his story needs no introduction but here is one anyway. Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past six months then you’ve no doubt caught Adam Young’s Owl City on your radio, or on MTV, or at Barnes and Noble, or just about anywhere you go. His iTunes giant “Fireflies”, off the album Ocean Eyes (since been certified Gold), was written as an attempt to fight off insomnia in his parent’s basement in Owatonna, Minnesota and is a catchy sun drenched tune that perfectly encapsulates the world that Adam Young seems to live in, if only in his own head. What I’m trying to say is that this stuff is happy as happy comes. Young never intended most of his work to be heard by anyone but the walls of his parent’s home. Young himself is slender, smiley, admittedly painfully shy and he confesses that his own reflection can terrify him. Well Adam, that is a fear that you will quickly need to remedy.

You have been playing music for several years now, I want to talk about your recent climb to the top in a bit, but first fill us in on your start, most only know Owl City the #1 download on iTunes, but you began in your parent’s basement right?

Adam Young: I’m a really shy person and thus, not a very social person, so I started writing music for something to do on weekends when everyone I knew was out and about. It’s been funny watching Fireflies go to number 1 on Billboard because everything about the way the song was envisioned, conceived, created and even recorded was anything but glamorous.

You said you’re a shy person. So what is it like to be having to do interviews constantly and

connecting face to face with your new legion of fans? Is that something you’re still working on or do you feel pretty confident now?

AY: I can’t even handle catching my own reflection in the mirror. I’m terrified.

(Laughs) Things can probably get pretty hectic these days, what was your typical day like before Owl City became your full time job?

AY: I woke up everyday at 3 PM, put on my dirty jeans and drove to work where I loaded semi trucks with cans and bottles of Coca-Cola for 6 hours a day. I hated it. I didn’t say a word to anyone. It was brutal.

This Spring you started to get some serious notice. How crazy has it been to see yourself as #1 download on iTunes, hear yourself on popular radio, sell out shows, and all in a matter of months?

AY: It’s been surreal, needless to say.

How has it changed your life?

AY: Well, I don’t work in a warehouse anymore. Other than that, nothing has changed and I want to keep it that way. While music and creating art is my passion and I couldn’t dream of doing anything else with my life, Owl City is a job, not who I am. My identity doesn’t lie in a band.

What has been the most surreal moment so far? The moment that made you think, “How did all this happen to me?”

AY: Yesterday when I flew from NYC to Houston and had to throw away all my shampoo, body wash, cologne and aftershave.

Talk to us about making the transition from the basement to the stage? What were some goals you have with your live performance?

AY: I initially didn’t want to tour. Ever. Now I’m playing all over the world. Isn’t life funny?

It has been noted that the “wisest people often find joy in the simplest of everyday experiences” (-Anonymous), what in this life has shaped you as a person and/or has influenced you to make the music you do?

AY: My relationship with Jesus Christ. He is my life, my strength, my all. He is the reason I create and all I want out of this life is to be a shimmering reflection of His boundless love, grace and mercy for all mankind.

Do you feel like the stage should be used as a “pulpit” to share your thoughts on that subject? Or would you rather it be something that is reflected in your life?

AY: The stage should be ironically be nothing more than a “stage” in the beautiful cinematic way that lifestyle reflects one’s beliefs and faith.

What do you think it is about your music that has so many kids connecting with it?

AY: The songs (laughs).

Your sound has seemed to become a trend over the last couple years. Was the style of Owl City something that came about naturally through the songwriting process or was it something you were aiming for specifically?

AY: I knew I wanted to write pop music, because I’d experimented quite a bit with math-rock, post-rock, and ambient music. It was kind of a challenge, writing in pop “format” so to speak, because that isn’t my natural taste. It’s a fun challenge and I’ve really grown to appreciate it for what it is.

Who are some of your favorite bands or artists right now?

AY: Hammock, Stars of the Lid, Telefon Tel Aviv, Boards of Canada, Unwed Sailor.

Your songs are all super positive, is that something you do on purpose or would you write a more sad song if you could?

AY: I’ve got an endless amount of sad songs in the can. Who knows when they’ll surface.

You’re heading out to the UK in the New Year. Are you nervous? What kind of response have you seen thus far from overseas?

AY: I’m nervous about sitting next to someone I don’t know on the airplane. I just got back from China and Japan and was blown away at how well Owl City was received there. Couldn’t be more excited about Europe!

Is Owl City something that you see yourself doing long term?

AY: I prefer not to think about it. It’s a lot of fun, but I’ve accepted that it could all end tomorrow. And if it does, I’ll be just as grateful for having had the chance to do things I never thought I’d get to do.

If this were to be your last day doing Owl City, what do you think you would do?

AY: I’d put on my pajamas and go bowling.

If you are the previously noted “kid in the cave” and have not been on iTunes in the last six-months (or any other form of electronic medium) or haven’t left the house (or used any of your five senses) and subsequently do not know the music of Owl City then be sure to grab his new release and get to know him. We received the answers to our questions in true Owl City style. A kid that is really not too worried about keeping up with trends or fads. A kid who is trying to bring some positivity and light-heartedness to music and seems to be truly enjoying himself. His dreamland portrayed in his music has spilled over into his life and we are grateful to get a chance to share a moment with him.