An Interview With Dreamy Pop Musician, GOLDEN YOUTH On Her Inspirations And Much More!

Golden Youth is a Dreamy Indie Pop project from Multi-Instrumentalist and Vocalist, Stephanie Lauren.

Stephanie’s main influences are the things that make her the most happy; nature and traveling. Her music is the soundtrack to her life. She likes encouraging people to achieve their dreams and tries to channel that in her music. Sonically, Stephanie enjoys a wide range of music including orchestral, abstract sounds, and strings. She strives to make people connect with feelings they wouldn’t normally associate with pop music.

Learn more about this talented artist in the following artist:

How have you been able to incorporate all your music tastes into your own music?

I incorporate all of my musical tastes by feeling out the song’s vibe. If I have a connection to a song, I feel my audience will as well.

Growing up, did you always know that you wanted to be a musician?

Yes. I started playing piano when I was 8, I wrote my first song at 12. I had other interests such as acting, ballet, basketball, played clarinet, sewing, fashion, traveling, etc. I tried it ALL! I had ADD when it came to hobbies but music was my passion.

Where did you come up with your performance name? What does Golden Youth mean to you?

It was actually inspired by the M83 album cover “Saturdays = Youth”. When coming up with the band name I just starred at this cover for hours. It’s totally my vibe… I wanted to jump into the cover myself and hang! Haha The album cover embodied exactly what I was going through at that time of my life and I just wanted to hold on to that time and feeling.

Music connects a lot of happy times in my life and I wanted to connect with those positive feelings.

You just released “In A Dream”. Tell us about the inspiration for that single? The song features guest vocals from Cardboard Kids. How did that come together? Why did you think their sound fit the song?

I wanted to write something fresh, happy, and energetic. It was like I hit a refresh button. I feel like I had a lot of exhilarating feelings that I wanted to share with people. I share my feelings in my music. Jake Germany, the lead singer of Cardboard Kids is one of my best friends and we’ve toured together a million times. Jake is really good at writing super catchy things. We’ve always talked about writing together so this was a great opportunity to do so.

This year, you have already collaborated with several well-known artists like Owl City, MC Yogi and Aleo Blacc. Can you elaborate on those specific experiences?

Every one of these artists were lovely to work with! I’m really grateful for the chance to collaborate with such wonderful talents!

What’s been the biggest surprise to you so far about the music industry?

Being able to connect my music with other industries. For example the music industry tying my music into the video game industry for licensing purposes. My song “Where’s Your Heart Gone” has been placed on The Sims 4. They asked me to do it in “Simlish”, the language spoken in the video game. It was a wonderful experience learning my own lyrics in Simlish but never something I would have ever expected! It ruled!

Golden Youth’s music has been featured on American Airline flights, The Sims 4, NBC’s “The Night Shift”, MTV’s “Awkward” and “Teen Mom”. Which of these really excited you the most?

My most recent license aired on NBC’s “The Night Shift”. It’s the most unreal experience to see your song on live television. It makes you see your song in a whole different light when it’s tied to a completely different story.

What musicians have consistently inspired you and your music?

U2, Sigur Ros, & Florence and the Machine. It’s theatrical. They ball all of these feelings and emotions up into one amazing package. The show and music provide such rich and fulfilling entertainment. Seeing these artists live or listening to their new music makes me strive to be the best I can be. Artists like them are the reason why I do what I do.

Who would you be your dream duet?

Bono from U2!

Simply put, he’s incredible. U2 has been one of my favorite bands my entire life. They’ve been a band for over 30 years, you don’t see that anymore! … Or really ever. He’s an amazing musician, great person, helped a lot of people through RED, and he makes great music… who WOULDN’T want to do a duet with him?!

Do you think your music has a message? And if so, what is that message?

I hope it does!

The message would be if you want to do something… that’s all you need. Passions aren’t wasted on people. You have passion for a reason. It may not turn out exactly how you want it to turn out but that’s the beauty of life. Be who you are.

Is there anything else that you would people to know about you or your music?

Golden Youth is music to dream to.

About the Author

Leah Brungardt (recently married) joined All Access Music Group in August 2011 and has been enjoying getting to know a new side of the music industry ever since. Having worked to promote radio stations in the past, seeing what makes a successful radio hit has been a thrill. As a lover of all genres of music, working at All Access Music Group is a perfect fit for Leah, and she loves learning about up and coming musicians as well. Most of her friends have come to rely on her for new music. Leah grew up overseas attending American international schools and attended The University of Arizona, where she earned a BA in Music Management. She roots for the Wildcats every chance she gets. Leah has been able to work at a variety of music-related jobs including several internships at small independent labels, ClearChannel Radio and Journal Broadcasting Group. She also spent time working retail at a store that specializes in vinyl, which was a lot of fun for her. Her favorite movie is Empire Records, so that makes perfect sense.