboard.com/news/owl-city-carly-rae-jepsen-ready-for-good-1007457962.story#/news/owl-city-carly-rae-jepsen-ready-for-good-1007457962.story
  50. ^ Leahey, Andrew. "Owl City > Overview". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved November 5, 2009. He eventually combined those diversions into a blend of electronica and emo-pop, ...
  51. ^ "Interview Of Adam Young Master Mind Behind Owl City". azTeen Magazine. 2010-03-00. Retrieved February 21, 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  52. ^ Fitzmaurice, Larry (June 1, 2008). "Hot New Band: Owl City". Spin. Retrieved November 27, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  53. ^ Moring, Mark. "Owls, Fireflies, and Jesus". Christianity Today. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
  54. ^ Owl City Reveals "All Things Bright and Beautiful, CBN.com.
  55. ^ Westhoff, Ben (October 28, 2009). "Owl City: The Latest In A Long Line Of Rip-Offs". Dallas Observer. Retrieved November 26, 2009.
  56. ^ Cohen, Ian (November 5, 2009). "Track Reviews: Owl City - "Fireflies"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved November 26, 2009.
  57. ^ Sisario, Ben (November 21, 2009). "From Mom's Basement to the Top of the Chart". The New York Times. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  58. ^ a b Owl City: Live from Los Angeles (Movie). Los Angeles: Eagle Rock. 2011. Verification is in the closing credits to the film.
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