Rich Young is an emerging independent singer, songwriter and producer from Chicago. He made his professional solo recording debut in 2021 with the album “Early Departure”. That 7 song collection introduced a genre-fluid artist with a sound that pairs an indie aesthetic with dark emo trap moods.
Since his debut the prolific producer has amassed an impressive volume of work. In just over a year he has dropped three albums, three EPs and a string of singles. His records tell an ongoing narrative based on a series of tragic personal themes.
“24” is a recent single from Rich Young’s EP of the same name, available worldwide via all major streaming services. Lo-fi ambient vibes and a minor-key dark pop acoustic guitar open the track and set a melancholy scene. Rich Young steps to the mic for a dreamy meditation on time, aging, love and loss. Soon the beat drops on a downtempo hip-hop groove to give the track a chilled trip-hop feel.
Check out “24” below. You can also hear the track on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with Rich Young. Read his answers to our 8 questions below. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artist.
8 Questions with Rich Young
Where are you from?
I am from Chicago, IL.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music for two years now. Started making beats during pandemic and released my first album (Early Departure)in July of 2021.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
I am a solo artist. I learned all the ins and outs on how to write music through Ableton and have been a solo act since.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest influence is a song by Kanye West called stronger. I have several other artists I emulate my sound on but Kanye has played a big part on how to put sound together.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
My greatest none music influence has to be comedy. I learned that I can imitate certain sounds to the dot and that skill has helped me sing and rap on my albums.
What inspired you to create this project?
My first album came about after my soulmate, unfortunately, passed away due to drunk driving. It left a weird mark in my life where I couldn’t stop thinking about her. So i made an album to release her from my arms. It was therapeutic. I healed just by talking about her and helped me move on.
My second album (LONG. LIVE. REDDO) is about identity. Who I am and who I was and who I’m not. My third album (Daydreaming) is about reflection. It is about all the good days I had with her and even though I healed, I can’t stop thinking about her.
My fourth album (On Monday) is dropping on Christmas this year. I reveal why I can’t move on bcs i was the reason why she drove that night, intoxicated. Essentially, I was the cause behind her death and nobody else knows this except me, God, and her.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
My plans in the future is to release numerous projects and hopefully start making dance and pop music. All the albums I make are derivatives of my life and what I’m going through.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
What I would like to say is I’m cold. I’m hungry. I’m alone. I’m nervous. I’m tired. I’m you. I’m Rich Young.
