Young Lions When Will We Be Free? Interview

Young Lions When Will We Be Free? Interview

Official When Will We Be Free Music Video - Click to view on YouTube

In early 2013, the Australian music scene was introduced to Brisbane five-piece, Young Lions, who owned their sound and instantly made their mark with their debut album -BURN'. What ensued was a band whose alternative edge has rapidly positioned them in the forefront of the rock genre.

The October 2013 release of their debut album -Burn' (released through Shock Records), was met with critical acclaim. KillYourStereo.com named it 'Alternative Rock at its finest." The title track earned them a top 40 spot in Triple J's Short. Fast. Loud. 2013 listener poll and kick started a relentless touring schedule in 2014 that saw the band tour to the four corners of our country.

Young Lions nationally supported the likes of American favourites, The Almost, and Australian legends, Antiskeptic whilst also playing spot shows with Dream on Dreamer, Oh Sleeper, Senses Fail, Lydia, Sweden's Adept as well as Australian heavyweights Sienna Skies, Dead Letter Circus, Jebediah and Feed Her To The Sharks. Add to that their own headlining shows and Young Lions have earned a loyal following and continue to build a reputation for their live performances.

With 2015 just around the corner, Young Lions spare no time with the release of their sophomore album titled 'Blue Isla" which is set for release on January 27.

''Burn' was a record full of anger," says bassist Morgan Castle. '-Blue Isla' is a huge step up for us. The record is one of beauty and maturity. Everything you've come to love about Young Lions - Passion. Truth. Relevancy. It's in this record. We've matured a lot and so has our music".

Lead single -When Will We Be Free?' sets the tone for the album and references the ruts that grind us every day. 'Ever thought about forgetting that 9-5 schedule and just doing something that makes you really happy?," says Morgan. 'The possibilities are endless. All you have to do is take that first step. Do something different; break away from the norm. Open your heart and mind to love and freedom".

The band have just dropped the music video which is already expected to be equally as popular as the band's debut single -Before The Storm' which has garnered over 30,000 views since its debut and their new single.

With a soon to be announced headline tour already lined up in support of their new fully crowd funded album, which was recorded with Sonny Truelove at STL Studios mid-2014, Young Lions are a band on the verge of entering Australia's elite.

'We hope the record speaks to our listeners far more than they could imagine."

Interview with Kyle Morris

Question: How would you describe your music?

Kyle Morris: Heartfelt atmospheric alternative rock music.


Question: What was the main motivation behind the track When Will We Be Free?

Kyle Morris: The main motivation was to do what you love. Don't become a number just to make someone else happy or conform to the norm because thats what you're 'suppose' to do. Do what makes you happy, just work as hard as you can.


Question: What can you tell us about Blue Isla?

Kyle Morris: Blue Isla is the title of our upcoming and second album for Young Lions.


Question: What is the story behind the album name?

Kyle Morris: Blue Isla means something different to all 5 of us, but the general gist of it, is new beginnings, opportunity, and fighting to do what you love. I was blessed with a beautiful daughter (Isla) late 2014 which opened up a whole different side to my life which I didn't expect. She was born blue and essentially had to fight to be part of this world. To me - that is a metaphor, for the basis of what the album and life is about.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Kyle Morris: Yes we do, all songs are written based on personal experiences and different outcomes that have impacted on our lives.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Kyle Morris: I'm pretty different to a lot of the guys, but personally I can go from Cold Chisel to Thy Art to ScHoolBoy Q. Basically anything thats different, passionate and gets me thinking.

Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Kyle Morris: Na never - don't be silly.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Kyle Morris: Live all the time. Although its only 45mins - its the freeist (if thats a word) you will ever feel.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Kyle Morris: My family is a huge influence on me, so collectively all of their muso heads.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Kyle Morris: Money. If only it grew on trees.


Question: What's a typical day like?
Kyle Morris: Depends what life you're looking at - Day 1 wake up, help out with Isla, work, help out with isla, sleep. Day 2, driving through the night on a barron highway to a show where faces you have never seen before, know your songs. Both days are great, both I would never give up....except the day job part haha.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Kyle Morris: The people we have met, the places we have seen, and the music we have created.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Kyle Morris: Barnsey or Ian Moss man! Huge man crush on them both.


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Kyle Morris: For sure, just our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/younglionsaus


Question: What message would you like your music to say to your fans?

Kyle Morris: Keep an open mind throughout your life - there's too many manipulative/lying/cheating people out there.


Interview by Brooke Hunter