Gang Of Youths

Initially formed as a hobby project in mid 2012 by 22 year old frontman David Leaupepe, it wasn’t long before fans and critics alike quickly recognised Gang Of Youths for reaching enviable milestones that few bands would expect from their year of infancy.

Comprised of long-time friends David Leaupepe, Joji Malani, Jung Kim and Max Dunn, the subsequent 2013 release of the critically acclaimed Evangelists, a track produced by Jack Moffit of The Preatures, saw Gang Of Youths receive substantial online support, rousing the interest of illustrious bloggers and critics alike – culminating in the band being featured in both NME magazine as well as Indie Shuffle before quickly gaining high rotation on Australian national tastemaker powerhouse triple j.

With an insurmountable desired end goal of euphonic perfection, the band approached Kevin McMahon of Marcata Recording to produce their debut. Accomplished and respected in his own right, McMahon gained the attention of the band following his production of an array of renowned records, including the entire Titus Andronicus discography, through to Real Estate’s latest, Frightened Rabbit and Swan’s epic The Seer.

The later part of 2013 saw the band touring the UK with Manchester Orchestra before returning to Australia to play sold out shows across the east coast, whilst simultaneously putting the final touches on their debut album, The Positions, mixed by internationally renowned Peter Katis (The National, Local Natives, Frightened Rabbit).

During the Australian summer the band went on to support both New York heavyweights Vampire Weekend and Scottish rockers Frightened Rabbit, following which Gang Of Youths were nominated for ‘Next Big Thing’ at the FBI Radio SMAC awards and were featured as ‘One to Watch in 2014’ for Spotify Australia and New Zealand.

Now, in 2015 after blowing away triple j audiences with their powerful ‘Like A version’ rendition of LCD Soundsystem’s ‘All My Friends’ and following an 18 month creative tour-de- force which saw the band reintroduce themselves to the world with singles ‘Poison Drum’ & ‘Radioface’, Gang Of Youths release their critically acclaimed debut album The Positions by storming the Australian ARIA charts with a #5 debut.

Described by Indie Shuffle as an album that “will no doubt see Gang Of Youths move from strength to strength over the coming months” and as an “an immersive journey, that will tear you apart as quickly as it will piece you back together.” by RIP IT UP, Gang Of Youths continue to impress critics and fans alike.

With a sold out national tour, top 5 debut on the ARIA charts, triple j feature album, FBi album of the week and glowing reviews from respected publications such as Rolling Stone, RIP IT UP, Tone Deaf, Neon Gold, The Music, FasterLouder & The Guardian (among numerous others), it looks to be that 2015 for Gang Of Youths will be one of biggest years experienced by an Australian artist in recent memory.