Singer-songwriter Astrid Young recently released her new single, “The Beautiful Can Get Away with Murder,” featuring David J (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets), a track lifted from her upcoming long player produced by Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, The Kinks, John Mellencamp).
Talking about the song, David J says, “When Astrid asked if I happened to have any lyrics that would work for our upcoming session, I dusted off this unused true crime narrative and it fit like a bloody glove on the hand of the prime suspect!”
He goes on to add, “Those sessions were a pure joy and working with the great producer, Eddie Kramer, meant that each day was a master class that I felt very privileged to attend. All of the musicians were top-notch, and Astrid is a kick ass songwriter and a truly beautiful soul!”
Based in Ontario, Canada, Young’s sound blends influences from classical to heavy rock, with generous dollops of roots, blues, prog, country and Americana. She’s released dozens of songs, including five solo albums, as well as toured as backup for elite artists. She’s written several screenplays, made a film, and written a bestselling book. Along with a certified sommelier, Young’s music has been heard in space – Neil Young’s Harvest Moon, which Astrid sings on, was “officially” played on the ISS.
Guitar Girl Magazine spoke with Astrid Young to discuss the single, the forthcoming album, tone, and her favorite gear.
What three things can’t you live without?
Music, family, friendship. Not necessarily in that order!
What inspired your new single, “The Beautiful Can Get Away with Murder?”
Kind of a long story. David J wrote the lyrics to my music, but there’s a weird kind of kismet behind it. I wrote a screenplay many years back, it got optioned a couple of times and was eventually made into a short film. It was called ‘Haunted When the Minutes Drag’ – which is the title of a Love & Rockets song. I didn’t know David J back then, but I was listening to that record pretty much on a loop when I was writing. The story is about a female rock star who is a serial killer; it’s kind of a statement on the cult of celebrity and how privileged people tend to get away with a lot of bad behavior because they are so insulated AND because nobody would believe they could be such a terrible person.
So, when I did meet David, I didn’t tell him about the movie because I didn’t want to come across as too much of a fangirl. I figured there would be a time and a place. Anyway, fast forward to us getting ready to record, and David sends me the lyrics for this song. At that point, I had to tell him the story. We were both like, WHAT?! How did that happen? ha-ha. So, it’s special in so many ways – plus, it gives the story a defib jolt of new life. I’m currently trying to write it as a novel, so the saga continues. The artwork for the single (and the album cover) is actually a still from the film. Which, by the way, you will never see (that’s a story for another time!)
Who directed the video, and where was it shot?
Videos are in progress now, stand by on that! We’re shooting most of it in Toronto at a studio I do a lot of work at; it’s got a real ‘living room’ vibe. Since David J. (bass/vocals) and Victor DeLorenzo (drums) live elsewhere, they are recording their bits separately, and we’ll comp them in. I’m also in the process of transferring a copy of the ‘Haunted’ film and will use some clips from it. The really cool thing about that is that Tim Welch, my guitar player, is in the movie too, so it’s both of us, like 27 years ago, how cool is that? It’s going to be amazing! At this point, there’s no director. Tim is my musical director and creative co-conspirator, so let’s just say it’s me and Tim.
“The Beautiful Can Get Away with Murder” is from your upcoming album. What can you share about the album?
It’s still a work in progress … produced by Eddie Kramer and featuring Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes) on drums (it’s the 2nd record Victor and I have done together); David J (Bauhaus/Love & Rockets) on bass; Tim Welch (Images in Vogue/National Velvet/Carole Pope) on guitar – I’ve known Tim for 45 years!! and many of my favorite people contributing cool sounds: Saskia Tompkins on Nickelharpa and Viola, my cousin Matthew Davies on Dobro, and Brent Bodrug on keyboards (Brent also played on my last record). Currently, there are 6 songs finished, and we are working on a few more with the goal to do a vinyl release. Currently, it’s only available on a Musical Bead, which is an NFC card, brand-new media that I’m really excited about. The files on the card are delivered in high resolution 96/32 sample rate, which is the way I want people to hear it.
Serious question: why do you make music?
It’s in me. It’s who I am, what I do, the meaning of life for me … I always say, if you want to know me, know my music. I do lots of things, but music is my eternal soul.
How did you get started in music?
My parents had me in lessons when I was a toddler. So, I could read music before I could read words (almost!). I was in the classical world until I was in my mid-teens, but didn’t start playing guitar ‘til I was 14. I’d decided at about age 8 or 9 that music was what I wanted to do in life. much to my mother’s chagrin!
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
So many! The Russian composers, Stravinsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky. I never even thought about being a singer until I discovered Ian Gillan, and I thought, ‘That’s what I want to sound like!’ Not that I do, but that’s where it started. I also love Bon Scott.
Musically, I love texture and drama.
So, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, David Bowie, Tears for Fears, and Kate Bush. Those are the bands and artists that inspired me to learn how to record and produce.
What kind of guitar do you play? Which amps and pedals are you using?
I play and am endorsed by Larrivee Guitars. My main axe is an 0312-R (12-string) and second is an LV03R 6-string. I love them so much! I also play an Alvarez baritone acoustic, and when I play bass, I use my Lakland 5-string 55-01 fretless, which was custom-made for me.
My preference, amp-wise, is a GK 400RB, which is a bass amp. That’s the sound! But lately I’ve been playing through a Kemper Profiler because it’s more portable. I do a lot of openers and don’t want to be a slave to someone’s crappy backline or a DI. This way, I always have my sound. and it fits in my carry-on! Tim is a Kemper guy, too. He’s the one who turned me onto it, although he’s got the big daddy rig, I just use the pedal. But that’s enough for me. I’d play through an SVT if it was practical!
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
Always evolving … I’m still playing around with the Kemper to dial it in. But I love big, beefy-sounding guitars. I don’t play the 12 like you’d expect, I rock it! So, it’s really important that my sound has rock-bottom depth, warmth, and tone. I also tune down a full step, so a certain crispness is critical to making it not sound too muddy. The right strings are a big aspect of my tone. Since I tune down, it’s really important to have heavier gauge strings and get the right tension. Currently, my sets are Frankensteined. I add some wound strings where your typical 12-string set would have unwound ones. I used to be endorsed by Dean Markley and used their MD phos bronze sets, but they don’t make ‘em anymore. One day maybe a string company will make some custom sets just for me, so I won’t have to buy singles (that’s a not-so-subtle hint!). I’m pretty sure there are other players out there who would appreciate them. I would not advise anyone to string their guitar like I do without tuning it down because they’ll either break strings or void the warranty. But it sounds so amazing!
What can you share about your creative process?
The music always comes first. Sometimes the words are easy, but often they come much later or in chunks. I love collaborating with others because it makes me think differently, but usually I come in with pretty well-formed songs. I’m known for my unconventional arrangements, I guess… but that’s what makes me unique. I don’t know, it’s just me. I don’t do anything on purpose; it just comes out of me. Always respect the muse!
Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?
It’s hard to beat playing live with a band; that’s the grail for me. When it’s in the pocket and I can just do my thing and be IN the music, wow. There’s nothing like it. I love being in the studio, that’s my happy place. I would do that every day if it paid better, ha-ha.
What is your definition of success?
That’s a tough question. My idea of success has changed so much over the years, and every time I reach a goal, I’m still looking beyond. I can tell you though, at this point it’s more about sustainability and being able to keep doing what I love and make a living from it. It ain’t easy, but it seems to be working out okay at the moment!
I do think that if you’re focused too much on a specific endgame, you’re probably missing the point. You can’t possibly know what true success is until you’ve achieved it. Up til then, it’s just some vague idea of what success might look like. and it’s never, never, ever what you think it’s gonna be. Some of the coolest things I’ve done in my career I would have never been able to imagine in my youth.
What’s next for Astrid Young?
Finish this record, keep recording, write new songs, keep playing, tour the world, keep having FUN! I’m working on booking some European dates for this fall. I love playing over there. Hopefully, I can take my band this time.
I also want to introduce more musicians to Musical Bead, which is the technology/physical media I’m using to release my records.Tthis is the future! It’s not owned by big tech, and it’s a way to promote your music digitally (and as physical media) without going through the platforms or investing in stuff that people don’t buy. And we all need that!
There may also be some opening gigs on a big tour this summer. Can’t spill the tea on that just yet, but hopefully you’ll see us around on some big stages this year.
I am also working on an audiobook version of my bestselling book, ‘Being Young,’ and I have another book in the works (a wine book) that should be published next summer.
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