Owl City's Adam Young Chooses Owatonna Over L.A.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A popular Minnesota musician has teamed up with the woman behind the number one song in the country for what's expected to be a big hit this summer.
Owl City's Adam Young wrote the track for his new album, which comes out in August. And, he thought Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen would be a perfect fit.
The 26-year-old musician had such bad stage fright, he didn't even perform in his school choir. But, after recording music in his parent's basement in Owatonna, his electric music took off once he put it online.
He is now heading back on the same stage where it all began - Dinkytown's Varsity Theater. Three years ago, Owl City was introduced to his Minnesota fans at that venue, putting the spotlight on this self-described shy guy.
"I've never been a guy with a plan, it just kinda happened," said Young.
Adam Young worked the overnight shift unloading Coke trucks, and he eventually dropped out of community college. But mixing music on a computer on one particular song got people around the world to sing along.
The single "Fireflies" went on to sell five million copies in 2009.
"To be able to do this and call this a job even though it doesn't feel like a job is surreal," he said.
Owl City's third studio album will feature the singer of the hottest song this summer from "Call Me Maybe" fame.
Turns out, Carly Rae Jepsen's been to a few of Young's shows and considers herself a big fan. The song will be on both of their upcoming albums.
"She killed it on the track. She did a great job," he said.
And, as for his reserved nature, these last few years have taught him to shake it off, if only for a few hours at a time.
"I love every part of it," he said.
Owl City's new album called "Midsummer Station" will be released on August 21. His North American tour starts in the fall.
And Young still lives in Owatonna, which he said is his safe haven. He has his own house and makes a lot of his music there.
