[TICKET GIVEAWAY] Youth Lagoon w/ Valley James | April 18 @ Exit/In

An artist we’ve been obsessing over and writing about since his debut album way back in 2011, Youth Lagoon is the musical alias of Idaho-based eclectic and experimental pop artist and producer Trevor Powers. The project initially began in Powers’ early 20s, with debut album The Year of Hibernation recorded during a holiday break from college. Signing with popular indie label Fat Possum Records ahead of its release (a label he’s remained with ever since), Youth Lagoon’s first LP arrived during the indie boom of early 2010s, and though a more intimate and introspective bedroom pop and dream pop, it felt akin the chillwave scene of the time, earning the project instant acclaim and a devoted following. 2013 sophomore effort Wondrous Bughouse would make a shift towards a more experimental and neo-psychedelic sound and heady themes, showcasing Powers’ range as a songwriter and earning even more critical praise. Third album Savage Hills Ballroom would arrive in 2015, and adopted a more dreamy, art pop sound- almost a fusion of the first albums- and, for a time, seemed like it would be Youth Lagoon’s last, as Powers announced the conclusion of the project the following year, and briefly ceased making music altogether. When he did return, a couple years later, it was under his own name, casting further doubt about a future for Youth Lagoon.

However, after two great albums as Trevor Powers, similar but intangibly distinct from those under his prior moniker, Trevor decided to bring back Youth Lagoon for 2023’s Heaven Is a Junkyard, an album largely inspired by and about his home state of Idaho, crafted following a medical issue which left him temporally unable to speak. Infused with elements of Americana not present on prior Youth Lagoon records, but still of a piece with his whole catalogue, Heaven was once again beloved by critics, and felt like a fitting return for one of the best indie acts of the 2010s. Moving forward with the same prolific artistry that characterized his earlier era, Youth Lagoon released a fifth album, Rarely Do I Dream, earlier this year, taking on more of an ambient, electronic, and post-punk bent, and inspired by a box of home movies found his parents’ basement, used as a jumping off point to meditate on death, rebirth, youth, and folklore. After all these years, Youth Lagoon remains as fascinating, fresh, and eclectic as ever, never making the same album twice and always willing to explore new and curious themes and sonic influences.

In the early days, we saw the project in spaces like The Basement and Mercy Lounge, but it’s been a full decade since Youth Lagoon last made it to Music City. Which is why we’re beyond thrilled not just to see him back, but back on tour, with a headlining show coming up at Exit/In on April 18 with dark and etherial alt-Americana singer Valley James (who just released her debut album). One of our most-anticipated shows of the spring, you can still get tickets right here while they last. However, we’re excited to announce that we’re also giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky winner- and, as an added bonus, you’ll also receive a signed vinyl test pressing of Rarely Do I Dream! Preview the lineup and enter below.

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Youth Lagoon and Valley James will perform Friday, April 18 at Exit/In. The show is 18+, begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), and tickets are available to purchase for $25-28.