Bath-based alt-americana four-piece Young Martyrs have released their new single, Everyone Else Disappears. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Formed in 2020, Young Martyrs released their debut self-titled album that year, with their second album, Time Is Not On Our Side, following in 2023.
Speaking about their new track, vocalist Tom Corneill says, "These are the words of someone who's been looking at the object of their affection for too long and from too far away.
"He wants to know what life would look like if they shared it, but it's a dream that's just too far away; Too many rules, too many people in the way.
"This is the song that spills out of him when it's becoming too much. It's the life you could have if only that person knew what was happening inside your head."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Tom (vocals and guitar): My family are from Mayo, Galway and Dublin. Oh, and I once broke my back in a sleepwalking accident (true story, don't worry I'm ok now).
Lee (drums and vocals): I'm self-taught, I've never had a drum lesson.
Rich (guitars and vocals): I play the trombone in a brass quintet. If you need a fanfare at your wedding or some jazz at the reception then I'm your guy.
How would you describe your music?
Tom: We've had lots of comparisons but one person said we sound like The Eagles would have sounded if they'd formed in 2020, which I think is pretty cool and about right. It's songwriter-y stuff. It always starts with a song and we just build around it, not trying to make it sound like anything in particular. Sometimes it comes out a bit country, sometimes a bit folky, sometimes pretty straight rock. But there's always guitars and always harmonies.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Rich: Aerosmith are a huge inspiration to me. I can't get enough of the way the songs and arrangements are so well crafted, but still drenched with feel, dynamics and passion, whether in the studio or live. And Abba need a mention too. They were the first artist I remember making me well-up as a child, so they played a big part in switching me on to music in the first place.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Lee: My first gig was at the Carling Academy (now the o2 Academy) in Bristol. Rooster were headlining with The Upper Room as main support. Personally, I enjoyed The Upper Room more than the headliners.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Rich: it was a second hand single of Duran Duran's Union Of The Snake.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Rich: What Could Have Been Love by, you guessed it, Aerosmith. Steven Tyler was 64 when it was released, which is insane. That voice!
Favourite lyric of all time?
Tom: That's so hard. Right at this moment, maybe from Pretty Things by Rufus Wainwright –-"Be a star and fall down somewhere next to me". I'd love to have written that.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lee: Foo Fighters - Miracle.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We're on all the usual streaming platforms as well as YouTube etc. Better yet, if you head to our website, you can see all our tour dates, socials links and join the mailing list so you never miss us!
Alan Corr
