Synopsis

Dawn Landes performs her bluegrass-flavored version of "Young Folks" with the WST Bluegrass Band, an ensemble whose seasoned members create a striking contrast with the comparatively young singer. The video presents the musicians in a straightforward performance setting, emphasizing the unusual arrangement, Landes' relaxed presence, and the rapport between her and the older players. Its informal, low-key presentation keeps the focus on the collaboration and on the song's distinctive whistle-led hook.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Young Folks" is a cover of the 2006 song by Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John, originally recorded with Victoria Bergsman on vocals.

• Landes transforms the indie-pop original into a bluegrass performance, replacing its polished atmosphere with acoustic instrumentation and a more homespun ensemble sound.

• The backing musicians are the WST Bluegrass Band. The initials stand for "We Sorta Tried."

• The song became one of the most recognizable tracks associated with Landes' early catalog and was included on her "Straight Lines" EP.

• Landes and the WST band reverse the original vocal dynamic: in this version, a female singer takes the lead rather than the male-fronted arrangement of the Peter Bjorn and John recording.

• The age contrast between Landes and the backing musicians became part of the cover's appeal. A contemporary description noted that the youngest member of the WST Bluegrass Band was 67, giving extra resonance to the repeated line about not caring about "the young folks."

• Landes encountered the WST Bluegrass Band in Austin and asked them to serve as her backing musicians for the project.