Magnolia (Gang of Youths song)

Last updated
"Magnolia"
Single by Gang of Youths
from the album The Positions
Released17 April 2015 (2015-04-17)
Genre Alternative rock
Length5:11
Lyricist(s) David Le'aupepe
Producer(s)
  • Gang of Youths
  • Chris Collins
Gang of Youths singles chronology
"Radioface"
(2015)		"Magnolia"
(2015)		"Strange Diseases"
(2016)

"Magnolia" is a song by Australian alternative rock band Gang of Youths, released on 17 April 2015 as the third and final single from their debut studio album, The Positions . The song recounts the experience of frontman David Le'aupepe on a "week-long bender that precluded sleep and eating" and his subsequent attempt to commit suicide on 3 June 2014. [1] The date, referenced within the lyrics, has since become known by fans as Magnolia Day. [2]

Contents

In 2018, the song was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for selling over 70,000 units. [3] "Magnolia" polled at number six in the Triple J Hottest 100 of the Decade. [4] It has been described as the band's breakthrough hit, having over 39 million streams on Spotify as of 2022. [5]

Lyricism

On the song's release day, Gang of Youths frontman David Le'aupepe wrote a lengthy Facebook post discussing the song's purpose. [6] It began:

June 3rd 2014, Mosely Street, Strathfield. In a state of puerile drunken delirium, reeling from having my heart fucked beyond all recognition and knowing my marriage was about to fall apart, I tried to kill myself.

Before the frontman could act, his friends "called the police just in time to intercept" Le'aupepe. He went through rehabilitation and "began a process of healing and self-discovery". [6] In an interview with The Guardian in 2021, Le'aupepe revealed the song was named after the magnolia tree that the police sat him under after rushing to stop him on the night. [7]

Release and promotion

On 17 April 2015, "Magnolia" was released as the third and final single to the band's debut studio album, The Positions . A music video for the song was directed by Le'aupepe and Josh Harris, and was released on 28 January 2016. [8] The frontman said he wanted to convey a "deep freeness, a sense of loss, a sadness" in the video. [6]

Reception

Jessica Dale for The Music wrote "Magnolia" is "anthemic, catchy and brings hordes of people together in unified song; a stark contrast to the song's birth following Le'aupepe's attempted suicide". She further writes the track "launched Gang of Youths into the Australian psyche in a big, big way". [9] Writing for The AU Review , Genevieve Morris called the track a "timeless classic", writing "the passion and liveliness behind the song is addictive and unforgettable". [10]

In 2015, "Magnolia" polled at number 21 on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2015. [11] In the 2020 countdown of the Hottest 100 of the Decade, the track polled at number six.

Personnel

Musicians

Additional personnel

Music video

Certifications

Certifications for "Magnolia"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [12] Platinum70,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

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References

  1. ↑ "Gang of Youths: A Matter of Life and Death". Rolling Stone Australia. 2015-05-26. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  2. ↑ "Gang Of Youths' Dave Le'aupepe opens up about mental health struggles". Tone Deaf. 2018-06-04. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  3. ↑ "ARIA Accreditations Documents" (PDF). Dropbox. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  4. ↑ Matt (2020-03-14). "Gang of Youths Gets 3 Songs in Triple J's Hottest 100 of the Decade; "Magnolia" at No. 6 – Deepest Sighs - Gang of Youths fan site". Deepest Sighs. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  5. ↑ Jenke, Tyler (2021-11-01). "The 10 biggest hits from Sydney rock legends Gang Of Youths". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  6. 1 2 3 Wilkinson, Matt (2016-01-28). "New Music Of The Day: Gang Of Youths – Magnolia (Video Premiere)". NME. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  7. ↑ "'We want to get treated like normies': Gang of Youths on fame, faith and family secrets". the Guardian. 2021-11-18. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  8. ↑ Apter, Liam. "Watch: Gang Of Youths - Magnolia". PILERATS. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  9. ↑ Dale, Jessica (23 August 2017). "Repairing, Becoming More Human And Being Followed By Magnolia Flowers". The Music. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  10. ↑ Morris, Genevieve (2018-12-02). "Live Review: Gang of Youths put on a mesmerising show at Enmore Theatre as their huge tour comes to an end". The AU Review . Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  11. ↑ "Hottest 100 of the Decade By The Numbers: The Stats You Know The Better". triple j. 2020-03-14. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
  12. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2018 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
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