On a mission to break barriers and build bridges, AY Young, was appointed by the United Nations as one of just 17 World Youth Leaders in 2020. AY has performed over 800 concerts powered entirely by renewable energy.  

FULL LENGTH ALBUM PROJECT 17 TO START ROLLING OUT LATER THIS YEAR - BASED ON THE UNITED NATIONS 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

To say that AY Young is an up-and-coming hip-pop artist and multi-talent is a vast and egregious understatement. AY is a singer, songwriter, entertainer, producer, and entrepreneur, to name a few, and is helping change the world daily. While touring the world throughout the past 10+ years, AY learned that over a billion people across the world lack access to electricity. Inspired by his parents’ tireless work revitalizing his community, he wanted to make a difference in the world – a big difference. In his own distinctive way. In response, AY founded the Battery Tour and began powering concerts using only renewable energy. The Battery Tour is a completely fresh and wildly imaginative approach to live music that intertwines the concert experience with education, community development, and humanitarian aid. With international cooperation, the Battery Tour has revolutionized musical performance by introducing collaborative solutions to the global energy crisis.

AY is now gearing up for the release of his new project, GOALS. The first single from GOALS, “2030” and accompanying official music video is now available via all DSPs and social platforms. ‘2030’ blends afrobeats, hip-pop and rock elements resulting in a bold, energetic and powerfully charged song.

Anthony Devera, video director of “2030” says, “The song title itself sets a foreboding countdown for events to unfold, while AY sheds light on his role as a champion of change. It deviates from his usual style yet remains true to his essence."

Devera continues, “The music video for '2030' epitomizes AY's mission statement of ‘getting the world plugged in through music.’ To me, it signifies his unwavering determination to reach the farthest corners of the globe. Today, after nearly a decade of friendship, we have officially collaborated on our first music video together. I aimed to amplify and capture the essence of his artistry. We embarked on a journey from Kansas City, MO, to northern Oklahoma, just outside Wichita, KS. The music video unfolds in what appears to be an isolated desert, with AY accompanied by his drummer and his iconic solar trailer. AY stands as the first artist to power his concerts with 100% renewable energy, and I wanted to showcase this surreal concept. I believe artists like AY will spearhead a revolution in the concert experience, enabling massive performances anywhere in the world.”

 Of the track, AY says, “For me, ‘2030’ was the first step towards realizing my vision. What I aimed to accomplish was to infuse every song from my project GOALS with my essence—not just making them thematic, but truly embodying me. I wanted each composition to bleed my ideas, my spirit, and reflect who I am as an artist. Throughout the two years of the pandemic, I refrained from releasing new music. However, during that time, I found myself grappling with a multitude of pent-up thoughts and ideas stemming from significant events like George Floyd's tragic incident, the change in presidency, political dynamics, and social inequalities. As someone who firmly believes in unity regardless of religion or political affiliation, I couldn't ignore the injustices I witnessed. It was crucial for me to address these issues through my music, with the intention that achieving our collective goals would render them obsolete.”

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AY has also been working on Project 17, a revolutionary new album based on the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals. Through his Project 17, AY endeavors to bring all facets of humanity together to connect and take world-changing action. 

AY began writing poetry at the age of 14 – his reaction to the great disparity in Kansas City, Missouri known as The Troost Divide. Troost Avenue was once a dividing line between black and white, rich and poor.

In 2012, AY appeared on The X Factor and earned a ‘Yes’ from all four celebrity judges, sparking his national touring career as an indie artist. Since then, he has opened for a cavalcade of heavy-hitters including Wiz Khalifa, Flo-Rida, Wyclef Jean, The Roots, T-Pain, Michael Franti, and Matisyahu. Young’s music has appeared on the Best of Urban, Top in Rap and Hip-Hop, and Top in R&B Ourstage Charts.

In 2018, AY graduated from the Kauffman FastTrac Tech Venture Program. His resume displays a seemingly endless string of well-deserved honors and accolades for his tireless commitment to promoting clean energy through The Battery Tour.  

In 2019, AY was recognized as a climate activist by the United Nations. He earned both the Rocket Grant and the Arts KC grant, and was named by The Energy News as one of it’s "40 Under 40" leaders and innovators from the U.S. He played at the Joe Biden Inauguration Clean Energy Ball and has been recognized as one of the Top 70 Environmentalists in the World. Additionally, he was appointed by the United Nations as one of 17 World Youth Leaders for the SDGs in 2020, after having been selected from 18,000 nominations across 186 countries. AY was the only youth leader selected from the U.S. and served a two-year term.

In 2023, AY signed sponsorship agreements for Project 17 with General Motors & BNP Paribas. Numerous partnerships with organizations such as Samsung, National Wildlife Federation, Plastic Pollution Coalition, United Nations Joint SDGs fund, and more have been formed in support of his music and sustainability mission.