Hear American Young’s Poignant ‘Be Here’
Songwriters Jon Stone and Kristy Osmunson are self-described polar opposites, but as the duo American Young, they’re turning oil and water into a magical, genre-defying mixture. To date, their songs have been hits for Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts and Joey + Rory, among others. Stone, who co-produced the duo’s self-titled debut album with Lee Brice, is also the writer behind Brice’s Number One smash, “A Woman Like You.”
Out August 5th, the American Young LP begins with a timely, potent message. Opening track “Be Here” is a gauzy ballad that opens with hushed, romantic vocals reminiscent of Sixties French-pop. An invitation to shut out the outside world and live in the now, it’s a welcome – and sensuous – reminder, ideal for today’s technology-driven world. Listen to the exclusive premiere of “Be Here” below.
“In a time and age where most of our interactions are done looking down at phone screens, this song is a calling to look up,” Stone tells Rolling Stone Country. “Turn it off, embrace an experience. The magic in life solely exists in the present moment. Be human. Be here.”
The duo are responsible for writing 11 of the 12 tracks on the LP, with “Eighteen,” featuring Brice as a special guest vocalist. Other tracks include the lighthearted “Point of View,” reminiscent of the John Prine-Iris DeMent duet, “In Spite of Ourselves.”
American Young is currently available for pre-order. The duo, who played a string of international shows in the spring, including the Country2Country festival in London, will continue to tour the U.S. and abroad throughout the year.