We caught up with members of seven-piece alternative rock band Young Mountain who recently dropped their debut EP, If You Leave, out now on all streaming platforms. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the band consists of Hance Alligood (Vocals), Matt Mulkey (Vocals), Jason Mays (Guitar), Justin Simard (Guitar), Michael Matejick (Bass), Spencer Strobel (Keyboards) and Nick Alper (Drums). Hance, Matt and Jason tell us all about the new EP, some of their musical influences, their creative and collaborative process, and lots more. Check out our chat below!
What can you tell us about your new EP, If You Leave?
Hance: If You Leave was a very collaborative effort as a whole, but without Jason laying the foundation, these songs may never have happened. The EP offers a very dynamic and powerful, yet ambient and heartfelt performance. It’s just all raw, real emotion.
Matt: The EP was a labor of love since 2018. It started with Jason and myself and quickly added additional members as the songs came to life to give the project the potential we knew it deserved. It started as therapy for Jason and I and eventually manifested into what we have now.
Jason: For me, It’s one of the most sincere things I’ve gotten to do in my entire life. This EP is my way of coping with the loss of my father, brother and dealing with my own anxiety and depression issues…and the best part about it is, I got to do this with the help of my friends.
Who would you say are some of your musical influences?
Matt: I’d say the biggest musical influences for this EP were Bon Iver and TWDY. As for lyrics or melody influence – it’s really just what came to me. It was all written in a flow state, song pulled up, and lyrics and melody written on the spot before recording. Imagine talking and sharing vulnerable things with your friend and having one of them immediately turn it into a song. So I personally don’t try to be influenced by anything other than what happened inside of me.
Jason: On the music side of things, I’d say it was highly influenced by This Will Destroy You and Daughter. Those are 2 of my favorite bands and this is the first time that my influences are directly on display in terms of the music. Also, a huge credit to our bassist Michael Matejick, he is a huge influence on the arrangements and without him, these songs wouldn’t have the hooks and catchy appeal that it does, If it were just me, it would be straight up post rock songs.
Did you always know that music was something you wanted to pursue?
Hance: I pretty much knew from the time I was a young kid that I wanted to pursue music in some capacity. My family is extremely musical and my dad always encouraged my interest in music.
Matt: I’ve been involved with music ever since I was 4/5 years old from being raised in the church (my father is a Pastor). However, I didn’t start singing in front of people or for anyone until I was 16. It was a secret talent I knew I had but my anxiety and fear always kept it hidden. Since middle school, I knew it was something that would always be a part of me and would always have the desire to eventually do it full-time.
Jason: I’m going to be the odd man out, I’ve always had music in my life, the earliest memories I have was of this toy drum set that my mom got me. But, there were times that I thought I wanted to get into film, and acting. It really wasn’t until my early 20s that I started touring and really fell in love with music and decided it was worth pursuing.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Hance: I would say to explore music with no pressure and don’t limit yourself. Don’t ever try to force musical creativity, just allow yourself to always be open to when creative moments happen, and let them flow when they do.
Matt: Be yourself. Learn what YOU are good at and your limits and be the best at what YOU can do. There is no one like you. We have plenty of bands mimicking bands or singers…there’s nothing wrong with pulling inspiration. I believe singers’ main influences and styles are developed very early on…but learning to do what you can do at the highest level is where you win.
Jason: Believe in yourself and stay true to who you are. Set the trends rather than follow them. Emulate, don’t imitate.
What is your favorite song to perform?
Hance: We haven’t played a live show yet but my favorite song to practice with the full band is the title track, “If You Leave”.
Matt: No live shows yet – but “Irma” is super fun for me to sing live.
Jason: I can’t decide between “DOOMGAZER” or “If You Leave”. I think “DOOMGAZER” and the way we’ve beefed up the more dynamic parts of that song is really fun. But, I’m with Hance, “If You Leave” just hits hard.
Can you describe your creative process when you’re writing new music?
Jason: The creative process for us is pretty straight forward. I’ll usually write/record an idea. I’ll share it with everyone else, Matt and Hance will come in and add vocals, and then our bassist/producer Michael will come along and work on the arrangements and production duties. He molds those ideas into the final state.
TLDR: we pretty much create like a hip hop production team, although for the next few singles I’d love to just go back to jamming with everyone together in a room.
What has been the best advice someone has given you about music?
Hance: The best advice I’ve ever been given about music is to not compare yourself to another musician/singer/band.
Matt: Sustained effort. Hard work can last a finite amount of time, but it’s the sustained effort in your craft that truly makes a difference.
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