In the state of Minnesota lies a small town called Owatonna with roughly twenty-two thousand inhabitants. Within that city is a quiet road with a modest house. In that house there's an unkempt basement with no windows. Within those confines you'll find Adam Young of Owl City hard at work on his electronic and melodically infectious music of simple and singular beauty.
Inside this "cave," as Adam likes to describe it, he has begun to quickly win over a large audience thirsty for something genuine, something sublime.
Being an only child in a small town, and having no musicians in his immediate family, Adam is hard pressed to say how it all started. Explaining that he always had a "push" to be creative, Adam picked up his first guitar in junior high school.
Growing up in a "sheltered bubble" and being one of the more shy kids around the neighborhood, Adam seemed compelled to lend his time and creative ideas to music.
"I've always been the shy guy, I don't see that changing, but I definitely feel a lot more comfortable than I anticipated. I can hide behind the music."
While his music continues to win followers all over the world, Adam does indeed hide behind his music, not going by his real name (See: Badly Drawn Boy and Dashboard Confessional); but going by the moniker Owl City. Adam was searching more for a mood when coming up with a title for his sound, rather than something easily identifiable. He goes on to explain that most of the artists that catch his eye have something unique about their name, something that lingers. So one has to ask: how did this Owl City phenomenon begin? How does a young artist writing songs underneath his garage, acoustic foam and books everywhere, reach an audience of millions?
"I'm still trying to figure it out," Adam laughs. "Back in June of 2007 it kind of started on a whim. My parents were away for the weekend, and wanting to be loud and make some noise and whatever, I began writing versions of what became my first, self released digital EP - Of June. I put it up on MySpace the following month and didn't tell anyone."
Word of mouth began to spread for Adam's music, with demands coming from various parts of the country for an album. Maybe I'm Dreaming, released digitally in March of 2008, was Owl City's full-length debut. The album has garnered great critical praise and is a clear representation of Owl City's progression as an artist.
Adam became a phenomenon on MySpace with more than 7 million profile views and 40 million plays, which is outstanding in such a short span of time. It was clear that Owl City was making a colossal impact on the music scene.
As listeners on MySpace climbed into the tens of millions, Owl City got set to release his next creation, Ocean Eyes. Loaded with amazing loops, catchy pickups, and lyrics that soothe the mind and touch the heart, Adam Young has once again created a lush listening experience.
Owl City's trademark desire to escape in dreams, oceans and sky abound on this, his first official CD, in songs such as "Cave In" and "Umbrella Beach." Adam also continues to display a terrific wit uncommon in most electronic based music in such songs as the clap infused, bouncy "Dental Care" (a humorous metaphor on smiling) and "Fireflies."
Given the official compact disc treatment, previously released fan favorite "Hello Seattle" gives the great Northwest its' due with an ode to highlands, parking lots, Puget Sound and albatross. With glorious vocal harmonies ("The Saltwater Room") and touching odes to love lost ("Vanilla Twilight") Adam has dug more deeply on Ocean Eyes lyrically and musically than ever.
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With humble small town beginnings in Owatonna, MN, Owl City (aka Adam Young) remains an avant garde hitmaker in his own right. His breakout track “Fireflies” from 2009’s Ocean Eyes remains one of the most memorable hits of the decade — receiving a five-times RIAA platinum certification, hitting No. 1 in 26 countries and remaining culturally relevant well into 2017. Not to mention, his popular collaboration “Good Time feat. Carly Rae Jepsen” went Top 4 in the U.S. and racked up 3 million in sales and over 100 million streams.
From recent collaborations with everyone from Aloe Blacc to Hanson to Jake Owen, to song placements everywhere from The Croods and Veggietales to Smurfs 2, Owl City is more poised than ever to release his fifth studio album — Cinematic — in 2018.
Owl City is #1| Posted July 02, 2015
Adam Young puts bounce in my step everyday!!! His music is craftily constructed, wildly exciting, and breathtakingly optimistic and sad at the same time;). Every song out of Ocean Eyes on to current day is a personal favourite in a different way.
I am so impressed with his musical ability as well! Being a meistro pianist and talented guitar player, what many people don't know is that he also is a skilled drummer! Though many people have criticized his vocals claiming they use too much autotune, Adam Young actually has one of the most enchanting voices out there and sounds great live too!!! Add to that his amazing songwriting, composition and production skills, proving he is indeed a musical marvel.
Most importantly, Adam's faith shines through his well written lyrics, giving everyone who listens a shining light.
Thank you Owl city!!!
Thank You!!!| Posted December 09, 2014
I want you to know that your music wonderful! I like almost every song, and play them day and night. I know God has blessed you with a great voice, and I am glad that you are using it for his glory!!!! So thank you for what you do... You are by far my favorite artist!!!
you have got a god gifted voice!! jst wowwww!| Posted May 16, 2014
hey dude! you r soo awesome...I LOVE OWLCITY..♥♥... I always listen to all of ur songs..ur songs are sooo genuine..breathtaking and awesomely sweet n hearttouching..!! And how on earth can a guy have such a soulfull n sweet voice!! woww!! you have got the sweetest voice on earth...I love all your songs...aligator sky is the first song I ve evr heard of owl city ...n from that very day I was soo infectiously addicted by ur songs...u do a great job broo...im a biiiiiiiigggg fan of youuu....god bless you man! ♥♥
Love this music!| Posted March 02, 2013
I love Owl City music. My favorits are aligator sky, angles, drems and disasters, galexies, gold, honey and the bee, metropolis, on thre wing, plant life, shooting star, strawberry aavalanche, th yacht club, kamakaze,and salt water room.
Love it!| Posted November 19, 2012
Dude, I love your music! I listen to it all the time. You should definitely show up at Michigan sometime.
Okay now for the actual review. I love Owl City because he is original and you don't here much music like his these days. If you just listen to the words of his songs you will find that there is truth and meaning in his words.
Amazing| Posted January 13, 2012
You're music is so cool. I can always tell when Owl City's on because it's so distinctive. Not many other artists can do what you do.