Known to audiences around the globe as Owl City, Adam Young has a unique ability to capture attention while playing multiple instruments.
Through his performances Young desires to creatively communicate messages of hope.
During high school Young began his musical journey by playing the guitar for his church youth group. He never expected that he would perform in arenas around the world.
“I played guitar in the church youth group and that got the wheels turning,” Young said. “I started playing drums shortly after, and because I couldn’t play anything in time, the foreign idea of ‘sampling’ caught my attention. I became interested in learning more about the art of sequencing and programming. I saw electronic music as a bottomless well to delve headfirst into.”
Spotlight on Christ
“As a kid in my bedroom, I suddenly became an orchestra conductor in front of the Vienna symphony. One thing led to another, and I’m just chasing after my dreams on a trip that’s just as much about the journey as it is about the destination.”
Wherever Young performs, he desires to shine the spotlight on Christ.
“I pray that whatever happens that my music would ultimately be usable for the glory of Christ. The first time I played in Shanghai, we pulled up to a sold-out room full of people who didn’t speak much English at all. I was blown away, literally lost for words because everyone knew all the songs and lyrics in English word-for-word.
“I remember blanking out completely, forgetting all about the music and just praising the Lord with every fiber of my being. Later that night I lay awake thinking, ‘Who am I to be allowed to experience something like this?’ I’ve been blessed with a lot of moments like these, and my knees have been black and blue as a result because all I know to do is hit the floor and thank my Savior for the endless grace I’ve been given.”
Animated films
His music has been featured in several animated films, such as “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Escape From Planet Earth,” “The Croods,” “VeggieTales: Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas” and “The Smurfs 2.”
“These days so many people, myself included, are glued to their iPhones, iPads, televisions, laptops, etc.,” Young noted. “As a result, I think people have lost a lot of interest and intrigue with respect to using their imagination. I would love for my music to bring imagery and intrigue to people, because I’m a firm believer that the power of the imagination holds a lot more strength than anybody gives it credit for. I want to capture that idea with music.”
During his travels, Young believes the Lord has been teaching him valuable lessons along the way.
“Without question, God has been teaching me about perseverance,” Young said. “I’ve had a few things come up where I’ve wanted an answer from God right away. It has been a great reminder to abandon whatever strength I think I have in myself and leave the whole business at the foot of the cross so that Christ may lead, and through Him, I may serve to glorify Him and ultimately further the Kingdom. It sometimes is a rough ride but Jesus never said it would be easy, which is all the more reason to trust Him with all I’ve been given and praise His name with every breath I have in me.”
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