Dementia (song)

Last updated
"Dementia"
Song by Owl City
from the album The Midsummer Station
ReleasedMay 10, 2012
Studio Rock the Mic Studios (New York City, NY)
Genre
Length3:31
Label Universal Republic
Songwriter(s) Adam Young
Producer(s) Young

"Dementia" is a song by American electronica project Owl City from his second extended play Shooting Star . The song features guest vocals from Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. The song premiered exclusively via Alternative Press on May 10, 2012. [3]

Contents

The song is a punk rock track and has been met with positive reviews from music critics, most noting that Young sounds similar to Tom DeLonge and complimented its production.

Background

On April 17, 2012, "Dementia" was leaked onto the internet, [4] before the song officially premiered via Alternative Press on May 10, 2012. [3] Young told his manager that he hoped to have Mark Hoppus on the track, who flew from London to New York to record the song in the studio. [5] Young, who had been a fan of Blink-182 since he was a junior in high school, [6] stated that working with Hoppus was a "privilege and an honor." [2] Young also admitted he had learned a lot from Hoppus. [7]

In an interview with AOL Music, Young stated that the song is about, "the consequences of wallowing in regret." [8]

"It's a darker song about how everybody thinks of how life would be different now if you had made better choices in the past. If you let it, that can drive you crazy. If you don't let the past stay in the past, it'll be worse. It's hard to know in the moment how the choices I'm making right now will affect me later, but you can't really think about that. 'Dementia' is my way of saying let the past stay in the past. Don't let the 'What ifs' frequent your mind too much. Put that stuff to bed." [8]

A remix to the song created by Adam Young was released in August 2012. [9]

Composition

"Dementia" was written and produced by Adam Young. The song is a Blink-182-inspired track and has been described as a rock track. [10] [2] Speaking about how the collaboration came together, Young stated, "Somehow my track made it's way to his inbox and he liked it enough to come so we hung out in the studio and recorded his vocals and he's exactly the way I thought he would be." [6]

Reception

"Dementia" was generally met with positive reviews from music critics. Katie Hasty of Uproxx called the collaboration, "slightly out of each artist's usual arena," but described the song as a "high-energy track." [4] Crystal Bell of the HuffPost stated, "the collaboration shouldn't come off as too much of a surprise since Owl City's Adam Young sounds quite a bit like a young Tom DeLonge." [11] Jocelyn Vena of MTV stated that the song pays "homage to the vibe of Blink, with Young even sounding a bit like Tom DeLonge over the song's Travis Barker-like beat, jangly guitars and dreamy production." [10]

Personnel

Credits for "Dementia" adapted from the liner notes of The Midsummer Station . [12]

Charts

Chart performance for "Dementia"
Chart (2012)Peak
position
South Korea (GAON) (International Chart) [13] 171

Related Research Articles

<i>Take Off Your Pants and Jacket</i> 2001 studio album by Blink-182

Take Off Your Pants and Jacket is the fourth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on June 12, 2001, by MCA Records. The band had spent much of the previous year traveling and supporting their previous album Enema of the State (1999), which launched their mainstream career. The album's title is a tongue-in-cheek pun on masturbation, and its cover art has icons for each member of the trio: an airplane, a pair of pants, and a jacket. It is the band's final release through MCA.

<i>Enema of the State</i> 1999 studio album by Blink-182

Enema of the State is the third studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on June 1, 1999, by MCA Records. After a long series of performances at various clubs and festivals and several indie recordings throughout the 1990s, Blink-182 first achieved popularity on the Warped Tour and in Australia following the release of their second album Dude Ranch (1997) and its rock radio hit "Dammit." To record their third album, Blink-182 turned to veteran punk rock producer Jerry Finn, who previously worked on Green Day's breakthrough album Dookie (1994). Enema was the band's first album to feature second drummer Travis Barker, who replaced original drummer Scott Raynor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam's Song</span> 2000 single by Blink-182

"Adam's Song" is a song recorded by the American rock band Blink-182 for their third studio album, Enema of the State (1999). It was released as the third and final single from Enema of the State on March 14, 2000, through MCA Records. "Adam's Song" shares writing credits between the band's guitarist Tom DeLonge and bassist Mark Hoppus, but Hoppus was the primary composer of the song. The track concerns suicide, depression and loneliness. It incorporates a piano in its bridge section and was regarded as one of the most serious songs the band had written to that point.

<i>The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!)</i> 2000 live album by Blink-182

The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show is a live album by American rock band Blink-182. It was released on November 7, 2000, by MCA Records. Blink-182 had risen to fame at the turn of the millennium on the strength of its third album, Enema of the State, which went multiplatinum. Capturing the band's stage show—known for its irreverent humor—with a live release was designed to satisfy fans between new studio albums. The album was recorded over two nights at performances in their native California, on the group's inaugural arena tour.

<i>Dude Ranch</i> (album) 1997 studio album by Blink-182

Dude Ranch is the second studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on June 17, 1997, by Cargo Music and MCA Records, making it their major record label debut. MCA signed the band in 1996 following moderate sales of their 1995 debut Cheshire Cat and their growing popularity in Australia. Dude Ranch was the band's final recording released on Cargo and the last to feature their full original lineup as drummer Scott Raynor was dismissed from the band in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Hoppus</span> American musician and record producer (born 1972)

Mark Allan Hoppus is an American musician, songwriter and producer who is known as the bassist and co-lead vocalist for the rock band Blink-182, being the only member to appear on every one of their albums. He is also part of the pop rock duo Simple Creatures.

<i>Blink-182</i> (album) 2003 album by Blink-182

Blink-182 is the fifth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on November 18, 2003, by Geffen Records. Following their ascent to stardom and success of their prior two releases, the trio was compelled to take a break and participated in various side projects. When they regrouped, they felt inspired to approach song structure and arrangements differently on their next effort together.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What's My Age Again?</span> 1999 single by Blink-182

"What's My Age Again?" is a song by American rock band Blink-182. It was released in April 1999 as the lead single from the group's third studio album, Enema of the State (1999), released through MCA Records. "What's My Age Again?" shares writing credits between the band's guitarist Tom DeLonge and bassist Mark Hoppus, but Hoppus was the primary composer of the song. It was the band's first single to feature drummer Travis Barker. A mid-tempo pop punk and emo song, "What's My Age Again?" is memorable for its distinctive, arpeggiated guitar intro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Man Overboard (Blink-182 song)</span> 2000 single by Blink-182

"Man Overboard" is a song by the American rock band Blink-182. It was first released on September 2, 2000, through MCA Records as the lead single from the band's live album The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (2000). It is the sole studio recording on the release, and was recorded as a bonus track to help promote its release. The song's lyrics, credited to bassist Mark Hoppus and guitarist Tom DeLonge, are about losing their original drummer Scott Raynor to alcohol abuse. In the song, Hoppus repeats the refrain "so sorry it's over," and goes on to highlight occasions in which a friend was too intoxicated to be dependable.

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (Blink-182 album) 2005 compilation album by Blink-182

Greatest Hits is the first greatest hits album of American rock band Blink-182. It was released on October 31, 2005, by Geffen Records. Greatest Hits was created by Geffen shortly after the band's February 2005 breakup, termed an "indefinite hiatus" by the label. Tensions had risen in the group and guitarist Tom DeLonge desired to take time off. Bassist Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker argued with DeLonge regarding the band's future and their possible next album, and heated exchanges led to DeLonge's exit. In the interim, Hoppus and Barker continued playing together in +44, and DeLonge formed his new outfit Angels & Airwaves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">+44 (band)</span> American rock band

+44 was an American rock supergroup formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2005. The group consisted of vocalist and bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker of Blink-182, lead guitarist Shane Gallagher of The Nervous Return, and rhythm guitarist Craig Fairbaugh of Mercy Killers. Hoppus and Barker created +44 shortly after the initial 2005 breakup of Blink-182 and before it was later reformed. The band's name refers to the international dialing code of the United Kingdom, the country where the duo first discussed the project. Early recordings were largely electronic in nature, and featured vocals by Carol Heller, formerly of the all-girl punk quartet Get the Girl.

<i>When Your Heart Stops Beating</i> 2006 studio album by 44

When Your Heart Stops Beating is the only album by the American rock supergroup +44, released on November 14, 2006, by Interscope Records. Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker of Blink-182 formed +44 as an experimental electronic outfit following the breakup of Blink-182. The project started in early 2005, and was later joined by lead guitarist Shane Gallagher and rhythm guitarist Craig Fairbaugh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blink-182</span> American punk rock band

Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. Their current and best-known lineup consists of bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker.

"Going Away to College" is a song by American rock band Blink-182 from their third studio album, Enema of the State (1999). It examines themes of heartbreak and lovesickness. It was written primarily by bassist Mark Hoppus, and credited to both he and guitarist Tom DeLonge. Hoppus writes from the perspective of an adolescent boyfriend, young and in love. He wrote the song remembering how graduating high school can cause relationships to fracture, as both individuals move on to attend separate universities. It was inspired by the teen movie Can't Hardly Wait (1998).

<i>Neighborhoods</i> (Blink-182 album) 2011 studio album by Blink-182

Neighborhoods is the sixth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released September 27, 2011, through DGC Records and Interscope. Their first album of new material in eight years, its recording followed the band's breakup and later reconciliation. Due to conflicts within the trio, the band entered an "indefinite hiatus" in 2005 and the members explored various side-projects. After two separate tragedies regarding the band and their entourage, the members of Blink-182 decided to reunite in late 2008, with plans for a new album and tour. It was the last studio album to feature founding member Tom DeLonge until his return on 2023's One More Time....

<i>Shooting Star</i> (EP) 2012 EP by Owl City

Shooting Star is the second extended play by American electronica project Owl City, released on iTunes and other media outlets on May 15, 2012, through Universal Republic. The extended play consists of four new songs that would also be on Young's subsequent album, The Midsummer Station. Mark Hoppus, vocalist for Blink-182 is featured on the song "Dementia".

<i>The Midsummer Station</i> 2012 studio album by Owl City

The Midsummer Station is the fourth studio album by American electronica project Owl City. It was released on August 17, 2012, by Universal Republic Records. The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 selling 30,000 copies in its first week. In support of the album, Owl City went on the Midsummer Station World Tour.

<i>Dogs Eating Dogs</i> 2012 EP by Blink-182

Dogs Eating Dogs is an EP by American rock band Blink-182, released on December 18, 2012 independently. Self-produced by the group, it was the sole recording that the band self-released after their departure from Interscope/DGC in October 2012, as well as their last studio recording with Tom DeLonge until 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Hoppus production discography</span>

This is the production discography by Mark Hoppus, an American musician and record producer. It includes a list of various guest appearances, songs produced, co-produced, written and remixed by year, artist, album and title. This does not include his work with his main projects, including Blink-182, +44, and Simple Creatures.

"Terrified" is a song by American rock band, Blink-182. It is the fourth track from their ninth album, One More Time... The song was originally written by guitarist Tom DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker for their early 2000s side project, Box Car Racer. Following its recording for One More Time..., bassist Mark Hoppus was also credited as a songwriter, alongside additional songwriter Nick Long. The song was produced by Barker, Long, and Aaron Rubin.

References

  1. Sara Walz (August 17, 2012). "Album Review: Owl City - The Midsummer Station". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Gary Graff (May 10, 2012). "Owl City Exclusive: Listen to Shooting Star". Billboard . Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Owl City featuring Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), "Dementia"". Alternative Press . May 10, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  4. 1 2 Katie Hasty (April 17, 2012). "EXCLUSIVE first listen: Owl City combines with Mark Hoppus for new track Dementia". Uproxx . Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  5. "Interview: Owl City on collaborations, EDM and his new record". Alternative Press . August 9, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  6. 1 2 "Owl City On Working With blink-182's Mark Hoppus". CBS News . August 20, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  7. Jessica Sager (July 13, 2012). "Owl City Calls Collaboration With Blink-182's Mark Hoppus 'A Dream Come True'". PopCrush . Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  8. 1 2 Contessa Gayles (August 20, 2012). "Owl City's Adam Young Talks Insomnia, Living in Regret and Exploring His Darker Side During In House Q&A (EXCLUSIVE)". AOL Music . Archived from the original on August 24, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  9. "Dementia Feat. Mark Hoppus (Adam Young Remix)". ayoungblog.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  10. 1 2 Jocelyn Vena (July 11, 2012). "Owl City Says Mark Hoppus Collaboration Is Like A 'Rarity Blink Track'". MTV . Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  11. Crystal Bell (April 18, 2012). "Owl City, Mark Hoppus Collaborate On New Single 'Dementia' (AUDIO)". HuffPost . Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  12. The Midsummer Station (liner notes). Owl City. Universal Republic Records. 2012.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. "Gaon Chart: 2012-05-04". GAON . Archived from the original on December 8, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2023.