Recently, I was able to schedule a Zoom call with Jay Malcuit, the lead vocalist of a rock band called YUNGER, who have released a hard-hitting dual single in “Alive”/”Sinner”. In this interview, I asked Jay about what went into the writing and recording process of the single and the 7″ vinyl, his on-stage “persona”, and much more. If you’re enjoying the music and interview, please consider purchasing the 7″ single here.
Thanks for your time today, Jay. YUNGER have recently released a heavy-hitting dual single in “Alive”, and the other side has “Sinner.” What was your band’s approach to writing both of these songs?
Thank you very much for having me! The writing process for “Alive” was definitely a journey to say the least…The instrumental was done for awhile but I was stumped on my part until it was time to get in the studio…The rest of the band really loved this instrumental so I followed that even though I was having my own troubles with getting anything down for this. The song didn’t come together until we were all in the studio together with Nick Miller. He is insanely talented and “Alive” absolutely wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for him. As for “Sinner” – that one was a pretty smooth process as we’ve had that one written for awhile now. We are so proud of how these two turned out.
Is that typical for your guys’ band songwriting process? Do an instrumental, then you lay vocals over it…that kind of thing?
Oh yeah, definitely!
Yeah, luckily the song sounds great! What about “Sinner”? Was that any different for the writing/recording process?
Thank you very much! We’re so happy you like them!
Sinner was very different for sure. This one flowed a lot more naturally. The instrumental had such a unique vibe to it and it brought the energy it did out of it.
That’s cool. And I understand that the dual-single is being pressed to vinyl, which I’m a collector of, as you can probably see from the background. Have you heard the test pressing, and/or received the physical final product yet?
Oh nice! Love that! We had heard the test pressing awhile back! That was such a trip. We have a bunch of copies coming in any day now actually! Funny enough – people who have ordered it already will definitely receive it before we will!
I had to ask! We have a big vinyl community at Chorus, too.
That’s so cool! Hope that we can add ours to your collection!
So I see that you guys are from California. What do you like best about the kind of the hard rock/hardcore scene on the West Coast?
There is an incredible community out here! I would say that the best thing has to be the love and the support that everyone shows each other here. It’s electric.
Can you think of other bands you admire from that general scene of California?
There are some really big groups that are from Sacramento actually! We’ve got Deftones, Tesla, Cake, Dance Gavin Dance & Papa Roach just to name a few!
I’ve met Papa Roach a few times. Jacoby has really changed a lot, personally, since the debut, where he was just like a wild man. Since then, he’s gotten sober and stuff like that. He’s really turned his life around really well, and I’m really proud of the guy. Where do you draw inspiration from in your music?
That’s cool that you got to meet him! I met him at a show they were playing for suicide awareness. Such an incredible soul. We all have different influences for sure. We obviously all love rock of course but we pull from different sub-genres within that to create the sound we do! I personally am very inspired by R&B/Soul and any bands that bring that kind of emotion with them.
Oh, cool, yeah I can hear that in your voice too, from the singles that I’ve heard.
Thank you, man!
Of course…What was your music upbringing like as a kid?
I grew up with my dad who is also a musician so we had some really nice instruments that I am very fortunate to have gotten to learn on. My dad is a bit older too so he showed me a lot of music from the 50s and 60s! Music has always been the center of my world from very early on for sure.
Yeah, my dad was really into James Taylor and the Beatles. I gravitated much more towards The Beatles, obviously, than James Taylor. I wasn’t into much of the soft rock at that time…But, does your brand measure success? Is it Spotify/streaming numbers or the connection to your fans?
We’re all really real and truly genuine so we love the real connections we build. I think a good measure amongst the ones that you had mentioned would be how many people come to our shows wearing merch or singing along!
Yeah, that’s awesome. And that’s a great answer to that question, too. So when do you think that YUNGER will feel that you’ve accomplished that goal that you’ve set out for? When you feel like you can breathe a little bit and at a comfortable stage in your music career?
This is a great question! I think we’ll feel accomplished when we’re able to do this full time. That’s always the goal of course.But we’re ultimately just grateful to be able to get to do this at any capacity.
Yeah, some bands just get lucky with, or incredibly fortunate, with their first single. I mean, speaking of Papa Roach, right out the gate with “Last Resort.” It just blew up for them, and the rest is history…
Wait… That was their first single?!
Yes, from Infest. Yep, that’s their first song that they put out on a major label. Before that they had Potatoes For Christmas, an indie record/EP. But as far as a formal debut, that was it.
I didn’t know that!
Yeah, it’s just one of those things. It’s those make or break moments, you know? So you talked a little bit about the YUNGER concerts. How would you describe a typical YUNGER show?
That’s so cool! I would say that we’re a really fun set to watch. I know we all try and connect with everyone in that room and get on the same vibe and the same energy and it’s always so much fun. From what I hear, we’re fun to watch!
That’s a cool compliment, for sure. <Laughter> Yeah, because in the band picture, that’s right in front of me, I see a five piece band. Is that right?
Yessir!
How would you describe your on stage “persona” or personality when you’re in front of a live audience?
That’s a really good question. It’s such a wild experience to get to be on stage and perform.. I know that I tap into a piece of myself that’s more “fight or flight” with how I react. It’s such a rush. Such a release. I just try to bring that energy and do my best so that you feel what I’m saying.
That’s awesome, Jay. How would you convince a new listener of your music to dive deeper into your band’s music, either with the lyrics or the music itself? Obviously, start with buying the vinyl, right? <Laughter>
Of course! <Laughter> Get yourself that vinyl and you’re off to a stellar start! I’m really proud of this collective we have. I am grateful to get to work with some really talented musicians. So if you don’t like my voice, at least give them a listen. <Laughter>
Excellent! The last question I have for you is kind of like an open-ended question. Is there anything else you would like to share with your fans today, either personally, musically, politically or professionally?
I just want to thank every single person who has ever supported all of us individually and altogether. I’m so grateful that even just one person would want to go out of their way to listen to us or come out to a show. We are truly grateful for everyone who listens to us and has been a part of this journey with us.
That’s great, and best wishes to your band!
Thank you very much! Have a beautiful day!!
