New Youth on Record Podcast Features Pandemic Stories

Youth On Record released a podcast highlighting stories by creatives and how their lives have changed during the global pandemic. My Youth on Record: Interrupted was created by Youth on by musicians and activists currently or formerly on the staff. The podcast is hosted by Shawn King, from the band DeVotchKa and Fellowship graduate Juicebox of Paradise. 

The podcast is not subject to just the hometown of Youth on Record; it also includes interviews with people from around the world. People participating in the project are only tasked with answering a single question: How has your life changed during the pandemic?

The open call for participants to submit audio of their experiences during the pandemic began in late March. The audio was then handled by Open Lab.

Open Lab is a program created by Youth on Record for young folks to learn about digital audio production. Their guides in this out-of-school program are industry professionals. Due to the height of the pandemic, Open Lab was run virtually to get the podcast ready for our pleasure. The program has reopened their in-person teachings, with limitations implemented. Now through August 27, youth are able to register for the program free of charge.

COVID-19 generated losses for people in all sectors; this includes the United States art and cultural sector. Over $9 billion in revenue was lost since the pandemic. My Youth on Record: Interrupted features follow-up interview episodes dedicated to eight artists who participated in the public archive in March.

The topics discussed include parenting during a pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and even basic things like career goals. The podcast is featured on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Soundcloud, and iTunes. 

Youth on Record is an organization that offers various music-orientated programs and teachings for youth in vulnerable communities. The group’s teachers are experts on their task, with many being musicians themselves.