Seattle alt-rock band King Youngblood embodies Seattle is so many ways. The groups music range reaches far and wide pulling inspiration from multiple sounds. We were honored to have them featured in our “Music With Message” series for the Seattle World Tour.
Teaming up with the legendary Matt Chamberlain on the full-length release for this record the group is building from part the foundation of Seattle rock. In their “Music With A Message” set, we’re treated to a more stripped-down acoustic set.
Last month, we sat down with Cameron Lavi-Jones and Hamoon Milaninia from the alt-rock musical firestorm known as King Youngblood, one of our favorite local rock bands. We talked all about their new single, “Too Late Too Soon”, and about songwriting during the pandemic.
We’re happy to say that we also got a chance to ask about their involvement in The Seattle World Tour Foundation. As part of the, ‘Music with a Message’ series, King Youngblood is featured, along with an intimate new acoustic version of their latest single, “Too Late Too Soon”. Here’s what the band had to say about that:
Can you talk a little bit about your involvement in the Seattle World Tour and what this new version of this song brings to the table?
Cameron: For sure – All Star Opera and Respect My Region have not only been long-time homies of King Youngblood but also have been incredibly impactful in our PNW community especially addressing the issue of the houseless. The work they do has been something we have admired for years, as fellow activists and artists.
When we were invited by Seth McDonald to play SWT back at the Central Saloon in Pioneer Square Seattle several years ago to now, and still see that SWT is holding on strong even during Covid such that this community of artists and activists is still thriving, well we are proud to do everything we can to give back to people who have fewer resources.
In a lot of ways, it gives us the strength to continue making our own art, because we know there are like-minded people there that not only want to hear our music but also want to share it for such a worthy cause as Seattle World Tour.
Hamoon: It’s an honor to be a part of any sort of project that helps raise awareness, and raise funds, and resources for these kinds of homeless issues. It’s honorable to be doing this in Washington State where a lot of people don’t have jobs and a lot of people are struggling to make their own ends meet. I am personally proud to be part of Seattle World Tour – a project that provides resources and funding for people who are less privileged than we are.
Cameron: We chose to perform “Too Late Too Soon” acoustically because that’s the new single from King Youngblood. The song is about being at the crossroads of your life and asking yourself the question –“I’ve changed, but into who?” Houseless people are also at a crossroads with all of us as we grapple with how to make opportunity and a better life for people living with instability. This was the first time ever we performed the song live and the first time we performed it unplugged. It was great to have Chet Peterson on cello with us too as he is so talented and fresh.
