Starting Young
In 2004, a group of teenagers got together and decided to form a band. They called themselves The Jakes, but today you know them as Young the Giant.
"It doesn't really have a physical meaning," said lead singer Sameer Gadhia of the band's name in an interview with OC Weekly. They were practically kids when they started, and when brainstorming names during a practice session, Young the Giant just felt right.
It epitomized their youthful beginnings, as well as the ethnically diverse roots from which all the band members originated. Their music now seems to reflect many of the same themes that helped them get started: youth, freedom, diversity, and larger-than-life ideals and sounds.
After a short time in college, the band members dropped out and decided to focus on a full-time music career. Not long after, they were opening up for modern rock legends, the Kings of Leon, during their 2009 tour. Click here for more information.
Music Career
It seemed their hard work paid off when Young the Giant released their first, self-titled album in late 2010. It was an important landmark in indie rock. The grandiose swelling of sounds in hit tracks such as "My Body" and "Cough Syrup," paired beautifully with the record's more soulful, deeper cuts like "Apartment" and "Strings," created something fresh, original, and alternative.
But that was nowhere near the end for Young the Giant. In 2014, the band came out with another album, "Mind Over Matter." The production was louder, the synths more prominent, and Gadhia's vocals reached all-new extremes. It was, in every sense of the word, giant.
There was a huge shift in 2016 when the Irvine rockers released "Home of the Strange" through their record label Fueled By Ramen. It was an album that, by Rolling Stones' Keith Harris described as "especially political" and "referencing a complex, ongoing identity crisis."
Finally, the group's latest album "Mirror Master" came out in 2018, swapping the social commentary of "Home of the Strange" for more of an introspective analysis of character and flaw.
Behind the Scenes, In the Open
In addition to the many albums sold, the band has undertaken several other endeavors. One notable addition to their traditional discography is a Youtube series they released, titled "In the Open."
The "In the Open" videos showcase the band's talent outside of a recording studio and in the presence of nature. They go outside, hauling a few acoustic instruments with them, and play stripped down versions of some of their favorite songs. On their "In the Open" website, this style of playing was described as "more honest," and "the perfect blending of old and new."
Apart from the music they perform, Young the Giant has remained a socially and politically involved band over the last several years. Their Twitter account showcases some of the band's thoughts on voting and other important debates.
Young the Giant
All in all, these young alternative geniuses are highly deserving of your attention. Be sure to check out some of their music, including popular tunes such as "Superposition" and "Silvertongue." You won't regret listening to Young the Giant.
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