After realizing that playing around with his musician friends was his “favorite thing to do,” Drew Tarves decided to pursue music full-time. The Vancouver alt-pop artist began experimenting with different genres and sounds until he tapped into a style all his own. He also landed on the moniker of young friend and established a mission statement to spread messages of acceptance and empathy in his music. In 2023, young friend released his sophomore EP, scaredy cat, which took him on his first tour and led to a JUNO nomination. So far, young friend is upholding his mission as an artist, and he is ready to continue that mission with his debut album. As he heads into the rollout, he gives us “boyfriend material.”
Working with producer David Marinelli (FINNEAS, Wallice), who urged him to “write something arrogant but somehow sexy,” young friend tapped into “boyfriend material.” Throughout the track, we are treated to tormented lyrics that pair nicely with an eclectic array of genres like blues, country, and alt-rock. All the while, young friend sings about wanting to be close to someone but not wanting to commit. Earnestly, he sings, “I get uneasy when you ask me what I think we are / A constellation’s nothing more than lines between the stars” and “I think we’re overthinking, I don’t wanna think at all / Want you to bang my head on the back of the bathroom stall.” You can check it out below.
Telling us more about the inspiration behind the messages he delivers in his songs, young friend explains,
“Don’t hold people to the standard of where they used to be. Accept when they’re changing, and do everything you can to appreciate the person they’re becoming.”
You can listen to “boyfriend material” on platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Music.
In September, young friend will be touring the west coast on select dates. You can find tickets here.
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