New York City (Owl City song)

Last updated
"New York City"
New York City Owl City.jpg
Single by Owl City
from the album Cinematic
ReleasedMarch 9, 2018
Studio Sky Harbor Studios
Length3:44
Label Sky Harbor
Songwriter(s) Adam Young
Producer(s) Young
Owl City singles chronology
"Lucid Dream"
(2018)
"New York City"
(2018)
"Up to the Cloud"
(2022)
Music video
"New York City" on YouTube

"New York City" is a song by American electronica act Owl City. It was released from his sixth studio album, Cinematic on March 9, 2018, as the fourth and final single. [1]

Contents

Background and release

"New York City" was released as the lead single for Reel 3 on March 9, 2018, [1] with the reel following on April 6. In addition to "New York City," the EP included "Cloud Nine" and "Be Brave". [2] A remix to the song was released on September 10, 2018, by itsRGA after winning first place of Owl City's SKIO Remix Contest. [3]

Composition

"New York City" was written and produced by Adam Young. [4] The track runs at 170 BPM and is in the key of B major. [5] The song recounts his trip in the city, spending time with his friends, listening to Johnny Cash and showering at a truck stop. [6]

"'New York City' is about the first time I ever really left my hometown and saw some of the world. It's a coming of age story, and I tried my best to memorize all the little details as they happened. I hope this song inspires you to take a similar trip, maybe even get a little lost. I think you'll be surprised at what you discover." [5]

Critical reception

"New York City" was met with positive reviews from music critics. In a review of Cinematic for CCM Magazine , writer Matt Conner noted it as a favourite from the album, describing the track as "propulsive." [7] Lauren Carlton of The Columbia Chronicle compared the track to his 2009 hit, "Fireflies". [8]

Music video

The music video for "New York City" premiered via VEVO on March 22, 2018, and was directed by Max Haben. [9] The video continues the storyline seen in previous music videos for "All My Friends" and Lucid Dream", featuring a young couple exploring New York City. The couple is played by James Ross Kilmeade and Katy Schuele. [10]

Track listing

Digital download
No.TitleLength
1."New York City"3:44
Remix version
No.TitleLength
1."New York City" (itsRGA remix)3:20

Charts

Release history

Release history for "New York City"
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousMarch 9, 2018 Digital download Sky Harbor [12]

References

  1. 1 2 "Owl City Releases New York City". Foundations Music. March 9, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  2. "Owl City has released two new singles, 'Be Brave' and 'Cloud Nine.'". Aficia. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  3. "Owl City - New York City (itsRGA Remix)". YouTube . Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  4. Cinematic (Digital liner notes). Owl City. Sky Harbor. 2018.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. 1 2 "Owl City - New York City". Skio Music. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  6. Chris Riemenschneider (October 6, 2018). "New Owl City album powered by 'Fireflies' hitmaker's wholesome Owatonna life". Star Tribune . Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  7. Matt Conner (July 6, 2018). "Owl City — Cinematic Album Review". CCM Magazine . Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  8. Lauren Carlton (June 12, 2018). "'Cinematic' by Owl City". The Columbia Chronicle. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  9. "Owl City - New York City". YouTube . Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  10. "Owl City has unveiled the visuals for its track 'New York City,' the final installment of the three-part series that includes 'All My Friends' and 'Lucid Dream.'". Aficia (in French). Retrieved May 17, 2025.
  11. 1 2 "Cross Rhythms – Year-End 2018". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  12. "New York City - Single by Owl City". Spotify . Retrieved June 19, 2023.