An Interview With Youngdriver: One Of My New Favorite Bands

A few months ago, I had the privilege of being granted an Interview with Khenidi Pippin, the singer/frontwoman of Atlanta Pop Punk band Youngdriver for a class assignment. Said assignment was writing a news story about the Atlanta Music Scene, and what it can offer to students.






Youngdriver are fairly big players in Atlanta's music scene so I knew someone from the band, whether it be Khenidi, or one of their two guitarists, Luke Crawford, or Donovan Lloyd would be able to provide great insight. As you will see below, Khenidi did a great job of answering my questions, which was a big part of me getting an A on the assignment.





I encourage you to follow them on Social Media (@youngdriverga on Facebook and Instagram) and check out their next show at Smith's Olde Bar on July 27. After all, who WOULDN'T want to see a band that plays good music, and helps their fans get good grades on College Assignments?






Q: What do you think Atlanta’s music scene offers to students?






A: Atlanta's music scene offers something for all different kinds of musical interests. Most of our shows have been in ATL and for a good reason. There are more opportunities to grow in the local music scene here! Not only from a band's perspective but from a student's perspective; especially, a student highly interested in music, Atlanta provides a large variety of different genres, unlike other cities. We've been a part of shows here performing alongside with pretty much every single genre except country. Also, the venues here are awesome. We love playing at The Masquerade, Center Stage, Smith's Olde Bar, you name it. For students interested in the music scene here, there's a ton of access to recording studios, venues, music lessons/classes, clubs, SO MANY TALENTED & AWESOME local artists/bands, etc. We have made so many friends being a part of the ATL music scene. You meet so many awesome people. There is something to offer for all students!






Q: Do you feel like the lyrics you write are something that students can relate to?






A: Absolutely. We write our lyrics in a way that expresses how we are & what we go through (& have gone through). When performing these songs, my ultimate goal is to let all the listeners know that we've been through a lot emotionally & physically. I want that person that might be going through the same situation know they're not alone. With lyrics, the goal is to be real & to have enough guts to tell the world about what's on your mind, in hopes of helping someone who may not want to live tomorrow. Basically, writing these lyrics is our way of releasing something negative & turning it into something positive. Deep stuff, I know. But then we have songs like "Bullet" where we're just like "WOW YOU SUCK" to an ex or some person you hate & I think everyone has had that 1 person in their life that has done you wrong. ESPECIALLY in college!






Q: I couldn’t help but notice the on-stage rock paper scissors when I saw Youngdriver live and I feel like it added to the experience for me personally. How important is it to do things like that to make it more fun for both you as well as the audience?






A: It's so funny because people bring that up all the time & I literally NEVER notice it when I'm performing!!! I watch a video from a show & I laugh way too hard every time. It's awesome, & I love performers who aren't afraid to let loose! It's important to let that humor out, because life is short, and doesn't need to be taken so seriously all the time. We perform & play music because it's our passion & it's fun. Not for the money or the stardom. We would tour for free. But ANYWAY yes rock paper scissors is a fun past time on stage.