Yungblud on his new music, idols, masculinity and festivals | BBC News

BBC NewsAbout 4 min readMay 12, 2025Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Key Concepts

  • Polarization of young artists in the spotlight
  • Community building through music
  • Accessible and affordable music festivals
  • Artist responsibility and integrity
  • Influence of musical idols (David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, Mick Jagger)
  • Dealing with hate and criticism
  • Potential for musicians to enter politics

Navigating Fame and Polarization

The artist acknowledges the unexpected polarization that comes with early fame. The artist reflects on how negative comments, even about previously unacknowledged insecurities, can be impactful. This led to a period of self-reclamation and defining their identity.

Building Community Through Music

The artist expresses pride in the community that has formed around their music. They emphasize the importance of music as a tool for connection and identity formation, especially for those who feel like "weirdos" or struggle to fit in.

The Importance of Accessible Music Festivals

The artist discusses their own music festival, highlighting its affordability compared to other major festivals like Glastonbury or Reading. The motivation behind this is a belief that music should not be a privilege. The artist argues that attending concerts and festivals is crucial for young people to learn, make friends, and form their identities. The artist criticizes the high cost of some festivals (e.g., "thousands of pounds for fancy yurts"), deeming it "dumb" and unrepresentative of real people. The artist emphasizes the importance of providing a great experience for everyone, regardless of their financial status. The festival aims to bring together bands from different generations.

Artist Integrity and Financial Sacrifice

The artist is willing to sacrifice potential earnings to maintain the festival's affordability. They state, "I'll just make me own," indicating a commitment to creating their own opportunities rather than compromising their values. The artist believes that anything is achievable if done with truth and good intentions. They were motivated by frustration with the existing festival market and a desire to create positive change.

Musical Idols and Influences

The artist names David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Mick Jagger as significant idols.

  • David Bowie: Taught the artist fearlessness and the confidence to stick to their vision, even if it's not immediately understood or accepted. The artist suggests that if you are confident enough, people will eventually follow your lead.
  • Ozzy Osbourne: Provided a role model for embracing individuality and "madness." The artist identified with Ozzy's unconventional persona and learned to never suppress their true self. Sharon Osbourne has provided advice on the festival, reinforcing the idea of not diluting one's unique qualities.
  • Mick Jagger: Represents the epitome of rock and roll longevity and performance. The artist recounts seeing The Rolling Stones at Anfield Stadium and being impressed by Jagger's ability to captivate the audience and build energy throughout the show. The artist learned from Jagger's stage presence and ability to engage the crowd.

Dealing with Hate and Criticism

The artist reflects on a negative encounter in a pub where someone criticized their music. They describe feeling like a "wounded animal" and struggling to respond. The artist has learned that the only thing within their control is their reaction to hate and criticism. They emphasize that other people's negativity is a reflection of their own issues, and it's a choice whether to allow it to affect you.

Considering a Career in Politics

The artist has considered entering politics, driven by a desire to improve people's lives. Their connection with people through music and festivals has given them insight into their struggles. The artist believes they could potentially "provide some good" in a political role.

Conclusion

The artist's journey highlights the challenges of fame, the importance of community, and the power of music to create positive change. They are committed to making music and experiences accessible to everyone, staying true to their values, and using their platform to make a difference. The artist's influences, particularly David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Mick Jagger, have shaped their artistic vision and approach to navigating the music industry.

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