Ricky Young is a musician and songwriter known for his work as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band The Wild Feathers. Born and raised in Texas, Young’s early musical beginnings were influenced by the country and rock music played by his family and local radio stations.
As he grew older, he developed a passion for writing and performing his own music, which led him to form The Wild Feathers and embark on a successful career in the music industry.
Throughout his career, Young has been recognized for his unique style and sound, which blends elements of traditional country and rock music with modern influences. His songwriting has been praised for its honesty and authenticity, and has earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.
In this article, we will explore the life and career of Ricky Young, from his early years and musical beginnings to his current work with The Wild Feathers and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Ricky Young is a musician and songwriter from Texas who formed The Wild Feathers, a band that blends traditional country and rock with modern influences.
- The Wild Feathers have several successful albums and countless tours under their belt, and are steadily gaining popularity since their formation in 2016.
- Collaborations and side projects have been an important aspect of The Wild’s career, and the band is currently working on their third album.
- Ricky Young’s songwriting skills and guitar playing have been praised by critics and fans alike, and The Wild Feathers have made a lasting impact on the country-rock genre, influencing many up-and-coming artists.
Early Years and Musical Beginnings
During his early years, Ricky Young’s interest in music was sparked by his exposure to various genres, such as rock, blues, and country, which he was exposed to by his family and local community. Growing up in a small town in the Midwest, Young was surrounded by live music performances and local bands.
He picked up the guitar at the age of 12 and began playing covers of his favorite songs. Young’s skills as a guitarist developed quickly, and he soon started writing and performing his own music.
He formed a band with his friends from high school, and they began playing gigs at local venues. As they gained popularity, they started playing at larger venues in nearby cities and towns. This experience helped Young to hone his skills as a performer and songwriter, and he began to develop his own unique style and sound.
Discovering a Love for Country and Rock Music
The exploration of different genres led to the discovery of a deep appreciation for both country and rock music in Ricky Young’s musical journey. As a young musician, Young was drawn to the raw power and energy of rock music, which he found electrifying. However, he was also interested in country music, which he found to be deeply moving and emotional.
Young’s interest in country music was sparked by listening to Hank Williams Jr. and Johnny Cash. He was drawn to the stories told in country music, which often reflected life experiences that he could relate to. As he delved deeper into the genre, Young discovered the rich history of country music and its many sub-genres, including honky-tonk, bluegrass, and outlaw country.
This led him to explore the works of artists such as Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson, all of whom had a significant influence on his musical style. Ultimately, the combination of Young’s love for both country and rock music would shape his distinctive sound and style as a musician.
Influences and Inspirations
Influential artists and musical traditions played a significant role in shaping Ricky Young’s unique blend of country and rock music.
Some of his biggest influences come from classic country artists such as Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard. These artists helped him develop an appreciation for storytelling and a love for traditional country music.
On the other hand, Young also draws inspiration from rock legends like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. These musicians have a distinctive sound that blends rock and roll with Americana, much like Young’s own music.
Additionally, Young has mentioned that he also draws inspiration from contemporary country artists such as Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton, who have pushed the boundaries of traditional country music by incorporating elements of rock and blues into their sound.
By blending elements from both classic country and rock music, Ricky Young has created a unique sound that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
Forming the Band, The Wild Feathers
Formed in 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee, the band known as The Wild Feathers consists of four members who all share a passion for music and a desire to create a unique sound. The band was formed after members Ricky Young, Joel King, Taylor Burns, and Preston Wimberly met through mutual friends and began playing together.
Each member brings their own individual influences and musical backgrounds to the group, resulting in a blend of rock, country, and folk sounds.
The Wild Feathers released their self-titled debut album in 2013, which received critical acclaim and helped to establish the band’s unique sound. The album features a mix of upbeat, danceable tracks and more introspective and emotional ballads.
The band’s live performances are known for their high energy and dynamic stage presence, with each member taking turns on lead vocals and showcasing their instrumental skills.
The Wild Feathers continue to tour and release music, with their most recent album, ‘Medium Rarities,’ released in 2021.
Writing and Recording ‘The Wild’
During the writing and recording process of their second album, ‘The Wild,’ The Wild Feathers employed a collaborative approach, with each member contributing their unique perspective and musical talent.
The band members drew inspiration from their personal experiences, with a focus on themes such as love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. They also looked to the world around them for inspiration, drawing on the current state of politics and social issues to create a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant album.
The process of recording ‘The Wild’ was a labor of love for The Wild Feathers, with the band members putting in countless hours to ensure that each song was crafted with care and attention to detail.
The album features a range of musical styles, from the bluesy rock of the opening track ‘Overnight’ to the wistful ballad ‘Lonely is a Lifetime.’
Overall, ‘The Wild’ showcases the band’s growth as both songwriters and musicians, and stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and creative expression.
Critical Reception and Chart Success
After writing and recording ‘The Wild,’Ricky Young and the rest of the group were eager to see how it would be received by critics and fans alike. Fortunately, the album was met with widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its strong songwriting, emotional depth, and powerful performances. The album was also a commercial success, peaking at number five on the US Country Albums chart and receiving significant airplay on country radio stations across the country.
One of the key reasons why ‘The Wild’ was so well-received is the sheer quality of the songwriting. Young’s lyrics are honest and heartfelt, exploring themes of loss, love, and redemption with a rare sincerity and vulnerability.
Meanwhile, the music itself is a perfect match for the lyrics, with the band’s blend of country, rock, and folk creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
This combination of great songwriting and powerful performances is what makes ‘The Wild’ such a compelling listen, and it’s no surprise that so many people have fallen in love with the album.
Touring and Live Performances
With the critical and commercial success of ‘The Wild’, the band has embarked on a series of tours and live performances, showcasing their powerful sound and captivating stage presence.
In 2018, Ricky Young and his bandmates played at several music festivals, including Stagecoach and CMA Fest, which helped to increase their visibility and fanbase. In addition to these festivals, they also played at various venues across the United States and Europe, with sold-out shows in cities like Nashville, London and Amsterdam.
During their live performances, the band delivers an electrifying performance, with Ricky Young’s powerful vocals and guitar skills taking center stage. The band’s live shows are known for their intensity and energy, with the audience often singing along to their popular hits like ‘The Good Life’and ‘Wildfire’.
The band’s strong stage presence, coupled with their ability to connect with their fans, has made their live performances a must-see for music lovers.
Collaborations and Side Projects
Collaborations and side projects have been an important aspect of The Wild’s career, with various members of the band pursuing their own solo careers and working with other musicians.
For instance, lead vocalist Ricky Young has collaborated with a number of artists, including Mandolin Orange, Jason Isbell, and Andrew Combs. In addition, Young has released a solo album, ‘The 4th Floor,’which showcases his songwriting and vocal abilities outside of The Wild’s sound. His solo work has been praised for its introspective lyrics and stripped-down acoustic arrangements.
Aside from Young’s solo work, other members of The Wild have also pursued their own projects. Drummer Ben Dumas has played with other bands, including The Lone Bellow, while bassist Joel King has released music under the moniker The Wild Feathers.
These collaborations and side projects showcase the versatility and musical talent of The Wild’s members, and add depth and dimension to their overall body of work.
Future Plans and Upcoming Releases
The Wild, the band fronted by Ricky Young, has been steadily gaining popularity since their formation in 2016. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the past year, the band has continued to work on new music and plan for the future. The Wild shows no signs of slowing down, with plans for future releases and upcoming tours in the works.
In a recent interview, Young revealed that the band is currently working on their third album, which they hope to release in the near future. While details about the album are still scarce, fans can expect more of the band’s signature blend of country, rock, and punk.
In addition to new music, The Wild is also gearing up for a series of live shows, including a performance at the prestigious Stagecoach Festival in California. With their unrelenting work ethic and commitment to their craft, it’s clear that The Wild has a bright future ahead.
The Legacy of Ricky Young and The Wild Feathers
One cannot deny the impact that The Wild Feathers, led by their frontman Ricky Young, have had on the country-rock music scene with their unique blend of genres. The band’s music often combines elements of rock, country, and folk, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary.
Ricky Young’s songwriting skills and guitar playing have been praised by critics and fans alike, cementing his place as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Ricky Young’s legacy with The Wild Feathers can be seen not only in their music but also in their live performances. The band’s energetic and dynamic shows have garnered them a loyal fan base, and their presence in the music scene has influenced many up-and-coming artists.
With several successful albums and countless tours under their belt, it is clear that Ricky Young and The Wild Feathers have made a lasting impact on the country-rock genre and will continue to do so for years to come.