Single Focus: Running Young

Answered by: Joel Famularo

Single Title: Not The Same

Label: Independent

In ten words or less, describe your sound: U2 meets The Kinks meets Beach Boys meets Arcade Fire.

Give us a brief history of the band to this point: I started the band after surviving a near death experience, which led me to want to make music with purpose with lyrics that hopefully make people think. We've had a song on a hit US TV show, sold out Ding Dong last year for our EP launch, so we're happy!

Where did you record the single and why? Who did you work with recording it? I recorded it here at home because I write/record at the same time - it's how I've been doing it from day one when I started writing music as an 18-year-old. The process has evolved into one big process for me - writing/arranging/producing.

Did you manage to roadtest the song live before recording? Did that have an effect on it at all? In what way? Yeah we'd been playing this song for quite a while before recording. The drums benefited the most from playing live - they started simple and by the time of recording were way more dynamic!

Was anything in particular inspiring you during the making? In what way? Definitely Tame Impala for at least two reasons: 1. Learning more about Kevin Parker inspired me to follow my gut, because, like me, he hadn't had formal training as an engineer - but just trusted his instincts and 2. His drum sounds - they influenced me for sure!

Do you aim for perfection in the studio, or more feeling or vibe when deciding to use a take? I'd say definitely feeling/vibe. There are plenty of little human moments still in the final mix, which I feel give the song a sense of imperfection and character. I'm all about that in terms of choosing takes. A lot of the takes on the single are first takes.

When things aren't working what do you do to avoid recording? Ha ha, wow! Well since I record all the time while writing this is a very pertinent question for me. We as a band will always have something happening (apart from recording) that requires my attention, or we'll play some Halo or make a vid for our FB.

Is this going to be a standalone track, or is their an EP or album in the works? Yeah this is the first single from our upcoming EP - You Better Run Son - which will be coming out later this year/early next year. We're super excited to get this new stuff out there!

Are you launching it with a gig? If so, what are the details? 13 Aug, Ding Dong Lounge.

Website link for more info? runningyoung.com