Meet the multi-instrumentalist soundtracking everything from clubland to road trips.
Trousers by Chalayan, jumper and rollneck by Fendi and glasses by Moscot.
Taken from the AW19 issue of Rollacoaster. Order your copy of the issue now…
Since dropping his breakout single “Out Of My System” in 2016, multi-instrumentalist Dario Darnell – better known as Youngr – has taken his alt-pop dance music all around the world, released his debut, ten-track record This Is Not An Album, and elevated a countless number of parties, long car drives and rough Monday mornings along the way.
This summer, Youngr returned with new singles “Nightcrawling” and “Delusional”, blending electronic synths with drum samples, keyboard, guitar and bass – which he tells us he often plays live – to create his own unique, uplifting sound.
We caught up with the artist to find out more about how he got into music, whether there is a sophomore album in the works and why he wants to provide meaning to the madness.
Left: Jacket by Dunhill, trousers and boots by Eytys. Right: Jumper by Eytys, rollneck by Issey Miyake and trousers by Chalayan.
Hi Youngr! Can you tell us a bit about how you first got into music?
My pops is a musician, so I was surrounded by it for as long as I can remember. Tour buses, sound checking, waiting, travelling, stages, studios… It’s all just part of my upbringing.
When did you realise this could be your career?
I can’t remember the exact moment, but from when I was around 14 I started to gig around Manchester, making money from tickets and selling CDs at school. Also, seeing my dad make a career from music, it felt like a totally achievable goal, even if the odds are stacked heavily against you.
Where do you imagine people listening to your music and how do you want them to feel?
In a car, on a road trip, or at a party with your loved ones or beautiful strangers. I want everybody to feel amazing, happy, hopeful, euphoric.
What’s the best song you’ve heard at a party?
I have no idea, because I’m usually pretty twisted at a party, so I can’t be arsed to Shazam it. But last night we put a whole load of Valentino Khan on and shit got pretty turnt!
What was the reaction like to your breakout single “Out Of My System”?
It was mad. I had no idea it would be received like that. A lot of people say they heard it just at the right time – on gap years, and in between relationships. [It’s] pretty amazing how a song can travel around the world and relate to absolute strangers.
Tell us about your recent release “Nightcrawling” – what in- spired the song?
“Nightcrawling” is a little spiritual, actually. Without trying to sound too much like Russell Brand, I just think we’re getting closer to a bit of an awakening. It’s clear that wellness and mindfulness is on the rise; meditation, yoga, plant-based medicines and ceremonies are becoming way more socially normal now. That’s what inspired the tune for me – humans becoming more connected, getting out of this crazy mess we’ve all made over the past however many years and starting to figure out the meaning to all this madness.
Where can we catch you playing live soon?
Ministry of Sound’s 28th birthday, on the 28th of September. Should be a fun one; I’m supporting Faithless.
What else have you got coming up?
Hopefully an album towards the end of the year, if everything goes to plan. And then some more touring.
What do you want your legacy in music to be?
I don’t like to think that far ahead. Got to try and stay in the present! My music will be seen however people want to see it.
Left: Jumper by Eytys, rollneck by Issey Miyake and trousers by Chalayan. Mid: Rollneck by Issey Miyake, trousers by Emporio Armani and boots by Fendi. Right: All clothing by COS.
