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Astrid Young
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Vendela Astrid Young (born August 16, 1962[2][3]) is a Canadian musician, artist, author and sommelier. She is the daughter of journalist, sportswriter, and novelist Scott Young and his second wife Astrid Carlson, and the half-sister of fellow musician Neil Young.[4][5][6]
Key Information
Musical career
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After her stint with the band Ohm & the Secret Sources in Canada, Young moved to Los Angeles in the mid '80s, we're she joined the glam metal band Sacred Child as lead vocalist.[7] The 90s saw the release of her first solo album Brainflower in 1995, followed by Matinee in 2002, and Night at Giant Rock in 2014 and collaborations in the 90s with bands such as Blackthorne and Dramarama [8] She was lead vocalist and bassists for the rock band iST's on their album Pokalolo Paniolo in the early 2000s.[9]
Young has collaborated with her brother (Neil Young) over many decades, including on the albums Unplugged,[10] Road Rock Vol. 1[11] the Grammy-nominated[12] Harvest Moon and Are You Passionate? while performing live together around the world.[13]
As a session musician, Young has appeared on a multitude of albums,[14][15] collaborating, co-writing and performing with many iconic musicians, including Johnny Cash, Nancy Wilson, Bernie Taupin, Nicolette Larson, Lisa Dalbello, Martin Page, West Arkeen, Graham Bonnet, Gerry Goffin,[16] and her husband Ray Farrugia a founding member of the Canadian rock bands Junkhouse and Lee Harvey Osmond.[17]
Selective discography
[edit]The following is a listing of Astrid Young's most recognized recordings.[14]
| Year | Artist | Title | Record label | Nature of Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Ohm and the Secret Sources | Exit from a Dream | Ohm Records | Bass & Background Vocals[8] |
| 1986 | Sacred Child | Sacred Child | Target Records | Lead Vocals[8] |
| 1989 | Sacred Child | Sacred Child (re-release) | CBS/Black Dragon | Lead Vocals[8] |
| 1994 | Blackthorne | Afterlife | CMC International | Background Vocals[8][18] |
| 1992 | Neil Young | Harvest Moon | Reprise Records | Background Vocals[10][8] |
| 1993 | Ben Keith | Seven Gates | Reprise Records | Background Vocals[8] |
| 1993 | Dramarama | Hi-Fi Sci-Fi | Chameleon | Background Vocals[19] |
| 1993 | Neil Young | Unplugged | Reprise Records | Background Vocals[10][8] |
| 1993 | Neil Young | Event of the Season | n/a (bootleg) | Background Vocals[10][8] |
| 1995 | Astrid Young | Brainflower | Independent | Lead Vocals, Keyboards[8] |
| 1995 | Nancy Wilson | Live at McCabe's | Epic Records | Background Vocals[20] |
| 1996 | Scott Joss | Souvenirs | Little Dog Records | Background Vocals[8] |
| 1997 | Shrubbers | National Boulevard | Independent | Background Vocals[21] |
| 1997 | Sacred Child | Sacred Child | Must Have Records | Lead Vocals[22] |
| 2000 | Neil Young | Road Rock Vol. 1 | Reprise Records | Background Vocals[10][23] |
| 2002 | iST | Pokalolo Paniolo | War of the Gargantuas/Inbetweens | Lead Vocals & Bass[24] |
| 2002 | Neil Young | Are You Passionate? | Reprise Records | Background Vocals[10][25] |
| 2002 | Astrid Young | Matinee | Inbetweens Records | Acoustic Guitar & Lead Vocals[8] |
| 2003 | Ad Vanderveen | The Moment That Matters | Blue Rose | Background Vocals[26] |
| 2003 | Rebecca Trujillo | Munda | Munda Music | Keyboards[8][27] |
| 2003 | Various Artists | Spiders from Venus | Skipping Discs | performed a cover of David Bowie's song "Modern Love"[28] |
| 2013 | Lee Harvey Osmond | The Folk Sinner | Latent Recordings | Vocals[29] |
| 2014 | Astrid Young | One Night at Giant Rock | War of the Gargantuas/W.O.T.G. Omnimedia | solo album/vocals/bass/guitar/production |
Videos
[edit]Other ventures
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Aside from touring and recording, Young is a certified sommelier amassing award-winning wine collections and has served as a wine judge.[33][34][35] Young has been a "director of wine" for numerous establishments near her homesteads in Toronto and Picton, Ontario, the latter is where she maintains her art gallery.[34][36] Young both wrote and starred in a short film titled Haunted in 2001.[37][38] This was followed in 2007 by a best-selling memoir titled Being Young - Scott, Neil and Me about Young's childhood, her relationship with her father, brother and her own singer-songwriter career and journey to become an internationally recognized sommelier.[39]
Bibliography
[edit]- Young, A. (2007). Being Young. Insomniac Press. ISBN 978-1-897178-45-4.
References
[edit]- ^ Fewings, Josh (June 10, 2014). "Not just Neil Young's sister". kawarthaNOW. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
- ^ "Walk of Shame". Archived from the original on June 22, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007. – Photo labeled as "my birthday" by Astrid herself, timestamped
- ^ "Astrid's Travel Blog". Archived from the original on June 7, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007. – Astrid's blog post mentioning her birthday
- ^ "HyperRust: Who Is Astrid Young". Archived from the original on July 6, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "Neil Young Recording In Nashville". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 26, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ Wheeler, Brad (August 18, 2005). "Passion for music bonds Astrid Young to her famous brother". The Globe And Mail.
- ^ "Ohm & the Secret Sources". Museum of Canadian Music. December 12, 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Astrid Young's Official Discography". Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "Young, Astrid". Museum of Canadian Music. August 16, 1962. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "Neil Young Discography". Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "Neil Young: Road Rock, Vol. 1 lyrics". Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "Rock On The Net: Neil Young". Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "Harvest Moon by Neil Young". Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ a b "Works". Home. November 14, 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
- ^ "Astrid Young". Hemifrån. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
- ^ "Women in Song ~ Astrid Young, Kim Doolittle and Saskia Tomkins". Universe. May 27, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
- ^ "Myxer – Astrid Young". Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "Kiss Related Recordings; Bruce Kulick ; Blackthorne – Afterlife 1993". Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "FYE: Alternative Pop/Rock – Hi-Fi Sci-Fi Dramarama / CD / 1993". Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ Stout, Gene; Post-Intelligencer, Seattle (March 29, 1999). "Nancy Wilson's 'Live at McCabe's' has Heart-like, coffeehouse feel". Deseret News. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
- ^ "Shrubbers – National Boulevard – Story". Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "Tracks Of Creation: Issue 2 Volume 2: Review of Sacred Child". Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "popmatters.com: Neil Young, Friends & Relatives: Road Rock Volume 1". Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "CD Baby: IST: Pokalolo Paniolo". Archived from the original on March 20, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ Neil Young, Are You Passionate?, Reprise Records, 2002 Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine (reference in German)
- ^ The Moment That Matters, Blue Rose Records, 2003 Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine (reference in German)
- ^ "Rebecca Trujillo – Accomplices". Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "Skipping Discs / Releases / Spiders From Venus". Archived from the original on June 8, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ "The Folk Sinner". musicbrainz.org. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
- ^ "Neil Young & Crazy Horse: The Complex Sessions (1995)". Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ Neil, Young. "MTV Unplugged (1993)". allmusic.com. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
- ^ "Neil Young: Friends and Relatives – Red Rocks Live (2000)". Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ Treasure, Tristan (July 8, 2018). "Astrid Young (Board Member) -". Home -. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
- ^ a b "Three Somms & A Pomm". Watershed Magazine. September 21, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
- ^ "2024 Judging Panel – All Canadian Wine Championships". All Canadian Wine Championships. November 14, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ Bemporat, Tess (March 8, 2022). "Women in Hospitality: A Musician Turned Wine Director's 42-year Journey". Lightspeed. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
- ^ "Haunted (C3 Inc.) – Film Sales Distributors Market – Film TV ..." Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
- ^ Haunted
- ^ Young, A. (2009). Being Young: Scott, Neil and Me (in German). Insomniac Press. ISBN 978-1-897178-88-1. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
External links
[edit]Astrid Young
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Astrid Young was born Vendela Astrid Paterson Young on August 16, 1962, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[5] She is the daughter of Scott Young (1918–2005), a renowned Canadian journalist, sportswriter, novelist, and inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a media honoree, and his second wife, Astrid Carlson Mead.[6][7] Astrid is the half-sister of musician Neil Young (born November 12, 1945) and half-brother Robert, both sons of Scott Young's first marriage to Edna Blow Ragland (known as Rassy Young).[8] Scott Young built a distinguished career spanning over six decades, beginning as a reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press in 1936 before serving as a sportswriter for the Toronto Globe and Mail for 40 years, where he covered hockey and other sports with notable insight and humor.[9] He authored 45 books, including novels, non-fiction works on Canadian history and sports, and memoirs, earning widespread recognition for chronicling the nation's cultural and athletic landscape; his 1988 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame via the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award underscored his enduring influence on sports journalism.[9][7]Childhood and education
Astrid Young was raised primarily in Toronto, Ontario, during her early years, in a household deeply immersed in literature and music due to her father Scott Young's prolific career as a journalist, sportswriter, and novelist.[10] Her mother, Astrid Mead Young, played a pivotal role in fostering her musical inclinations from a very young age, teaching her to read musical notation before she learned to read words and exposing her to classical music through family activities.[10] In 1967, when Young was five years old, the family relocated to a 100-acre farm near Omemee in Cavan Township, Ontario, providing a rural environment that complemented the creative atmosphere of their home life.[11] Young's early interests in the performing arts emerged during her childhood and adolescence, sparked by her family's artistic environment. She initially engaged with music through classical training, playing the oboe in school orchestras and developing an appreciation for orchestral works.[10] As a teenager in high school, her focus shifted toward rock and roll, influenced by the evolving music scene; she purchased her first electric guitar—a 1966 Gibson SG Special—and began experimenting with songwriting and performance, often drawing inspiration from her father's literary pursuits to blend creative expression across mediums.[10] These adolescent experiences laid the groundwork for her lifelong engagement with music and writing, though much of her musical development was self-taught beyond formal instruction. Attending local schools in the Toronto and Omemee areas, Young pursued a broad education that included arts-related activities, but she did not undertake formal post-secondary studies in music or liberal arts, relying instead on practical immersion and family guidance to hone her skills.[10] This period of self-directed learning during her formative years emphasized conceptual exploration over structured academia, shaping her intuitive approach to creativity. In the mid-1980s, as she transitioned into adulthood, Young moved to Los Angeles, California, to chase opportunities in show business, leaving behind her Ontario roots for a new chapter in her professional journey.[10]Musical career
Early bands and influences
Astrid Young's entry into the music scene began in Toronto during the early 1980s with the progressive rock band Ohm and the Secret Sources, where she contributed bass guitar and background vocals on their 1984 EP Exit From a Dream, released by Ohm Records.[12] This five-piece ensemble, formed in Ontario, blended synth-driven elements with guitar solos, reflecting the era's experimental new wave and progressive sounds.[13] Young's involvement marked her initial professional recording experience, co-produced at Captain Audio in Toronto.[12] In the mid-1980s, Young relocated to Los Angeles and joined the glam metal band Sacred Child as lead vocalist, contributing to their self-titled debut album released in 1987 on Target Records.[14] The band, known for its high-energy hard rock style with metal influences, hair metal aesthetics, and anthemic hooks, achieved moderate success, charting in ten countries and reaching number 16 on the East Coast radio chart The Hard Report.[10] Formed in LA's vibrant 1980s rock scene, Sacred Child's sound drew from the era's Sunset Strip glamour, though the group had a brief tenure without extensive documented tours.[15] Young's musical influences were deeply rooted in her family legacy, particularly the folk-rock style of her half-brother Neil Young, whose work she grew up immersed in and has cited as a significant early inspiration.[16] Broader exposure to the 1970s and 1980s rock landscape, including heavy rock, blues, and country elements, shaped her versatile approach, alongside personal exploration of vocals and instruments that began in her teens after receiving her first amplifier from Neil in the 1970s.[3][14] Following Sacred Child, Young established herself as a backup singer, contributing vocals to over 30 albums starting in the late 1980s, with early credits including session work that honed her skills in diverse genres before her solo endeavors.[3] Notable among these were background vocal appearances on projects like Ben Keith's Seven Gates in 1993, though her 1980s side work laid foundational experience in the studio.[14] Navigating the music industry presented challenges for Young, particularly in establishing her independence amid her family's prominence, as she has noted the ease of being overshadowed by Neil's fame while drawing from his uncompromised artistic vision.[17] This dynamic fueled her determination to forge a distinct path in rock and beyond.[16]Solo albums and releases
Astrid Young's debut solo album, Brainflower, was released independently in 1995, marking her first full-length project under her own name.[18] She served as the primary performer on lead vocals and keyboards, with the record self-produced to emphasize her introspective songwriting in a folk-rock style.[18] Key tracks explore personal reflection and emotional depth, though the album received limited commercial distribution and critical attention at the time.[14] Her follow-up, Matinee, arrived in 2002 on Inbetweens Records, shifting toward a more stripped-down acoustic sound that highlighted her evolution from band-oriented rock to intimate solo expression.[18] Recorded over seven days in her brother Neil Young's Redwood Digital studio, Astrid played all instruments, including 12-string acoustic guitar, while handling lead vocals, production, and performance for an organic, high-fidelity result.[19] The album blends dark-wave folk with an acoustic take on "stoner rock," evoking influences like Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath in its moody, introspective lyrics and textures.[20] Standout track "$150" gained recognition, featured in the 2006 premiere issue of Revolver magazine in the Netherlands.[18] Reception was modestly positive in niche circles, with listeners praising its heartfelt delivery and raw authenticity, earning a 5/5 average from small user reviews.[21] In 2002, Young released Pokalolo Paniolo under the alias iST on Inbetweens Records (re-released 2010 on War of the Gargantuas), performing lead vocals and bass in a stoner rock style.[18][22] In 2014, Young released One Night at Giant Rock on War of the Gargantuas Omnimedia, co-produced with Violent Femmes drummer Victor DeLorenzo and featuring her on vocals, bass, and guitar.[19] The project, conceptualized as a desert-inspired concept album drawing from the Giant Rock and Integratron sites in California, began recording in 2005 but paused amid personal challenges, including the loss of a close friend; it resumed and wrapped in San Francisco at Jane Wiedlin's studio, with mixing by Travis Kasperbauer.[19] Stylistically, it fuses psychedelic acid folk, alt-country, pop, and rock elements into a dreamy, experimental sound that balances beauty with occasional messiness.[23] Key tracks include the piano-driven "Amy's Song," a tribute to her late friend; the melodic "Patchouli Boy"; and the single-worthy "Why Run When You Can Hide."[19] Critics noted its eclectic cohesion and fun rock adventure vibe, though its variety might not fully captivate all Neil Young fans, rating it around 6/10 for its immersive yet uneven charm.[19][23] The album is available on major streaming platforms and iTunes in high-resolution 96/24 audio, with plans for a remixed double-vinyl deluxe edition by Eddie Kramer.[18] Young's solo output forms a core part of her broader discography, which spans over 40 releases since 1984, primarily as a side musician or backup singer, but her independent albums underscore her creative control and stylistic range from folk-rock introspection to psychedelic experimentation.[24]| Album | Year | Label | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brainflower | 1995 | Independent | CD |
| Matinee | 2002 | Inbetweens Records | CD |
| Pokalolo Paniolo (as iST) | 2002 | Inbetweens Records | CD |
| One Night at Giant Rock | 2014 | War of the Gargantuas Omnimedia | CD, Digital |
Collaborations and performances
Astrid Young's most prominent family collaborations have been with her half-brother, Neil Young, providing background vocals on several of his albums starting in the early 1990s. She contributed backing vocals to Harvest Moon (1992), appearing on tracks such as "War of Man," "Such a Woman," and the title song, where her harmonies complemented the album's folk-rock warmth during sessions at Neil Young's Redwood Ranch.[18][26] In 1993, she again supplied background vocals for Neil Young's MTV Unplugged, enhancing the acoustic intimacy of performances like "The Old Laughing Lady" and "Harvest Moon," recorded live for the MTV special with a lineup including Nils Lofgren and Spooner Oldham.[18][27] Her involvement extended to later projects, including background vocals and piano on Are You Passionate? (2002), Road Rocks Volume I: Friends & Relatives (2000), the 2017 remaster of Harvest Moon, and Toast (2022), where she added layers to the archival Crazy Horse sessions originally recorded in 2001.[18] Beyond family ties, Young has made guest appearances as a background vocalist and musician on over 20 albums by various artists since 1984, showcasing her versatility across rock, folk, and alternative genres. Notable contributions include background vocals on Ben Keith's Seven Gates (1993), Dramarama's Hi-Fi Sci-Fi (1993), Blackthorne's Afterlife (1994), and Nancy Wilson's live album Live at McCabe's (1995).[18] She also provided keyboards for Rebecca Trujillo's Munda (2003), background vocals for Lee Harvey Osmond's Folk Sinner (2013), piano on Night Crickets' This Is How It Ends? (2023), and background vocals on Overhaul's single "Spanish Lilt" (2025).[18] These side-musician roles often stemmed from her connections in the Canadian and international rock scenes, including work with producers like Bob Lanois and artists such as Tom Wilson and Ray Farrugia of Junkhouse/Lee Harvey Osmond.[28] Young's live performances have spanned tours, festivals, and intimate venues, frequently incorporating her collaborative spirit. She joined Neil Young on his 1993 North America/Europe tour with Booker T. & the M.G.'s, providing background vocals, and supported his 2000 European tour for Are You Passionate? on piano and guitar.[18] Solo and band shows include her 2014 appearance at The Spill in Peterborough, Ontario (part of the Kawartha Lakes region), where she performed material from her upcoming album One Night at Giant Rock with a full band setup.[28] More recently, she opened for the tribute show Our House: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on a 2024 U.S. tour, delivering background vocals and her original songs, while local gigs and virtual performances persisted post-2020 amid pandemic constraints.[18] In the Canadian music scene, Young's collaborations have solidified her as a respected figure bridging family legacy with independent artistry, often highlighting themes of reconciliation and creativity in interviews. In a 2024 discussion for Verse & Vision, she reflected on her process of blending classical influences with rock, emphasizing how joint projects like those with Neil Young informed her songwriting without overshadowing her solo voice.[29] Her work with Canadian talents such as Tom Wilson and Ray Farrugia underscores her contributions to the indie rock and folk communities, fostering a niche for multifaceted performers in Ontario's vibrant music landscape.[28]Literary career
Major publications
Astrid Young's primary literary work is her memoir Being Young: Scott, Neil and Me, published in hardcover by Insomniac Press in 2007.[2] The 293-page book offers an intimate account of her life growing up in a prominent Canadian family, detailing sibling relationships, parental influences, and her eventual relocation to California in pursuit of a career in entertainment.[30] A paperback edition followed in 2009, and the memoir achieved recognition as a Canadian bestseller.[2] Beyond books, Young has worked as a freelance writer, producing articles and content on subjects including wine, food, travel, tourism, hospitality, and music for various publications and websites.[31] Her prose in Being Young combines candid personal anecdotes with evocative family portraits, earning praise for its humor and honesty.[32]Bibliography
- Young, Astrid. Being Young: Scott, Neil and Me. Insomniac Press, 2007. ISBN 978-1-897178-45-4.[2]
- Young, Astrid. Being Young: Scott, Neil, and Me. Insomniac Press, 2009. ISBN 978-1-897178-88-1.[2]
