American Young – Kirsty Osmunson and Jon Stone – are quickly rising in Country music after achieving two hits on the airplay charts in the US.
This month they will be embarking on a European tour in support of their self-titled EP, which is released on 11th March 2016. They will also be performing as part of C2C: Country to Country at London’s O2 Arena.
Ahead of the duo’s arrival in the UK we caught up with them to find out all about their EP, discuss their debut single Love is War, and talk about the rise of Country music in the UK.
Hi guys. How are you today? Where does this Q&A find you?
We are in Nashville TN, just got out of the studio…we’ve been launching our Facebook live the last few weeks, and we just did a cover of a friend’s song called American You.
Your debut single Love is War is being released next month. What’s the story behind the track?
The song was written by friends of ours here in Nashville, and it really hit a chord for Jon and myself. Nobody hangs hard times on the wall.
Love is War is taken from your EP, which will be getting a release here in the UK soon. How would you describe the EP to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
It is a glimpse into our sound as a band. We have many dynamics to what we do and it’s always an evolving conversation.
What’s your favourite song on the EP and why?
I like God Sends a Train. Personally, it’s a true story about my mom. It’s really healed so many things in my family, so I’m hoping people get some hope from it. Jon – Train, it’s the most honest song I’ve heard.
You’ll be embarking on a European tour in March. What can your fans look forward to?
We are so excited to be traveling overseas!! We’ve never done a club tour in Europe, so I’m so excited about what an adventure this is going to be!) We really hope to make a bunch of new friends and leave a piece of personal truth.
Is there a lot of difference in terms of the way audiences behave and interact depending on where you are in the world?
One hundred percent. We had a wonderful reception in Belgium when we were there last year performing on the Bachelorette. You really never know where your audience is going to come from.
Jon – you’ve written songs for artists including Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton and Lee Brice. How do you decide which of your songs to give to other artists?
I’ll answer this for Jon. He honestly writes so many songs. I think his friends just show up at his house and take them off his computer. Honestly…I think I know Jon’s catalogue better than he does. It’s crazy. He just writes songs and plays them for friends and they seem to like what they hear and go cut the songs.
Country music is starting to gain a much bigger fanbase here in the UK and it’s one of the most popular genres across the world. What do you think the long-lasting appeal of country music is?
It is the roots to our country. We are telling the stories through song to be passed down through the generations to carry on the truth of our ancestors. The Grand Ole Opry is my church.
Which country artists are on your playlists that we should be listening to?
Elle King just put out a great record. And Chris Stapleton… Jon actually used to be roommates with him. And Eric Church once apron a time!
What else does 2016 hold for American Young?
We are touring Europe for an early launch and then coming back to the US to get it started over here this summer.
American Young will be performing as part of C2C: Country to Country, which takes place at London’s O2 Arena from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th March 2016. The duo’s self-titled EP will be released on Friday 11th March 2016. Watch the music video for their single Love is War below:
[brid video=”29560″ player=”531″ title=”American Young “Love Is War” (Official Music Video)”]
