Owl City

American electronica musical project

Owl City

Owl City performing at the Bowery Ballroom in 2009

Background information
Origin| Owatonna, Minnesota, U.S.
Genres|

* Electronica
* dream pop
* synth-pop
* indietronica
* pop
* CEDM
* CCM[1]

Works| Owl City discography
Years active| 2007–present
Labels|

* Republic
* Sky Harbor

Members| Adam Young
Website| owlcitymusic.com

Owl City is an American electronic music project created in 2007 in Owatonna, Minnesota. It is one of several projects by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adam Young, who created the project while experimenting with music in his parents' basement. Owl City developed a following on the social networking site Myspace, like many musicians who achieved success in the late 2000s, before signing with Universal Republic Records, now Republic Records, in 2008.

After two independent releases, his debut EP Of June (2007) and debut studio album Maybe I'm Dreaming (2008), Owl City gained mainstream popularity with its 2009 major-label debut and second studio album, Ocean Eyes, which includes the Diamond certified single "Fireflies". The album was certified 2× Platinum in the United States, with "Fireflies" being certified Diamond in January 2023.

In June 2011, Owl City released its third studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful, which was followed by The Midsummer Station in August 2012. He released his fifth studio album and last under Republic Records, Mobile Orchestra in July 2015. He released his sixth and seventh studio album Cinematic (2018) and Coco Moon (2023), independently.

Owl City has recorded songs for several animated films, including Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, Wreck-It Ralph, The Croods and The Smurfs 2.[2] Owl City also has released several charting singles, most notably "Good Time" and "Fireflies".

## History

[edit]

### 2007–2009: early years, Of June, and Maybe I'm Dreaming

[edit]

Adam Young has attributed the name Owl City to a number of sources. His official blog says it derives from the short film An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (1962), due to his identification with the protagonist. In other interviews, he has referred to his sister's pet owl, as well as to an owl that met its demise on the windshield of his father's truck. He has also described seeing a large number of owls in a forest in Scotland while visiting his grandmother.[3][4][5][6]

Suffering from insomnia while working loading Coca-Cola trucks, Young began to compose music,[7][8][9] recording with a C-1 Behringer Microphone.[10] Among the software that he began with was Reason from Propellerhead.[10][11] He began uploading songs recorded in his parents' basement to MySpace.[9][12] "Hello Seattle" was the first track written for Owl City, which also inspired the project.[13] After receiving favorable attention for his music,[14] he began receiving emails from major record labels in the spring of 2008.[15] His manager Steve Bursky later highlighted the significance of Young's engaging online manner in building his following saying: "People feel like they know him, like they've got a direct connection to him because of how he approaches his connection with them online."[14] Through a deal with the digital aggregator CD Baby, he then started making the songs available for sale through iTunes.[14] In 2007, Owl City released an EP titled Of June,[16] followed by the release of his debut studio album Maybe I'm Dreaming on March 17, 2008.[17] Of June reached No. 15 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart, and Maybe I'm Dreaming peaked on the same chart at No. 13.[18] The song "The Technicolor Phase", from his debut album, was featured in the soundtrack of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.[19]

In February 2009, Owl City signed with Universal Republic.[20] He played his first show to a sold-out crowd at the Varsity Theater in Minnesota.[7] He continued to perform shows from May to June 2009.[15] In May, Owl City performed at the 2009 Bamboozle festival.[21]

### 2009–2010: Ocean Eyes

[edit]

Ocean Eyes, Owl City's major label debut and second studio album, was released on iTunes on July 14, 2009, with the physical release following on July 28.[16] The album peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200 and topped the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart for four weeks.[22][18] The album sold 20,000 copies in its first week,[16] before selling 1.1 million copies as of July 2012.[23] By April 2010, it was certified Platinum in the United States.[24] It was certified 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in January 2023.[24] The album was mostly recorded in his parents' basement, before Young got his own place and finished it up there.[25]

Owl City released his debut single, "Fireflies" on July 14, 2009.[26] The song became a commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States for the week ending November 7, 2009.[27] The song spent two non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, returning to top spot for the week ending November 21, 2009.[28] It was the ninth best-selling songs of 2009 in the United States.[29] The song was certified Diamond by the RIAA.[24] Internationally, the song also topped the charts in Ireland, Australia, Denmark and the Netherlands.[30] "Fireflies" was featured as iTunes' "Single of the Week" and garnered 650,000 downloads.[16] A music video for the song premiered in 2009 and was directed by Steve Hoover.[31] "Fireflies" also peaked at the top of the charts in the United Kingdom, becoming Britain's 20th most downloaded song of all time.[30][32]

"Vanilla Twilight" was released on January 26, 2010, as the second single from the album.[33] The song debuted at No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100, the same week "Fireflies" reached No. 1.[34] The song eventually peaked at No. 72 on the chart.[35] It was certified Platinum by the RIAA.[24] The music video for "Vanilla Twilight" was released on March 22, 2010, and features a cameo appearance from Shaquille O'Neal.[36] The album's third and final single, "Umbrella Beach" was released on May 17, 2010,[37] and peaked at No. 110 on the UK Singles Chart.[38]

Young was joined by Breanne Düren on several tracks; the most notable example of which is "The Saltwater Room".[39] The track "Sunburn", is featured on Soundtrack 90210, which was released on October 13, 2009.[40] The song "Hello Seattle" found commercial success peaking at number 12 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA.[41][24] During the summer of 2009, Owl City embarked on his first headlining tour and opened for Relient K.[16] In the fall, Owl City embarked on a second headlining tour that began in October to November 2009,[16] with support from The Scene Aesthetic and Brooke Waggoner.[42] He continued to tour in early 2010 in support of the album.[43] He was joined by Lights and Deas Vail.[44] Owl City joined Cobra Starship as an opening act on their Australian and New Zealand tour in March 2010.[45]

Owl City performing in April 2010

In 2010, Young revealed a new musical project known as Sky Sailing, which moved away from his usual electronica genre of music and introduced acoustic guitar and piano accompaniments into his work.[46] The unrefined tracks were recorded in the summer of 2007, before he began making music as Owl City.[47] His first album under this new project is entitled An Airplane Carried Me to Bed, and was released on July 13, 2010, via iTunes.[48]

Young collaborated with English electronic musician Chicane and released the single "Middledistancerunner" on July 30, 2010, featuring Young on vocals.[49] He also worked with Dutch producer Armin van Buuren, appearing on a track called "Youtopia" from the van Buuren album Mirage.[50] In August 2010, "To the Sky" was officially released on the soundtrack for Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole.[51] That same month, he opened for John Mayer and Maroon 5.[47] On October 25, 2010, Young released a cover version of Keith Getty & Stuart Townend's modern hymn "In Christ Alone" for streaming on his website.[52]

Taylor Swift's song "Enchanted", released on October 25, 2010, was rumored to be about the time she met Adam Young.[53] Young recorded his cover of "Enchanted" as a response, altering the lyrics to address Swift directly. He posted the recording on his website on February 13, 2011.[54] He released a Christmas single called "Peppermint Winter" in November 2010.[55]

### 2010–2011: All Things Bright and Beautiful

[edit]

Production on Young's third studio album began around mid-2010 after he returned home from his Ocean Eyes World Tour,[56][57] with Young being announced as the executive producer of the album.[58] Young also worked with engineer and producer Jack Joseph Puig on the album.[59] On October 18, Young wrote an entry on his blog regarding his third studio album, saying that the album was nearing completion.[60] This time around, Young opted to use less auto-tune and processed vocals for the album and wanted it to sound more "finished" than his previous album.[61] A lot of the record was influenced by his experiences visiting places like Japan, Australia and New Zealand, while on tour.[62]

In February 2011, the title of the album was announced to be All Things Bright and Beautiful and that the album would be released on May 24,[63] before the release date was later bumped up to May 17.[64] However, on April 6, Young released a statement on his website, along with lengthy previews of four of his songs ("Dreams Don't Turn to Dust", "Alligator Sky Featuring Shawn Chrystopher", "Galaxies", and "Deer in the Headlights"), that the release date for All Things Bright and Beautiful would be pushed back to June 14.[65] The album's title is based on the hymn of the same name.[61] In March 2011, Owl City announced the All Things Bright and Beautiful World Tour.[66] In addition to the tour announcement, an app titled Owl City Galaxy was launched, where fans could pre-order the album and access content such as an exclusive bonus track not included in the album, early access to concert tickets and merch.[67] The album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 48,000 copies.[68]

Owl City performing at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., in November 2011

"Alligator Sky" was released as the lead single from the album on March 22, 2011, featuring rapper Shawn Chrystopher.[69] The music video for the song premiered on May 6.[70] Young discussed the concept in a making-of video posted on Owl City's VEVO account, "The concept is basically about these two guys who are leaving Earth. Rather than it being this very dark post-apocalyptic vibe, it's very optimistic, and so it's like people are excited to leave earth."[71] The song peaked at number five on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.[41] The song, "Galaxies" was released as the second single from the album on April 19, 2011.[72] Young stated that the song is about the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.[73] It reached number 39 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart.[74]

"Deer in the Headlights" was released on iTunes on May 23, 2011, as the first promotional single from the album.[75] The music video for the track was released on June 30, 2011, and showcases Young driving through the night in a replica of the DMC DeLorean featured from the Back to the Future trilogy.[76] Canadian musician Lights also makes a cameo appearance during the video.[77] "Lonely Lullaby" was released as the album's third single on July 19, 2011.[78] Though it was not featured on the standard edition of All Things Bright and Beautiful, it was included as a bonus track for the album.[79] The song is dedicated to his ex-girlfriend Annmarie Monson, who he described as the "most wonderful, beautiful woman" he knew.[80] The song was previously available only to Owl City Galaxy members in March 2011.[81] "Angels" was released for Christian radio airplay on September 20, 2011.[82] "Dreams Don't Turn to Dust" was released as a single exclusively in the UK on October 10, 2011.[83]

During the month of July at the Club Nokia concert in Los Angeles, Young announced that the concert was being filmed for a Live DVD.[84] The recording entitled, Owl City: Live From Los Angeles, was eventually released on iTunes in December 2011.[85] In August 2011, Owl City was featured on the song "All About Us" by He Is We.[86] On November 15, 2011, Jumeirah released a commercial for their famous Burj Al Arab luxury hotel which Young was called upon to compose the music for the commercial.[87]

### 2012–2013: The Midsummer Station

[edit]

On January 2, 2012, Young wrote an entry on his blog regarding his fourth full-length album.[88] Young said that he would be collaborating with more producers and songwriters, saying that his new record "Marks a flying leap in this direction".[88] In an interview with Billboard, Young revealed that the new album is around 80–85% complete, and that Dr. Luke, JR Rotem, Norwegian production team Stargate, Brian Kennedy and Emily Wright are involved with the production of the album. Young expected the album to be released around the summer of 2012.[85] Speaking about his decision on adding outside collaboration, Young wanted "to experiment with other people."[89]

Young, along with Jewel and Jay Sean, released a song in promotion of the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign by ConAgra Foods entitled "Here's Hope".[90] On April 17, 2012, "Dementia", a song by Young which was included on his upcoming album surfaced onto the internet and features additional vocals by Mark Hoppus of Blink-182.[91] The song later premiered via Alternative Press on May 10.[92]

Young released a new EP, Shooting Star, on May 15 and features four songs off his upcoming album, so that fans a could get clear taste of what the album would sound like.[93] The EP spawned the single, "Shooting Star" which peaked at number 36 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart.[94] On May 24, 2012, Young announced on Twitter that Owl City's fourth studio album would be titled The Midsummer Station.[95] The album was originally planned to have a release date of August 14, 2012,[96] however, was pushed back to August 17,[97] while the UK release date would be brought to August 20.[98] The album peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200, selling 30,000 copies in its first week.[99] Additionally, the album peaked at number one on the Canadian Albums Chart with first week sales of 3,700 copies.[100]

On June 20, 2012, he premiered the song, "Good Time", a collaboration with Carly Rae Jepsen, via his SoundCloud account.[101] The song was officially released as a single on June 26, 2012.[101] It received generally positive reviews from critics, including Billboard: "It only makes sense that he's joined by Jepsen...[on] a track that could become a radio staple for the rest of the summer,"[101] and Entertainment Weekly: "'Good Time' goes down easier than a frozen margarita at a beachfront tiki bar."[102] It was written by Matt Thiessen, Brian Lee and Young himself.[103] The song peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his second top 10 in United States.[35][104] Additionally, the song reached No. 1 in Canada and New Zealand.[105][106] The song was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA.[24] An EP titled, Good Time (Remixes) was released, featuring many remixes, including one from Young himself.[107] On August 18, a preview of "I Hope You Think of Me" was released on Young's blog which was later included on his The Midsummer Station - Acoustic EP.[108] The following day, Young released two demo songs: "Beautiful Mystery" and "Paper Tigers".[109][110] In the fall of 2012, Owl City embarked on the Midsummer Station World Tour in support of the album.[111]

On October 5, the song "When Can I See You Again?", from the Disney film Wreck-It Ralph, was released.[112] The song was certified Platinum by the RIAA.[24] Later that month, Universal announced that subsidiary Universal Republic Records would be closed down, with the label's entire roster being transferred to Republic Records; as a result, all future Owl City material would be released on Republic Records.[113] In December 2012, Adam Young released a cover of the Art Garfunkel song "Bright Eyes" from the film Watership Down;[114] he had previously cited Watership Down as one of his favorite books.[115]

Owl City began working on his next studio album in late 2012 that was expected to be released the following year.[116] Young stated that his new music would contain more EDM songs and claimed that his new album would be "edgy".[117] He also hoped to record a song for the album with Ellie Goulding.[116] Instead of a full-length album, Owl City released The Midsummer Station - Acoustic on July 30. The EP contained acoustic versions of the songs "Good Time", "Shooting Star", and "Gold", taken from his fourth studio album.[118] It also contained two previously unreleased tracks: "Hey Anna" and "I Hope You Think of Me".[119]

In the meantime, Young continued to tour and worked on multiple songs for animated films and television commercials. He joined Maroon 5 and Neon Trees on a US arena tour from February to April 2013.[120] On March 4, the song "Shine Your Way", featuring Young and Yuna, was released from the soundtrack to The Croods.[121] On March 15, Young was featured on "Cactus in the Valley", a song by Lights.[122] Owl City performed a 90-second jingle for Oreo's "Wonderfilled" commercial in May 2013.[123] "Live It Up" was released on The Smurfs 2: Music from and Inspired By Soundtrack.[124] Owl City released the single "Light of Christmas", which featured tobyMac, on October 22.[125] The song was created for the 2013 VeggieTales Christmas movie Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas.[126]

### 2014–2015: Ultraviolet and Mobile Orchestra

[edit]

On April 8, 2014, "Beautiful Times" was released and served as the lead single from his then-upcoming EP, which features violinist Lindsey Stirling.[127] Young stated that he intended to release a steady "series of EPs" in 2014 rather than one larger recording.[128] In June, Young announced that the first extended play would be titled Ultraviolet and it was released on June 27.[129] The EP was written and produced entirely by Young himself.[130] Young stated that the EP has an "edgier sound to Owl City than experienced before."[131] On June 18, Owl City premiered a new track, "Wolf Bite" days before the release of the EP.[132] The day before the EP's release, a music video for "Beautiful Times" premiered on the Rolling Stone's website.[133] The EP peaked No. 30 on the Billboard 200 chart.[134]

On October 4, Owl City performed at Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi, during a Tokyo Fantasy event.[135] On October 7, Owl City released two new singles: "Tokyo" featuring Japanese pop group Sekai no Owari and "You're Not Alone" featuring American singer Britt Nicole.[136] Owl City appeared on The Art of McCartney tribute album to Paul McCartney, covering the track "Listen to What the Man Said", which was released on November 18, 2014.[137] In December 2014, Owl City released a new single for Christmas: "Kiss Me Babe, It's Christmas Time".[138] He briefly toured in Japan in May 2015, playing three concert shows.[139]

On May 11, 2015, he announced the release date and title of his fifth studio album, Mobile Orchestra for July 10.[140] Young revealed that the album took longer to create than his previous records.[141] The album features collaborations with numerous artists including Jake Owen, Hanson, Britt Nicole and Aloe Blacc.[142] Additionally, Young worked with various producers on the album including Blacc, Joshua Crosby, Joey Moi and Ryan Williamson.[143] On May 5, a sneak peek of Owl City's then-upcoming song "Verge" featuring Blacc aired on ESPN's "Draft Academy".[144] The song was released as the lead single from the album on May 14 and peaked at No. 44 on the Japan Hot 100 chart.[145] Owl City released the second single from the album, "My Everything", on June 5, 2015.[146] The song reached number 22 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart.[74] The third and final single from the album, "Unbelievable" featuring Hanson, was released on June 26.[147] An animated video for the song was later released on June 29.[148] Mobile Orchestra debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 11.[141] In support of the album, Owl City announced a headlining tour called the On the Verge Tour that began in the fall of 2015.[149]

### 2016–2021: Scores and Cinematic

[edit]

On December 18, 2015, Young announced that he would focus on a new project titled "Adam Young Scores".[150] During each month of 2016, he composed and recorded a score based on a subject of his choice, which is something he had wanted to accomplish for a long time.[151] Around this time, Young also decided to part ways with Republic Records, allowing him to focus on this endeavor and give him a "bit of space and distance from the pop music space."[151] On February 1, 2016, the first score, which is based on the Apollo 11 mission, was released on Young's "Adam Young Scores" website.[151] This was followed by 10 additional scores on the first day of each month of 2016. In reflection of this discussion, each song, 10 scores, were all based on historical events that impacted Adam Young in some type of matter over the time of his entire career as a musical artist and personal lifetime.[151]

On November 25, 2016, Owl City released a new Christmas song "Humbug" as a free download.[152] On June 15, 2017, Owl City released "Not All Heroes Wear Capes", a song about Father's Day, with an acoustic video filmed in Owatonna, Minnesota, in Young's shop at home.[153] On August 29, 2017, he released a song called "Clap Your Hands" for the 2017 golf game Everybody's Golf.[154] On October 30, 2017, Young announced that he would be releasing an 18-track album, Cinematic, with a release date of June 1, 2018.[155]

During the eight months from October to June, three EPs, which he has called Reels, were released, each with three songs from the upcoming album.[155] When he started writing the album, he wanted to look somewhere else for inspiration other than his traditional place, which had primarily been his imagination, according to Young.[156] He stated that the inspiration for this album is from "the amazing people he has met and the places that he has seen."[157] Many of the album's songs are autobiographical.[158] Originally intended as a non-album single, "Not All Heroes Wear Capes" was included on the album as the lead single.[159] The album's second single, "All My Friends", was released on November 3, 2017.[160] On December 1, Owl City released the first, Reel 1.[161] On January 12, 2018, the third single from the album, "Lucid Dream", was released.[162] Reel 2 was released on February 2.[163] He released the fourth and final single, "New York City" on March 9.[164] On April 6, Reel 3 was released.[165] Cinematic was released in its entirety on June 1, and was solely written and produced by Young.[166] The album has 15 main songs, plus alternate versions of "All My Friends", "Montana", and "Firebird".[159] The album peaked at No. 115 on the Billboard 200.[134] To support the album, Owl City went on the Cinematic Tour that began in the fall of 2018.[167][156]

Owl City stayed quiet for the next couple years, but released a remix of "Jesus Freak" by DC Talk on January 1, 2021.[168]

### 2022–present: return of Owl City and Coco Moon

[edit]

Owl City released a remix cover of "All Star" by Smash Mouth on May 13, 2022.[169] In June 2022, Owl City announced that he would be releasing new music soon. He began making cryptic posts on the social media app Instagram.[170] On August 12, 2022, a track he was featured on by Armin van Buuren and Gareth Emery titled "Forever and Always" was released.[171]

Young began recording his seventh studio album sometime in 2022, before taking a short break to record a song titled, "Up to the Cloud" for the mobile game, Neural Cloud.[172][173] The first single from the new album, "Kelly Time", was released on January 6, 2023.[174] The second single was released on February 3, titled "Adam, Check Please".[175]

On February 9, Owl City announced via social media that he would release an 11-track album titled Coco Moon on March 24, 2023.[176] Young described the album as a "very Owl City album," containing themes of "autobiographical", "metaphorical", and "odd" songs.[177] "Vitamin Sea" was released on March 3, as the third and final single from the album.[178] Coco Moon peaked at number 94 on the US Top Current Albums Sales chart.[179] In support of the album, Young announced the To the Moon Tour that began in the fall of 2023, with support from special guest Augustana.[180] In September 2023, Young made a guest appearance on the deluxe edition of The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) by Switchfoot, performing the song "Gone".[181] Owl City toured in Japan for his To the Moon tour in February 2024.[182] Another leg was added in the United States for March and April 2024.[183] Young released a cover of Augustana's "Boston" as a single on February 9.[184] On March 22, Owl City released the deluxe edition of Coco Moon, which featured the single "Car Trouble".[185]

## Musical styles and influences

[edit]

Owl City's music is described as indietronica and synth-pop and is often described as belonging to the electronic music genre.[186][25] Young has stated that he is inspired by disco and European electronic music,[187][188] as well as instrumental genres such as drone, ambient,[189] and post-rock.[190] He cites his biggest influences as Johnathon Ford of Unwed Sailor and Thomas Newman. As he is a vocal Christian, Young also incorporates his faith into some of his music.[191][192] Young's faith is evident on the album, All Things Bright and Beautiful, especially in the song "Galaxies". Explaining why the faith-filled song was added to the mix he said, "I feel like, if I were ever to hide the fact that that's what's so important to me, it would be a crime that I should probably be put in jail for."[193] "Tidal Wave", "Meteor Shower" and "Hello Seattle" from Ocean Eyes also references his faith to God.[194][195]

Owl City also has been compared to the Postal Service, often critically, for his combination of fuzzy synths, ironic lyrics, and use of female guest singers.[4] Pitchfork goes to say that "the surprise No. 1 single in the country, Owl City's 'Fireflies', jacks the Postal Service in such a bald-faced, obvious manner that getting into specifics feels redundant at best and tacky at worst."[196] In response to the suggestion that his work is derivative, Young suggested in a 2009 interview with The New York Times that Ocean Eyes is perhaps the "next chapter" after the Postal Service: "The Postal Service released a record in 2003, and that was it. There was really nothing to compare it to until someone else came along and wrote the next chapter. Maybe that's this record. Maybe that's this band."[8]

## Touring band

[edit]

Owl City is one of Young's many solo projects, with all music written, composed, recorded, and produced by him. During live performances he is accompanied by a group of supporting musicians:[197]

Current touring members

* Lorin Lemme – drums (2023–present)
* Daniel Tavani – cello (2023–present)

Former touring members

* Casey Brown – drums (2011)
* Matthew Decker – drums (2009–2010)
* Breanne Düren – keyboards, backing vocals (2009–2015)
* Steve Goold – drums (2012–2013)
* Matthew "Goose" Gusmer – drums (2018)
* Gabriel Hagan – drums (2013–2015)
* Cody Johnson – guitar (2018)
* Daniel Jorgensen – guitar, vibraphone, bass guitar (2010–2013)
* Rob Morgan – bass guitar, music producer (2014–2015)
* Laura Musten – violin (2009–2011)
* Jasper Nephew – guitar (2012–2015)
* Hannah Schroeder – cello (2009–2011)
* Austin Tofte – keys, vocals (2009)

## Concert tours

[edit]

Main article: Owl City concert tours

Headlining

* Ocean Eyes World Tour (2010)[57]
* All Things Bright and Beautiful World Tour (2011)[66]
* The Midsummer Station World Tour (2012)[111]
* On the Verge Tour (2015)[149]
* Cinematic Tour (2018)[167]
* To the Moon Tour (2023–2024)[180]

## Discography

[edit]

Main article: Owl City discography

* Maybe I'm Dreaming (2008)
* Ocean Eyes (2009)
* All Things Bright and Beautiful (2011)
* The Midsummer Station (2012)
* Mobile Orchestra (2015)
* Cinematic (2018)
* Coco Moon (2023)

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

Year  | Association  | Category  | Nominated work  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|
|

2009  | Žebřík Music Awards  | Best International Discovery  | Owl City  | Nominated  | [198]
2010  | ARIA Awards | Most Popular International Artist  | Nominated  | [199]
Q Awards | Best Track  | "Fireflies"  | Nominated  | [200]
The Record of the Year | Record of the Year  | Won  | [201]
Billboard Japan Music Awards | Hot 100 Airplay of the Year  | Won  | [202]
Adult Contemporary of the Year  | Nominated
2011  | Billboard Music Awards | Top Dance/Electronic Album  | Ocean Eyes | Nominated  | [203]
Flecking Awards  | Best Video  | "Fireflies"  | Nominated  | [204]
2012  | Vevo Certified Awards  | 100,000,000 Views  | "Good Time"^[a] | Won  | [205]
Billboard Japan Music Awards  | Hot Top Airplay of the Year  | Won  | [206][207]
Digital & Airplay Overseas of the Year  | Won
NRJ Music Awards | International Group/Duo of the Year  | Nominated  | [208]
Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards  | Best Original Song  | "When Can I See You Again?"  | Nominated  | [209]
2013  | Annie Awards | Music in a Feature Production | Wreck it Ralph^[b] | Won  | [210]
Vevo Certified Awards  | 100,000,000 Views  | "Fireflies"  | Won  | [211]

Notes

* ^[a] shared with Carly Rae Jepsen
* ^[b] shared with Henry Jackman, Skrillex, Matthew Thiessen, Jamie Houston and Yasushi Akimoto

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Owl City Announces Details of New Full-Length Studio Album". Freeccm.com. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
2. ^ "Bio". Owl City. Republic Records. Archived from the original on June 15, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
3. ^ Young, Adam. "Why I Call Myself Owl City". Tumblr. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
4. ^ a b Westhoff, Ben (October 28, 2009). "Owl City: The Latest In A Long Line Of Rip-Offs". Dallas Observer. Archived from the original on December 18, 2009. Retrieved November 26, 2009.
5. ^ Nunn, Jerry (August 17, 2011). "Owl City". Glide. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
6. ^ H., Shawn (July 14, 2011). "Interview: Owl City". Indie Music Vision. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
7. ^ a b Riemenschneider, Chris (February 17, 2009). "Whooo's Owl City?". Star Tribune. Minneapolis. Archived from the original on January 5, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2009.
8. ^ a b Sisario, Ben (November 20, 2009). "From Mom's Basement to the Top of the Chart". The New York Times. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
9. ^ a b Frenette, Brad (July 28, 2009). "Band of the Day: Owl City". National Post. Canada. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
10. ^ a b "Propellerhead – Artist Stories – Owl City". Propellerhead Software. April 2010. Archived from the original on April 25, 2010. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
11. ^ "Sky Harbor Studios – Gear List". Sky Harbor Studios. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012.
12. ^ Leahey, Andrew. "Owl City — Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on October 19, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
13. ^ Scott Iwasaki (August 26, 2010). "Owl City just one outlet for musician's creativity". Deseret News. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
14. ^ a b c "Interview with Steve Bursky". HitQuarters. July 11, 2011. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
15. ^ a b Mike Atkinson (January 28, 2010). "Owl City: Shy, retiring and No 1 everywhere". The Guardian. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
16. ^ a b c d e f Jill Menze (August 4, 2009). "Electro-Pop Act Owl City Takes Off With Fireflies". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
17. ^ Anthony Tognazzini. "Maybe I'm Dreaming - Owl City". Allmusic. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
18. ^ a b "Owl City Chart History (Top Dance/Electronic Albums)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
19. ^ "3OH!3, All Time Low, Owl City, more on Alice In Wonderland soundtrack". Alternative Press. January 12, 2010. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
20. ^ "Owl City Signs To Universal Republic". crazedhits.com. February 7, 2009. Archived from the original on December 6, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
21. ^ "Bamboozle set single-day lineups". Alternative Press. February 8, 2009. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
22. ^ Keith Caulfield (October 28, 2009). "New Moon Rises To No. 1 on Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
23. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (July 17, 2012). "Carly Rae Jepsen and Owl City: The Story Behind 'Good Time'". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
24. ^ a b c d e f g "American certifications – Owl City". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
25. ^ a b Tony Cummings (February 21, 2010). "Owl City: The pop emo hitmaker and what inspired Fireflies". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
26. ^ "Album Details - Fireflies". owlcitymusic.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
27. ^ Pietroluongo, Sylvio (October 29, 2009). "Owl City's "Fireflies" Lands at No. 1 on Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved October 29, 2009.
28. ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (November 12, 2009). "Rihanna's 'Roulette' Lands In Hot 100's Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved November 12, 2009.
29. ^ "Nielsen Music 2009 Year End Press Release" (PDF). p. 3. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
30. ^ a b Catriona Wightman (January 24, 2010). "Owl City climbs to No. 1 with 'Fireflies'". Digital Spy. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
31. ^ "Owl City - Fireflies". MTV. Archived from the original on September 26, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
32. ^ "TOP 100 DOWNLOADS OF ALL TIME". BBC. January 2, 2011. Archived from the original on March 2, 2011. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
33. ^ "Available For Airplay: CHR". fmqb.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
34. ^ "Billboard Hot 100: Week of November 7, 2009". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
35. ^ a b "Owl City – Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
36. ^ Chris Ryan (March 25, 2010). "WTF: Shaquille O'Neal's Cameo In Owl City's 'Vanilla Twilight' Video". MTV. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
37. ^ Fraser McAlpine (May 20, 2010). "Owl City - 'Umbrella Beach'". BBC Radio. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
38. ^ Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart Log UK: The O – Ozric Tentacles". zobbel.de. Tobias Zywietz. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
39. ^ Kevin O'Donnell (March 3, 2011). "Owl City's Adam Young: New Album, Track By Track". Spin. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
40. ^ Sunburn (track listing). Owl City. Universal Republic Records. 2009.`{{cite AV media notes}}`: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
41. ^ a b "Owl City – Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
42. ^ Dough Van Pelt (November 17, 2009). "Owl City Concert Review". HM. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
43. ^ Dough Van Pelt (October 12, 2009). "Owl City Announce Early 2010 Tour". HM. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
44. ^ Timothy Finn (January 22, 2010). "Owl City Launch Tour in Kansas City". Spin. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
45. ^ "Cobra Starship sell out Australian tour". Kill Your Stereo. March 9, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
46. ^ Heather Phares. "Sky Sailing Biography by Heather Phares". AllMusic. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
47. ^ a b Lipshutz, Jason (July 2, 2010). "Owl City's Adam Young Releases A New Old Project". Billboard. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
48. ^ Robbie Daw (July 16, 2010). "Sky Sailing Flies Up The iTunes Chart With An Airplane Carried Me To Bed". Idolator. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
49. ^ "Middledistancerunner (feat. Adam Young) - EP by Chicane". Apple Music. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
50. ^ Akshay Bhansali (September 28, 2010). "Owl City, Armin Van Buuren Build 'Youtopia' Together". MTV. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
51. ^ "Multi-Platinum International Sensation Owl City Pens Theme Song to Zack Snyder's Animation Debut Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole". Jesus freak Hideout. Stunt Company. August 24, 2010. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
52. ^ "Owl City records his interpretation of Stuat Townend's In Christ Alone". Cross Rhythms. October 27, 2010. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
53. ^ Greenbalt, Leah (October 25, 2010). "Taylor Swift slips secret messages, offers song clues in Speak Now liner notes". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
54. ^ Yuan, Annie (February 13, 2011). "Adam Young Responds to Taylor Swift Love Song". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
55. ^ Becky Bain (November 22, 2010). "Owl City Offers Some Seasonal Whimsy in Peppermint Winter". Idolator. Archived from the original on July 11, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
56. ^ James Montgomery (June 21, 2010). "Owl City's Adam Young Readies New, 'Airbrushed' Album". MTV. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
57. ^ a b Tony Cummings (August 19, 2011). "Owl City: Adam Young contemplates All Things Bright And Beautiful". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
58. ^ "Ear Candy « Owl City Blog". Owlcityblog.com. July 26, 2010. Archived from the original on January 17, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
59. ^ "Owl City readies 'All Things Bright And Beautiful' album". Cross Rhythms. March 18, 2011. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
60. ^ "An Essential Studio Update « Owl City Blog". Owlcityblog.com. October 18, 2010. Archived from the original on January 1, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
61. ^ a b Mark Moring (June 14, 2011). "Q&A: Owl City". Christianity Today. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
62. ^ "Owl City: Interview". Tokyo Weekender. October 6, 2011. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
63. ^ "Owl City announce album release date". Alternative Press. February 17, 2011. Archived from the original on February 24, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
64. ^ "Owl City moves release date". Alternative Press. February 28, 2011. Archived from the original on May 3, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
65. ^ "Owl City Pushes Back New Album". Christian Rock Rocks. April 7, 2011. Archived from the original on March 4, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
66. ^ a b Doug Van Pelt (March 11, 2011). "Owl City announces tour dates". HM. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
67. ^ Antony Bruno (March 24, 2011). "This Week In Apps: Color, Nirvana and Stones, XXL, Owl Cit". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
68. ^ Kaufman, Gil (June 22, 2011). "Eminem, Royce Da 5'9" Debut Tops Billboard Chart – Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
69. ^ "Alligator Sky - Single by Owl City". AllMusic. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
70. ^ Doug Van Pelt (May 6, 2011). "Owl City debuts video for Alligator Sky". HM. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
71. ^ "Owl City's 'Alligator Sky' Video With Shawn Chrystopher is Out of This World". PopCrush.com. May 7, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
72. ^ "Galaxies - Single by Owl City". Apple Music. Archived from the original on April 24, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
73. ^ Josephine Vivaldo (June 25, 2011). "Interview: Owl City's Adam Young and His God-Inspired Music". The Christian Post. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
74. ^ a b "Owl City – Chart History: Christian Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
75. ^ "Deer In The Headlights: Owl City: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
76. ^ "'Back to the Future' DeLorean Stars in Owl City's New Music Video". The Hollywood Reporter. October 7, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
77. ^ Melinda Newman (June 30, 2011). "Watch: Owl City's video for Deer in the Headlights". Uproxx. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
78. ^ "Lonely Lullaby - Owl City | Release Info". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
79. ^ "All Things Bright and Beautiful - Owl City: Song Titles". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
80. ^ Sohail, Sabina (July 17, 2011). "Interview: Owl City's Adam Young on Album, Collab with Lights and Relationships". AndPOP. Archived from the original on February 4, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
81. ^ Burklin, Mary. "#7 - Even Musicians Need Help Sometimes". New Release Today. NRT Media. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
82. ^ "R&R Going for Adds: Christian CHR". Radio & Records. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
83. ^ "We talk to Owl City's Adam Young about dreams, crabs and Taylor Swift". Sugarscape. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
84. ^ Doug Van Pelt (November 30, 2011). "Owl City to release live DVD". HM. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
85. ^ a b Graff, Gary (February 28, 2012). "Owl City '80, 85 Percent' Done with New Album". Billboard.
86. ^ "He Is We to release new single featuring Owl City". Alternative Press. August 25, 2011. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
87. ^ "Adam Young pens score for Burj Al Arab". November 20, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
88. ^ a b "Men With Pointy Teeth « Owl City Blog". Owlcityblog.com. January 2, 2012. Archived from the original on February 19, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
89. ^ Zemler, Emily (August 17, 2012). "Owl City Embraces Collaborations for 'Midsummer Station' Album". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 28, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2012.
90. ^ Cerra, Allison (March 5, 2012). "ConAgra Foods taps recording artists for annual Child Hunger Ends Here campaign". Drug Store News. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
91. ^ Katie Hasty (April 17, 2012). "First Listen: Owl City combines with Mark Hoppus for new track 'Dementia'". HITFX. Archived from the original on April 19, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
92. ^ "Owl City featuring Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), "Dementia"". Alternative Press. May 10, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
93. ^ Gary Graff (May 10, 2012). "Owl City Exclusive: Listen to Shooting Star". Billboard. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
94. ^ Gary Graff (October 3, 2012). "Owl City Eyes Shooting Star as Next Single". Billboard. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
95. ^ "Twitter / owlcity: The legitimate, confirmed". Twitter. May 24, 2012. Archived from the original on November 16, 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
96. ^ "Owl City's 'The Midsummer Station' Mystery Album Unlocked by Fans". The Christian Post. May 31, 2012. Archived from the original on January 11, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2012.
97. ^ "iTunes Music - The Midsummer Station by Owl City". iTunes Store. Archived from the original on June 1, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
98. ^ "Twitter - owlcity". July 12, 2012. Archived from the original on November 16, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
99. ^ Keith Caulfield (August 29, 2012). "Trey Songz Gets First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
100. ^ David Farrell (March 22, 2016). "On the Charts This Week". FYI Music News. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
101. ^ a b c Brennan Carley (June 20, 2012). "Carly Rae Jepsen & Owl City Team Up for 'Good Time' Summer Anthem: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
102. ^ Hoffa, Meredith. "Carly Rae Jepsen and Owl City have a 'Good Time' in new collaboration: Hear it here | EW.com". Music-mix.ew.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
103. ^ Gary Trust (September 2, 2012). "Weekly Chart Notes: Oh, Boy: Owl City, Carly Rae Jepsen Go Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
104. ^ Gary Trust (August 29, 2012). "Taylor Swift's Never Ever Fever Persists At No. 1 On Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
105. ^ "Owl City – Chart History: Billboard Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
106. ^ "Discography Owl City". charts.nz. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
107. ^ "iTunes - Music - Good Time (Remixes) - EP by Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen". iTunes. November 6, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
108. ^ "Adam Young - Coming soon". Ayoungblog.com. August 18, 2012. Archived from the original on August 22, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
109. ^ "Adam Young - Working demo for a new song called "Beautiful Mystery"". Ayoungblog.com. August 19, 2012. Archived from the original on August 19, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
110. ^ "Adam Young - Paper Tigers (Demo)". Ayoungblog.com. Archived from the original on May 25, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
111. ^ a b Cassie Whitt (July 9, 2012). "Owl City announces Midsummer Station World Tour". Alternative Press. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
112. ^ Malach, Maggie (October 5, 2012). "Owl City, 'When Can I See You Again' Audio Premiere: Adam Young Pens Song for Disney Soundtrack". Blog.music.aol.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
113. ^ "Owl City now with Republic Records". Archived from the original on October 30, 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2012.
114. ^ "Owl City's Adam Young covers "Bright Eyes"". Republic Records. January 7, 2013. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2015.
115. ^ "A Q&A with Owl City". 4music.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2015.
116. ^ a b Sarah Maloy (December 5, 2012). "Owl City Wants Ellie Goulding Collab, Says Next Album Will Be 'Edgy'". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
117. ^ Maggie Pannacione (December 11, 2012). "Owl City Already Working on New Album @ARTISTdirect". Artistdirect.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
118. ^ Ableson, John. "Owl City Announce 'The Midsummer Station Acoustic' EP". Alter The Press. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
119. ^ Anna Dinger (July 22, 2013). "Owl City: The Mid-Summer Station Acoustic EP To Release July 30". Music Times. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
120. ^ Rob Houston (October 24, 2012). "Owl City 2013 USA Tour with Maroon 5 and Neon Trees". HM. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
121. ^ Marshall Heyman (March 21, 2013). "Making the Cartoons Sing". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
122. ^ "Lights announces new acoustic album, spring tour dates". Alternative Press. March 5, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
123. ^ Montgomery, James (May 13, 2013). "Owl City's Oreo Commercial Has Him Feeling 'Wonderfilled'". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
124. ^ "The Smurfs 2 (Music from and Inspired by) - Various Artists". Apple Music. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
125. ^ "Light of Christmas (feat. Toby Mac)". Apple Music. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
126. ^ Justin Sarachik (September 17, 2013). "Duck Dynasty's Si Robertson Joins Owl City and Toby Mac in Newest Veggie Tales Christmas Movie". The Christian Post. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
127. ^ Matt Crane (April 8, 2014). "Owl City streams new single, Beautiful Times (ft. Lindsey Stirling)". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
128. ^ "Owl City Announces New EPs For 2014". FreQazoid. April 8, 2014. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
129. ^ Tyler Sharp (June 6, 2014). "Owl City announces 'Ultraviolet' EP". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
130. ^ "Owl City - Ultraviolet EP Review". AllMusic. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
131. ^ Marcus Floyd. "EP Review: Owl City – Ultraviolet". Renowned for Sound. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
132. ^ Sarah Dos Santos (June 23, 2014). "Owl City releases new track Wolf Bite from new album, Ultraviolet". HM. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
133. ^ Nick Murray (June 26, 2014). "Watch Owl City's Whimsical 'Beautiful Times' Video - Premiere". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
134. ^ a b "Owl City – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
135. ^ "Owl City releases music video capturing their first joint performance with Sekai no Owari". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). November 8, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
136. ^ "Owl City releases singles featuring Britt Nicole and Senkai No Owari". Cross Rhythms. October 13, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
137. ^ Grow, Kory (September 9, 2014). "Paul McCartney Tribute Comp: Bob Dylan, Kiss and More Cover the Beatle". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 10, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
138. ^ "Kiss Me Babe, It's Christmas Time - Single by Owl City". Apple Music. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
139. ^ "Announcement of latest single featuring Owl City Sekai no Owari, tour to Japan in May 2015". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). October 6, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
140. ^ "Owl City reveals new album, Mobile Orchestra". Alternative Press. May 11, 2015. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
141. ^ a b Paley Martin (July 22, 2015). "Owl City Talks Mobile Orchestra Album, Criticism & His Love of Country Music". Billboard. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
142. ^ Markos Papadatos (July 28, 2015). "Interview: Owl City talks Mobile Orchestra album and tour dates". Digital Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
143. ^ "Credits". AllMusic. Archived from the original on August 17, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
144. ^ "Get a sneak peak first listen to the new song by @OwlCity ft. @AloeBlacc tonight on #DraftAcademy 7PM EST @ESPN! "Verge" is available 5-14". Twitter. May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
145. ^ "Owl City – Chart History: Japan Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
146. ^ John Bazley (June 7, 2015). "Owl City streams My Everything from upcoming album, Mobile Orchestra". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
147. ^ Herb Longs (June 26, 2015). "New Music From Owl City: Unbelievable Featuring Hanson". The Christian Beat. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
148. ^ Amanda Bell (June 29, 2015). "The '90s Nostalgia Is 'Unbelievable' In Hanson's Owl City Cameo". MTV. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
149. ^ a b Herb Longs (July 10, 2015). "Owl City Releases Mobile Orchestra & Announces Fall Tour". The Christian Beat. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
150. ^ "Adam Young Scores coming 2016". Owlcitymusic.com. December 18, 2015. Archived from the original on October 25, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
151. ^ a b c d Newman, Melinda (March 3, 2016). "Owl City's Adam Young Is Creating a Film Score a Month For One Year". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
152. ^ Joe DeAndrea (November 28, 2016). "Owl City Gifts New Holiday Song Humbug". We Got This Covered. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
153. ^ Ashley Iasimone (June 16, 2017). "Owl City Dedicates Not All Heroes Wear Capes Video to Dad for Father's Day: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
154. ^ Mitch Wallace (August 31, 2017). "'Everybody's Golf' Can Sometimes Feel Like Nobody's Golf". Forbes. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
155. ^ a b "Cinematic Releases". Cross Rhythms. November 1, 2017. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
156. ^ a b Chris Riemenschneider (October 6, 2018). "New Owl City album powered by 'Fireflies' hitmaker's wholesome Owatonna life". Star Tribune. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
157. ^ "Instagram post by Adam Young • Oct 30, 2017 at 4:22pm UTC". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
158. ^ Jason Scott (May 31, 2018). "Interview: Owl City Sheds Whimsy For Stunning Honesty On New Album, 'Cinematic'". Popdust. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
159. ^ a b Christopher Smith (June 6, 2018). "Owl City — Cinematic". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
160. ^ "Owl City Announces Cinematic Album Pre-Order and Releases New Single, All My Friends". Foundations Music. November 3, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
161. ^ "Reel 1 - EP by Owl City". Spotify. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
162. ^ "Lucid Dream - Single by Owl City". Spotify. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
163. ^ "OWL CITY RELEASES REEL 2 - Foundations Music". foundationsmusic.com. February 2, 2018. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
164. ^ "Owl City Releases New York City". Foundations Music. March 9, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
165. ^ "Final Reel From Cinematic Out Now! | Owl City". www.owlcitymusic.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
166. ^ Dale Kawashima (June 8, 2018). "Pop/Electronic Artist Owl City (Adam Young) Talks About His Album Cinematic, And His Hit Songs Fireflies and Good Time". Songwriter Universe. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
167. ^ a b "Owl City announces 'Cinematic' North American tour". Niagara Frontier Publications. April 20, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
168. ^ "Owl City Releases Remix of DC Talk's 'Jesus Freak'". www.louderthanthemusic.com. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
169. ^ Daly, Rhian (May 13, 2022). "Listen To Owl City Put A Fresh Spin On Smash Mouth's 'All Star'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
170. ^ Maddie Agne (September 26, 2022). "What's the deal with music ARGs?". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
171. ^ Ellie Mullins (August 13, 2022). "Armin van Buuren and Gareth Emery team up with Owl City for highly anticipated Forever & Always: Listen". We Rave You. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
172. ^ @owlcity (November 18, 2022). "I took a short break from recording the new Owl City album when I was invited to write the @NeuralCloudEN music video theme song. Neural Cloud is a new strategy RPG game with a sci-fi theme. The Neural Cloud X Owl City music video and the game will be released on Monday!" (Tweet) - via Twitter.
173. ^ Nick Yopko (November 26, 2022). "Owl City Dials Into The Neural Cloud Mobile Game With New Song, Up to the Cloud". EDM.com. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
174. ^ "Kelly Time - Single by Owl City". Apple Music. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
175. ^ "Owl City Releases New Song "Adam, Check Please"". pm studio world wide news (in Japanese). Retrieved February 10, 2023.
176. ^ "Owl City on Instagram: "Hi, it's Adam. I'm thrilled to announce a new Owl City album is coming. March 24th is the day. The title of the album is "Coco Moon."". Instagram. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
177. ^ Timothy Yap (March 21, 2023). "Owl City on Coco Moon: 'This Album is Unapologetically Myself'". JubileeCast.com. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
178. ^ "Vitamin Sea - Single by Owl City". Apple Music. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
179. ^ "Top Current Album Sales: Week of April 8, 2023". Billboard. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
180. ^ a b @owlcity (March 24, 2023). "Here we go. On sale next Friday! For first access to tickets, head over to ... and sign up to receive the presale password before it starts on Tuesday, March 28th" (Tweet) - via Twitter.
181. ^ Kory Grow (August 4, 2023). "Hear Jon Bellion Transform Switchfoot's Millennial Grunge Angst into Orchestral Pop". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
182. ^ "Owl City to Tour Japan in February 2024". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). September 6, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
183. ^ Nicole Iuzzolino (January 20, 2024). "Owl City tour 2024: How to get tickets to the 'To The Moon Deluxe Tour'". NJ.com. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
184. ^ Peter Källman (February 14, 2024). "Owl City - Boston (Review)". Music Talkers. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
185. ^ Toshio Maeoka (March 2, 2024). "Owl City Releases New Song 'Car Trouble'". PM Studio. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
186. ^ Leahey, Andrew. "Owl City > Overview". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved November 5, 2009. "He eventually combined those diversions into a blend of electronica and emo-pop, ..."
187. ^ Fitzmaurice, Larry (June 1, 2008). "Hot New Band: Owl City". Spin. Archived from the original on June 11, 2009. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
188. ^ "Owl City - The Midsummer Station". Female First. November 8, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
189. ^ "Interview Of Adam Young Master Mind Behind Owl City". Azteenmagazine.com. March 1, 2010. Archived from the original on May 22, 2011. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
190. ^ Andrew Chin (May 8, 2015). "Interview with Owl City 's Adam Young". That's Magazine. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
191. ^ Moring, Mark (April 20, 2010). "Owls, Fireflies, and Jesus". Christianity Today. Archived from the original on April 22, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
192. ^ Jon Bream (October 13, 2015). "Six years after 'Fireflies,' Owl City is still glowing as an accidental careerist". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
193. ^ "Owl City Reveals All Things Bright and Beautiful". CBN.com. Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
194. ^ Adam Dawson (August 24, 2009). "Owl City – Ocean Eyes". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
195. ^ "Q&A with Owl City". Relevant. July 6, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
196. ^ Cohen, Ian (November 5, 2009). "Track Reviews: Owl City – "Fireflies"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved November 26, 2009.
197. ^ List of sources for Owl City touring members:
* 2010 Lineup: Soeder, John (April 29, 2010). "Owl City takes flight during sold-out show at House of Blues". Cleveland.com. Plain Dealer Publishing. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
* 2011 Lineup: Owl City: Live from Los Angeles (Movie). Los Angeles: Eagle Rock. 2011. Verification is in the closing credits to the film.
* 2012 Lineup: Andrea Swensson (July 16, 2012). "Owl City frontman Adam Young is growing up". The Current. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
* 2015 Lineup: Samantha Choong (June 1, 2015). "Owl City: Talent All Around". The Urban Wire. Archived from the original on June 17, 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023. Erica Rivera (January 17, 2018). "Owl City bassist Rob Morgan has a few questions for you". City Pages. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
* 2018 Lineup: Dibendetto, Nicole (September 21, 2018). "OWL CITY AT THEATRE OF THE LIVING ARTS — CONTENT". SOUND BITES MEDIA. Archived from the original on June 16, 2023. Matthew, Gusmer (February 19, 2019). "Cinematic - Owl City (Drum Cam Compilation)". YouTube.
* 2023 Lineup: Madison Shook (April 16, 2024). "Concert Review: Owl City". Cleverock. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
198. ^ "2010-2004 – Anketa Žebřík".
199. ^ "2010 ARIA Nominations Announced - Full List Here!". September 28, 2010. Archived from the original on October 2, 2010. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
200. ^ "Q Awards 2010: The Nominees". DIY. September 17, 2010. Archived from the original on January 26, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
201. ^ Eames, Tom (December 10, 2010). "'Fireflies' wins 'Record Of The Year'". Digitalspy.com. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
202. ^ "Billboard JAPAN announces the winners of Chart Awards + Year-end chart for 2010!". Tokyo Hive. December 11, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
203. ^ "Full 2011 Billboard Music Awards Finalists List". Billboard. April 12, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
204. ^ "The Flecking Awards – the Winners – Page 23 – Flecking Records". March 21, 2011. Archived from the original on July 2, 2011.
205. ^ Jeff C (August 7, 2013). "Carly Rae Jepsen Awarded For 100 Million 'Call Me Maybe', 'Good Time' Views". Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
206. ^ "AKB48, Carly Rae Jepsen Win Big at Billboard Japan Music Awards". msn.com. December 19, 2012. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
207. ^ "Winners for 'Billboard JAPAN Music Awards 2012′ announced". Tokyohive.com. December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
208. ^ "NRJ Music Awards 2013 : palmarès et meilleurs moments". January 27, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
209. ^ Peter Knegt (December 12, 2012). "Les Miserables Leads Phoenix Film Critics Nominations". IndieWire. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
210. ^ Dominic Patten (February 2, 2013). "Annie Awards: 'Wreck-It-Ralph' Wins 5 Including Feature, Robot Chicken 'DC Comics Special' TV, 'Paperman' Best Short". Deadline. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
211. ^ @VEVO (December 2, 2013). "Hey, congrats to @owlcity! #Fireflies is now #VEVOCertified with 100M views & counting!" (Tweet) - via Twitter.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Owl City.

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in a Feature Production

* Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz (1995)
* Randy Newman (1996)
* Randy Newman (1997)
* Matthew Wilder, David Zippel and Jerry Goldsmith (1998)
* Michael Kamen (1999)
* Randy Newman (2000)
* John Powell and Harry Gregson-Williams (2001)
* Joe Hisaishi (2002)
* Thomas Newman (2003)
* Michael Giacchino (2004)
* Julian Nott (2005)
* Randy Newman (2006)
* Michael Giacchino (2007)
* Hans Zimmer and John Powell (2008)
* Bruno Coulais (2009)
* John Powell (2010)
* John Williams (2011)
* Henry Jackman, Skrillex, Adam Young, Matthew Thiessen, Jamie Houston and Yasushi Akimoto (2012)
* Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez and Christophe Beck (2013)
* John Powell and Jónsi (2014)
* Michael Giacchino (2015)
* Hans Zimmer, Richard Harvey, and Camille (2016)
* Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Germaine Franco, Adrian Molina and Michael Giacchino (2017)
* Michael Giacchino (2018)
* Dan Levy (2019)
* Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste (2020)
* Germaine Franco and Lin-Manuel Miranda (2021)
* Alexandre Desplat, Roeban Katz, Guillermo del Toro and Patrick McHale (2022)
* Daniel Pemberton and Metro Boomin (2023)
* Kris Bowers (2024)

* v
* t
* e

Owl City

* Adam Young

* Discography
* Concert tours
* Songs

Studio albums|

* Maybe I'm Dreaming
* Ocean Eyes
* All Things Bright and Beautiful
* The Midsummer Station
* Mobile Orchestra
* Cinematic
* Coco Moon

Extended plays|

* Of June
* Shooting Star
* The Midsummer Station Acoustic
* Ultraviolet

DVD|

* Owl City: Live From Los Angeles

Singles|

* "Fireflies"
* "Vanilla Twilight"
* "Umbrella Beach"
* "To the Sky"
* "Peppermint Winter"
* "Alligator Sky"
* "Galaxies"
* "Lonely Lullaby"
* "Angels"
* "Shooting Star"
* "Good Time"
* "Beautiful Times"
* "Tokyo"
* "Verge"
* "My Everything"
* "Unbelievable"
* "All My Friends"
* "Lucid Dream"
* "New York City"
* "Up to the Cloud"
* "Boston"

Promotional singles|

* "Hot Air Balloon"
* "Deer in the Headlights"
* "Dreams Don't Turn to Dust"
* "I'm Coming After You"
* "Wolf Bite"
* "You're Not Alone"

Other songs|

* "Hello Seattle"
* "The First Noel"
* "Dementia"
* "When Can I See You Again?"
* "Shine Your Way"
* "Listen to What the Man Said"
* "Waving Through a Window"

Featured singles|

* "Middledistancerunner"
* "Youtopia"
* "Eternity"
* "Cactus in the Valley"

Concert tours|

* Ocean Eyes Tour (2010)
* All Things Bright and Beautiful Tour (2011)

Related articles|

* Windsor Airlift
* Swimming With Dolphins
* Ambient Blue
* Sky Sailing
* An Airplane Carried Me to Bed
* Apollo 11

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF
* 2

National|

* Germany

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template