The Hotseat – Morgan Castle of Young Lions
on November 17th, 2013Brisbane outfit Young Lions formed from the ashes of Amberain with the addition of Zach of Dream On Dreamer, recently put out their debut album ‘Burn‘ through Shock Records. The ten track effort can be picked up on iTunes now [Here]. This week we caught up with Morgan from the band who took on our Hotseat questions. Expand this post to take a read of their answers. The band will tour in January to launch the album. Dates can be found below the interview.
Got Spotify? Listen while you read about it…
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THE BASICS
Name: Morgan Castle
Band: Young Lions
Job In Band: Bass
Website Address: www.facebook.com/younglionsaus
HOME
Hometown: Brisbane.
Hometown is best known for: Pretty good weather and not much else!
Best venue in your hometown: The Tivoli.
Favourite show you’ve seen in your hometown: Oasis at the Entertainment Centre – I think it was around 2005.
Favourite show you’ve played in your hometown: Our recent album launch at Beetle Bar.
THE BAND
How did the band first come to exist? Myself, Kyle and Dan were from Brisbane band Amberain. Our vocalist left the band shortly after recording the music for the album. We eventually had Zach join the band – we knew of him from The Dream The Chase and really wanted him on vocals. We decided to change the name to Young Lions shortly after! That’s pretty much how we started.
How long has the band been going? We’ve been together for about 10-11 months as Young Lions.
What’s your most recent release? Tell us a little about it… We just released our debut album ‘Burn’ on October 4th. It’s 10 tracks and full of emotion. It’s honestly got to be the best thing I’ve ever been a part of. I hope people like it as much as I do haha.
Got a personal stand out achievement of your band to date? Finally releasing our debut album and our launch show in Brisbane (October 4th). It’s been a very long process for us with lots of setbacks over the past year and a half. So I’m stoked we pushed through it all so successfully!
OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it? My dad was always listening to music and often played guitar – particularly at family events and camping. I’d say that’s what sparked my interest. The idea of playing in a band really took hold in high school when I saw bands like Avalon Drive playing in Brisbane.
Your first band name, and what style did you play? No Transit. We didn’t do much but I guess we’d be considered a rock band.
When you’re not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? Working, spending time with friends and the occasional design work as a hobby.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is… Playing in new places, meeting new people, and seeing people sing my band’s songs.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is… Knowing how expensive it can be!
ON THE STAGE
When on offer, what’s your one must have item on the rider? Never really had the opportunity for a serious rider – but a fresh pair of socks and undies would be great!
Favourite place you’ve toured… and why? I toured Tasmania in a previous band and was a lot of fun. Until recently most bands wouldn’t go there so the kids really appreciated the music regardless of genre. Good times with good people!
Most memorable show you’ve played? and why? Our album launch (October 4th) was easily the best show to date. The sound was great and the crowd was huge! Everyone was singing along – I’d never seen such good support for local Brisbane bands. Could not be happier with how it went.
Got a favourite song to play live? Grave Digger or Before the Storm.
Any pre-show rituals? Couple of deep breaths and a drink!
What do you find is the hardest aspect of touring in a band today? Money! Touring isn’t cheap. I guess most musicians will tell you that, but it’s all worth it in the end.
RIGHT NOW
Last song you listened to? Saosin – Voices
Last album you acquired? Bastille – Bad Blood
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? Anything from The Classic Crime!
Tell us an up and coming band or artist you think we should go and listen to right now? Red Beard. Great band from Gympie.
What’s on the cards for the next few months for the band? We’ve just released our debut album and now we’re planning a national tour for summer. Wouldn’t mind getting overseas at some point soon too!
IF ONLY…
You can pick any one album for your band to cover in full, what would it be and why? For me it’d be The Classic Crime’s album The Silver Cord. So many catchy tracks!
You can pick any one band / artist to cover one of your albums in full, what would it be, and why? Funnily enough, I’d love to see what a band like Underoath would do when covering our album. They’re a huge influence and great musicians – I’m sure they’d be able to give it a real twist.
One band you wish you were able to see live but never had the chance? At the Drive-In! That would be epic.
One venue you have yet to play that you would love to? The Tivoli in Brisbane or The Palace Theatre in Melbourne.
PLUG TIME
Got any final words? Would love for everyone to check out our debut album Burn.
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Young Lions – ‘Burn‘
Available now through Shock Records.
Grab a copy on iTunes now [Here].
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YOUNG LIONS
JANUARY
11th – Thriller, Brisbane [18+]
17th – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne [AA]
18th – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne [18+]
19th – Blue Bee Room, Adelaide [AA]
26th – We Come Out At Night, Sydney [18+]
—> Tickets available at the door.
—> For more information, visit [Here].
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