YUNGBLUD, also known as Dominic Harrison, is a rising alternative rock musician originally from Doncaster, England. Recently featured on the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack, hot off a performance at Lollapalooza, and getting ready to head out on tour, YUNGBLUD is definitely one to watch. He is not afraid to push the boundaries, and his socially conscious sound proves it. We had the opportunity to talk with YUNGBLUD about his style as a musician and the exciting milestones he has been experiencing.
Her Campus: How would you describe your style as an artist?
YUNGBLUD: I think my sound is an accumulation of different genres mixed together and the message behind my music is that I talk about what is going on in the world right now. I talk about what I’m angry about, I talk about what’s going on from a young person’s perspective and point of view. I think right now, with people being so intelligent, we are a really smart generation, and I want to write music that represents that.
HC: Are you excited to be performing at Lollapalooza this weekend?
Y: Yes! I am really excited! We literally just got in last night. I walked around the festival a bit, and it’s such a cool vibe. I’ve wanted to play Lollapalooza all my life. It’s a milestone that you look up to, so to play it for the first time is the best thing ever.
HC: Did being featured on the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack change the direction of your career at all?
Y: I think so. I got so excited when I got the opportunity because it’s such a big show. What I loved about it was the controversy around it because people either love it or they hate it, and I love that. It is what I want to be like as an artist. I don’t want to be liked by everyone. I want to be pushing the boundaries. I think with [the show], a lot of people can find it is glamorizing anxiety and glamorizing depression, but to me that is totally not the case. Personally suffering with anxiety and depression, I think [the show] is amazing because it highlights and gives people a chance to understand what is going through someone’s head when they are feeling that way and understand that it is not just a thing where they are being dramatic. It can be uncomfortable to watch and triggering, but what’s more uncomfortable is someone not understanding what you are going through. I think it is brilliant, and I think it is doing what art should do, and it was amazing to get that opportunity.
HC: I recently watched your case study for Universal Music Group. Can you tell me more about the fan mail that you carry around?
Y: Yeah! It is getting quite a lot every day, and it is so cool. The connection I have with my fans is so important, and I want to break the boundaries and break the barriers between an artist and a crowd. It is so important, and I learn so much through my fans, and they help me. I feel so connected to them right now, and that is a super special thing for me. It’s hard touring constantly, not sleeping properly and not eating well when you just don’t have time, and their messages and their kindness and reactions to my music is what keeps me going and what keeps me energized.
HC: What message do you hope that your music sends to others?
Y: I just want it to be an outlet for people that feel like they can’t be themselves or feel like they can’t say what they think. Right now, I don’t want to tell people what to think; I want to be straight up. No one is being straight up anymore and everyone is turning around the subject. Music right now is talking about “I love you baby so much” or “let me throw dollars on cars,” and to me, that is not what it is about. I want it to have a message, I want it to empower people to say what they think.
HC: Do you have any advice for young college women?
Y: I am loving the movement of female empowerment that is going on right now. I think it is incredible, and to me, everyone no matter who they are deserves to have their voice heard. At the end of the day, our generation right now is so smart and sees the future that we want to be a part of, and we are close to getting it. The people in charge are not ready for the world to go to that place yet and they are blinded by the cataracts of all the ideologies, but if we just carry on saying what we think and pushing and moving toward the future we want to be a part of, then we are going to get there. It is so exciting!
HC: Do you have any upcoming concerts in the LA area?
Y: I do, yes. I have a concert in the fall.
Be sure to keep an eye on YUNGBLUD and catch his show in LA this fall—you won’t regret it.