In this interview spotlight, I chat with Your Academy about their latest release, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

We proudly hail from Memphis, Tennessee and are the resurrection of Memphis power pop.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

Your Academy was a product of the global pandemic of 2020.  Limited in our ability to perform live with our various other projects, we set out to make a quality debut record that is decidedly “Memphis.”

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

It’s our debut release.  The goal was to create an enjoyable compilation of 3 – 3 ½ minute ear worm pop songs.  We like to think we succeeded, but ultimately that’s for the listener to decide!

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

With so many artists having access to the digital marketplace, getting noticed above the “noise” is always going to be a challenge.  But, we’ve carved out a niche for ourselves and have set out to use digital advertising and digital submission to podcasters and playlist curators to reach more listeners.

What was the last song you listened to?

“I Got Kinda Lost” by Chris Bell of Big Star (we perform it in our live show).

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

We love vinyl and are excited to release Your Academy in that format this spring.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

That’s a tough one!  Let’s just say we like any service that brings Your Academy’s music to the masses.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

Here are our social media links!

Bandcamp:  youracademy.bandcamp.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/youracademymemphis

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/youracademymemphis

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/youracademyMEM

Streaming links: youracademy.hearnow.com

Anything else before we sign off?

Your Academy is current and former members of The Scruffs, Dwight Twilley’s band, and crash into june.  Our album also features contributions from Rick Steff (Lucero) and John Lightman (Big Star). It was recorded in Memphis, Tennessee by “Big Star Archivist” Adam Hill.