Adam Young, also known as Owl City, from Minnesota made music in his parent’s basement that rivaled songs on the top 40. After recruiting a following on MySpace, He was recruited by Universal Republic in 2008. Young was known for his entrancing songs made by him and him alone for his first two albums Ocean Eyes and All Things Bright and Beautiful . But it seemed like Young was ready for a new approach, and some extra assistance. “Be yourself and shine” seemed to be the statement that Young wanted to bring out with his new single “Shooting Star” that came out in his third album, The Midsummer Station. “Don’t let anything put you down.” The earlier songs by Owl City made me feel like I can do anything, like walk through a magical forest, that my dreams will burst open, and flying away in a rocket. Like magic. If others felt the way I did, then that’s amazing that so many people can read the message that Young is trying to give. In the interview at GoMoxie.org, Young says “He set himself a challenge, to come up with catchy, unique, and memorable songs… To never look back … explore new frontiers,” like how he tried his hands at a dance album in his third one. There are artists that go back and take their previous work, chew it up, and spit it back out with the a few changes here and there so no one would notice they aren’t moving forward. But people notice. Young is not one of those artists, as he hoped not to be. He’s moving forward in his own way, and I will watch him, listen to his music, and cheer for him along the way. Written By: Amy Weed Like any new artist, Adam Young made his success with his odd and bubblegum type of sound that, can make anyone want to move and dance around. Starting off with the edgy and risky new sounds, Adam Young’s third album was “Owl City” and became a sensation of new exuberant sounds that were quite memorable. His new single “Shooting Star” from the album “Shooting Star” is a flurry of bouncy beats, just makes his fans want to dance around till the end of time. Adam Young has created another great hit in his insomniac state. “Shooting Star” being the up-beat bouncy type of rhythm makes his fans go crazy for his one man band. Adam Young’s inspiration for his last two albums have been himself “- trying to capture magic in a jar” his said that he likes the challenge for most of his songs that tend to capture that magic that is Owl City. Owl City is only Adam Young. He creates, makes, and sings his own music with usually no outside help. “Ocean eyes” being a favorite type of cheesy type of album that Owl City has created and produced. Adam Young’s big brake was “Fireflies” from the album “Ocean Eyes” and with that being more a low-key sound, with a happy bubbly up-take smack dap in the middle was one his best hits. “Shooting Star” now being the talk of the Owl City fan base and wide spread around anyone with the need of a song to make you smile and giggle like a school girl. The music videos for his songs also usually relate to their meanings. Most don’t understand the true meanings of his lyrics. “Shooting Star” has the lyrics that mean to have hope. “ Fill the darkest night, with a brilliant light, ’cause it’s time for you to shine. Brighter than a shooting star, so shine no matter where you are, tonight”. There lyrics mean no matter how dark it may seem to your life to keep going and to never give up on what you truly want to go for. That anyone and you need to shine brighter then “shooting star”. The music video shows many different types of people, including himself, being inspired to go off and do what they truly want to do. With many interactive pieces in the video, it truly captures the inspiration of the lyrics. The lyrics and video also show/tell their listeners and watchers to be the best at what you do, and don’t be afraid to honestly show who you are on the inside. Written By: Rachel Moore