An Interview With The Electro-Indie Pop Four-Piece, YOUNG THIEVES On New Music, Biggest Inspirations and More!

Photo Credit- Shervin Lainez

Young Thieves are an electro-indie/pop four-piece from New York City featuring Alexandra Amor (vocals), Dmitry Libman (guitar/keyboards/production), Andrew Lynch (guitar/keyboards) and Johnny Coryn (drums).

The band has just released their debut single “What You Want” which is available to stream at: https://youtu.be/f_jSbJh5VVg.

“I love this record, it puts a nice plot twist on the typical Cinderella story — which is very true to who I am,” says Alexandra. “The girl goes after a boy (or girl for that matter), and it’s important to not fall into society’s standard gender roles. This song plays out as an important reminder: if you want it, go get it!”

She adds, “This music video is so special, we took elements from the Black Mirror’s”San Junipero” episode — From having this new age 80’s blacklight make-up house party to the entire video being shot in one take transitioning from this eccentric 80’s fantasy land and reality…. Also, WYW is a visual extension of what you could typically expect if you were to hang out with us… Dmitry and I hitting on the same girl, Andrew with his guitar shredding and Johnny coming in and making everyone laugh air drums & moonwalking Excited to share this work with you all!”

Connect With Young Thieves Here:

“What You Want” is also available on all digital platforms.

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2GNNm4F

Apple Music: https://apple.co/2GwtpvV

iTunes: https://apple.co/2H7ucEo

Alexandra’s impeccable blend of the vocal pop capability of Christina Aguilera and the raw edginess of Amy Winehouse, makes her the perfect match for this tenacious new group. The music showcases a synthesizer-laden and pop sensible style, with catchy melodic hooks atop chic instrumental production. This anthemic quartet is ready to make their mark and push new boundaries in the music industry.

Young Thieves began their live imprint by performing to a sell-out crowd at New York City’s historic Webster Hall. Amidst other select performances and showcases, they have continued writing and recording with producers as Matt Squire (Ariana Grande, Kesha, Demi Lovato), Jonny Fung (American Authors) and Andy Tongren (Young Rising Sons), pushing the envelope in preparation of their debut EP, which will be out later this year.

Learn more about Young Thieves in the following All Access interview:

How has being from your hometown in New York influenced this band and the kind of music that you make today?

New York City brought everyone in the band together, we all came here for different reasons and ended up finding each other which is crazy to think about after becoming so close. There’s undoubtedly an edge and a vibe to the city, and that may come through in our music, but I don’t think any of us are in an objective-enough position to see if it plays a role in the music. It’s so hard to tell when we are so immersed in the project. If we all up and move to California, would the music be different? Potentially, we will have to wait and see what’s in store for us.

How did you all meet and form this band? Can you remember the first moment where you thought you could be in this band together and make music?

Timing was key in this process as I was ending a previous management contract, and the boys formerly being in a band we’re searching for a new female lead. Our now manager, Mark Woodbridge, sent me an amazing demo ‘home’, which after one phone call I was on a bus to Philadelphia. After meeting the boys and cutting ‘Home’ in Dimas studio, it was not only an immediate bond, but also no brainer that this project is the begging of an amazing musical journey together. Love at first Demo.

Was it difficult coming up with your band name? What were some of the other names the you considered?

Dmitry actually had ‘Young Thieves’ as a top contender for a couple years now…. which was actually for a folk indie side project.  The more we started writing for this project, the more that name clicked and worked really well with our overall vibe.  

Let’s talk about your newest single “What You Want.” What was the inspiration for this track? How do you think it prepares listeners for more music from this band? Speaking of, when you hope to release more new music?

I love this record, it puts a nice plot twist on the typical Cinderella story — which is very true to who I am… The girl goes after a boy, or girl for that matter. I believe it’s important to not fall into society’s standard “gender roles”. This song plays out as an important reminder: if you want it, go get it! 

Yes, we’re currently finishing our EP, stay tuned for release dates!

What was it like making the music video for this track? How creatively involved were you all with the making of it?

This music video is so special, we took elements from the Black Mirror’s “San Junipero” episode — From having this new age 80’s blacklight make-up house party to the entire video being shot in one take transitioning from this eccentric 80’s fantasy land and reality…. Also, WYW is a visual extension of what you could typically expect if you were to hang out with us… Dmitry and I hitting on the same girl, Andrew with his guitar shredding and Johnny coming in and making everyone laugh with the air drums & moonwalking. 

Do you have upcoming tour plans? Where can people see you perform live next?

Details are being worked out, we definitely plan on touring in the near future. Follow our social platforms for day to day updates!

youngthieves.com

instagram.com/weareyoungthieves

facebook.com/weareyoungthieves

twitter.com/youngthievesx

Our next show is May 19th, 613 Main St, Boonton NJ.

Where do you think you are all happiest- in the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere?

All of these places are key components to the music as a whole. Recording the music is where I let everything going on in my life, the good – the bad and the inbetween out…. Which is extremely theraputic..  Lady Gaga described it best when she related creating music to open heart surgery, you’re vulnerable- you dig from the deepest parts of your being and spill it all out. The stage is where we take what we’ve produced and bring it to life, painting a picture for the audience. Music videos/ photoshoots are also a lot of fun, where artistically we’re able to show our personalities and kick it together as a team. Overall I wouldn’t trade the position I am in for anything in the world. It’s truly a blessing to be living out our dreams together.

How do you think being a musician and in this band gives you all the most joy in life today? With everything going on in the world today, how do you think your music is a reflection of these times?

Being in a band with my friends is the best feeling ever. It’s a different kind of friendship when you are sharing the stage or sharing a musical moment with someone, it’s impossible to describe in words but if you have experienced it yourself, it’s easy to define. To play with a group where everyone is on the same page and level of talent is a huge relief as well. Any musician spends the beginning of their career striving to find people that gel with them, and once you find it, the feeling can certainly be described as “joy.”

I think music has always been a way for people to enjoy a moment of happiness, however long or brief that may be. This theory applies to both musicians and music fans. One of the magical things about music is it’s ability to transport the listener somewhere else mentally, which I think has proven useful over the span of our existence. Some of our music addresses current relatable issues — some of it is meant to simply make everyone feel good for a moment. We aim to find a balance between these two goals with what we create.

Who are you all listening to these days? What artists have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

We all listen to an array of music from street artists in the New York City subway, classic rock & oldies, all the way to mainstream top 40hits. 

Inspiration wise we all come from different music backgrounds: 

Alexandra, lead vocalist/ songwriter, grew up with Amy Winehouse, Lesley Gore, The Cranberries… from the oldies to the top hits in the 90’s. “I would especially love to work with Benny Blanco, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars.” 

Johnny Coryn, drummer, is inspired by Blink 182 “ever since I picked up drumsticks and they still continue to impress me. I think it’d be sick to work with John Feldman or Rick Ruben.”  

Dmitry Libman, producer/guitar/piano,  “I am inspired by everything from Betty Who to Bless The Fall, to pretty much anything 80’s.  I’d honestly love to work with Pharrell Williams, Drake, or Justin Timberlake.”

Andrew, lead guitar, “If I’m listening to current stuff, it’s in the wheelhouse of Panama Wedding and Betty Who — both of whom Dmitry turned me on to — and I really dig Børns new album. I also often find myself listening to a lot of 70s and 80s music, Hall and Oates for instance never put out a bad song in my opinion. I would love to work with Nile Rodgers, he’s done just about everything.”

What advice would you give to a young band just getting started today?

Live fully in your moment and work hard, if you want it (define what that passionate, lifetime dream moment is for you) don’t stop pushing and putting your heart on the line until you get it. Also remember, you’ll get a million ‘No’s’ but all it takes is one ‘Yes’.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourselves or your music?

The Ep is coming soon followed by a tour, be sure to keep up to date with our socials – we want to meet every one of you who supports the Young Thieves movement! Can’t wait to release more updates.