[INTERVIEW] Young Rising Sons Talk New Deluxe Edition Of Debut Album "Still Point In A Turning World"

Since making a resonant splash in 2014 with their hit single “High,” an ode to the ups and downs of life and all its beauty and agony, Young Rising Sons have seen their fair share of good times and bad times, including signing to and being dropped by a major record label, completing successful tours throughout North America and the UK, and racking up a list of sold-out shows. But through it all, and with admirable determination, the indie pop band that ascended from the banks of Jersey has remained resilient and dedicated, both to their music and to their adoring fan base, which has become more like a supportive family to them than anything else.

After years of hinting that a full-length was on the way, in March, Young Rising Sons finally made it official, independently releasing their debut album, a project that was highly anticipated by fans and press alike, to put it mildly. “It’s quite a big benchmark for us,” Andy Tongren, the band’s lead singer, told Musical Notes Global, “but more than anything it’s inspired us to keep making more music.”

Without a doubt, however, and to no one’s surprise, Still Point In A Turning World was more than worth the wait. And then some. Together, Tongren, along with drummer Steve Patrick, bassist Julian Dimagiba, and guitarist Max Iantorno, managed to capture lightning in a bottle with this release, which has quickly become a welcome companion and shimmering beacon of hope as we continue to face some of the greatest challenges that most of us will ever see in our lifetime, maintaining a powerful sense of optimism, grounding, and a revitalizing dose of sincerity.

Stacked with exhilarating anthems that make the soul soar and the spirit fly (hello “Passenger” and “Standing”!), the album digs at the root of what makes us human while offering up infectious melodies and oh so yummy choruses that are insanely catchy and easy to sing along to. Nudging listeners to acknowledge and reflect on their own journeys, Still Point harnesses the emotional thrills of the roller coaster ride we call life, touching on the importance of being present and living in the moment while confronting the hardships we face and the insecurities we often find ourselves hiding from the rest of the world. But instead of getting too heavy, the band casts a glowing light into the darkness, transforming rough times into a potent source of strength and courage and speaking to the relief of making it through.

“In today's world we only see the highlights of each other's lives, and people understandably shy away from showing the low points. But, adversity has shaped our band since day one, and if it was something we didn’t talk about we’d be doing ourselves an injustice,” Tongren pointed out. “Still Point references addictive behavior in ‘More,’ complacency in ‘Passenger,’ the unraveling of a relationship in ‘House Of Cards’ among others, but I believe what makes a Sons song a Sons song is the discovery in what we gain from those hardships, and ultimately how we wind up stronger on the other side. Our goal in every Sons song is to tell a story about a journey that we’ve experienced, and despite how difficult it is, how we can all hopefully wind up better because of that experience.”

Still Point sees the band truly coming into their own. And the care with which the album was crafted—that personal and unmistakable YRS touch—shines through radiantly, showcasing the magic that resides in the natural chemistry between four committed musicians who not only live for what they do, but who are also best friends. About the album’s development Tongren shared: “It felt very natural - in fact we really just let ourselves write what came to us. The biggest part of this album was allowing ourselves to be our true authentic selves. At times it’s difficult and there are moments where you want to fight it, but it gives us a lot of freedom to just exist in our own creative space.”

Now the band returns with a deluxe version of Still Point In A Turning World, which sees the addition of five new songs, including the wildly catchy “Beach Bummer,” to a track list that’s already as lush as velvet. It’s the perfect summer soundtrack, but really, it’s made for any season. Press play, and be prepared to be transported to a better time and place.

“My favorite albums are the ones that feel as though they could be played on a continuous loop and you still wouldn’t get sick of it. The kind of albums that take you to a new world and keep you engaged, rather than feel like a finite ‘here are the 12 songs, you’ll know when it’s over’ approach,” Tongren said. “We felt the additional songs continue the journey of the ‘Still Point’ world and exist in the same space.”

The new edition certainly swells with sublime allure and captures the same enthusiasm and positive undertones that made the original album a treasure, featuring as its focal point the new single “Easy Dreamer,” which Tongren noted “feels as though it’s the thesis statement for the deluxe record. There’s a sense of optimism in what is essentially an internal dialogue and a reassurance that despite the feeling of uncertainty, it’s okay to keep dreaming.”

Soon the Sons will be heading out on a tour through the East Coast and Midwest, serving as a special guest alongside Smallpools and Dreamers as part of their “the Cameras & Coastlines tour” this fall. “I’m excited for it all,” Tongren shared. “I think what I’m most looking forward to is reconnecting with fans in a live space. That’s the reason we started playing music and after what the world has been through it’s something we’re all hungry for.”

And to those fans who have so fiercely and wholeheartedly supported this band through the years, Tongren left these final words: “Thank you for your patience, your love and for giving us everything you’ve given us since we started this band. We have a lot more to give you. The sons love you.”

Stream Still Point in a Turning World Deluxe below.