Imagine climbing to the summit of a mountain and overlooking the vast valleys and peaks that lay in the distance, the clouds glimmering gold in the early rays of the morning sunlight. Off on the horizon is your destination, an even taller mountain with challenges and opportunities ready to be taken on and overcome. But that’s all in the future, something to worry about at a later time and place, because right now the scenery is magnificent and it’s time to take a moment and enjoy the view. Such is the story of Youngblood Hawke, a group of friends in mid-journey in which so much has been accomplished, yet so much still lies in wait – a simmering pot of musical potential that is ready to explode with flavor. It is the snapshot of a state of mind where, one mountain has been climbed, and there are more in the distance. But for right now, the view is beautiful.

The band, named after a Herman Wouk novel, started as the creative brain child of Sam Martin, Youngblood Hawke’s lead singer, and Simon Katz, who, along with Jarvis Anderson, previously made up Iglu & Hartly. Eventually, with the help of long-time musicians Alice Katz (who is also Simon’s wife), Tasso Smith, Nik Hughes, and Omar Ahmed, Youngblood Hawke was formed.

The group exploded onto the mainstream music scene with their debut album, Wake Up featuring “We Come Running,” a power-pop anthem that’s catchy, fresh and potentially timeless. The single, which features the LA Children’s choir, has a cinematic quality to it that resonates throughout the rest of the album. With the uncanny ability to sink their melodic hooks into your brain, Youngblood Hawke hijacks that voice in your head and forces it to belt out soaring vocal melodies and bouncy, pop-rock cuts.

The Sights and Sounds had the chance to sit down with the indie-pop troupe last month while they were performing at Chicago’s Chipotle Cultivate Festival. Down to earth, humble and genuinely great people, YBH joined me backstage as we talked about their hit single “We Come Running,” their groupie situation and their love for P!nk. So settle in, hit play and get to know more about Youngblood Hawke in our exclusive interview below.

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