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Out with the old and in with the new is what they say. Young Hollywood, previously known as To Write A Riot! is back better than ever. The band known from “The City That Never Sleep,” or best known as New York City. The boys of Young Hollywood returns to the world with a new name, a new sound, a new everything. They have just recorded a new EP with platinum producers, Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount (The Ready Set, Mayday Parade, and Cartel). The band is made with vocalist – Zack Fulton, Matt Alongi on guitar, Corey Martel on guitar, Shaughn Adamski on bass and Dillon Hammel on drums. Just recently the boys made their way to Wilton, Connecticut to battle out a chance to play at the Bamboozle for The Break Contest at the Trackside Teen Center. After their live set, I was able to meet up with the boys to ask a few questions which can be read below:
What influenced the new name change? What does Young Hollywood mean?
Zack – We changed the name from To Write A Riot! to Young Hollywood because when Dillon became a full-time drummer for us, we started writing new music which we recorded in Atlanta. When we came back we decided that TWAR was old news. We were ready to be a new band with a whole new idea which is what Young Hollywood means. It’s the idea of living your dream, doing what you want and at the same time not caring what other people around you think. People go to Hollywood to make it and that’s what we’re trying to do. We want to make it to meet as many people as possible.
What was it like recording with Zack and Kenneth?
Dillon – Recording with Zack and Kenneth was awesome. Those guys were professional producers who had a a ton of talent. We didn’t know what to expect from them while we were driving down there. Actually we thought that they weren’t going to be there and that only interns were going to help us record. Instead, when we got there, they were very welcoming to us and very down to earth. We could have gone to another producer, but we saved up our money to go to them. They were phenomenal, without them our record would not sound like the way it does now.
What was your favorite memory down in Atlanta?
Shaughn – My favorite memory was when we went to a bar, which ended up being a venue with a stage. The East Side Boys, with about fifteen members on stage, were performing. Dillon went up on the stage and just started head banging, like rocking out to the music. They were like telling him that he had to stop.
What is your favorite cover to play live?
Dillon – Well this is all opinionated, but I like The Fray, it’s a piano song, but we liked to play it in our own version, so The Fray is my answer.
Do you miss the old songs that you guys wrote?
Shaughn – I miss playing, ‘The Party Law.’
What can you tell us about the new EP?
Zack – When Dillon freshly joined the band and became a full-time member and when we began getting used to him, we started writing the new record. The record is all about having fun and figuring what we wanted. All of the songs in the EP was written about being in love, since I love everyone.
When will the new EP be released?
Zack – Tentatively, we hope to release it in the beginning of summer, but right now we want to figure out how to distribute it first. Right now we want as many people possible listen to it first. We don’t want to release it too early.
How does it feel to hear that an old fan flatly said that he/she is no longer a fan because of the changes?
Matt – It really hurt my feelings so I e-mailed her with a nice message. I told her that if she comes to our shows we’d give her a free bracelet and CD to show her appreciation of liking our past’s music. I wanted to tell her that we are still the same group of fun loving guys still. Because of our changes in style and name, I didn’t want her to feel that she was no longer a part of our family anymore. She’s really happy now and said that she will be coming to our shows.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Dillon – As a joke dead, but that’s because we don’t know where we will end up in the next few months or years. Like so much can happen along the way in the next few months. We’re currently taking it all at one step at a time in the next five years. We want to play as many shows as possible to get our music out. In the next six months, we want to get out there and get on the road for a tour.
Who is the most teased member in the band?
Zack – In all due honest we tease everyone, but most? I’d say both Dillon and Matt. Like we’ll make fun of Dillon about his beard and Matt about his voice in the recordings. Shaughn is very insecure while being in the band, he always think we’re going to replace him and kick him out. Corey is the oldest of the band and meanest so we don’t bust him ever. I’m very sensitive so I cry about it.
Do you have any advices for other bands out there that are looking up to you guys?
Dillon and Matt – Practice a lot, promote like crazy, and write a lot of songs. Always work harder than any other bands around you. Be the best band and musician you can be at the best of your abilities. Don’t copy other bands, just be creative. Always be one step ahead at all time.
Do you have anything else to say to fans and what we should expect in the rest of 2011 along with future?
Zack – Expect us to play a ton more shows. Expect us to play in your hometowns, wherever that may be. Expect us to have much longer hair. Expect us to have a lot more tattoos and expect FUN. We’re coming to your house America!
There you have it folks, new EP should be released soon along with a ton more shows. After this interview, we went back to the stage for the results of the Break Contest. The boys held hands in a circle for luck for the grand prize. After bands such as Cursed By Reason, Forget Paris, New Years Premiere, Run On the Sun, Voted Most Random, Alive In Love were announced to play a slot at the Bamboozle. While waiting for the final name, Young Hollywood was announced. All cheered, jumped and hugged one another. Witnessing history for the boys who will be playing at the main stage this upcoming Bamboozle.
Before we close off, keep yourself up-to-date from social networks such as Facebook, Twitter @YHband and @YHinsiders, Tumblr, and all video updates on YouTube.
You may also vote for Young Hollywood to play at the 2011 Vans Warped Tour in Hartford, CT on July 17th, 2011 here.
