Young Gun Silver Fox Navigate ‘Pleasure,’ Embrace Yacht Rock Sound Ahead of Fall 2025 Tour

In an interview published on June 2, 2025, the Anglo-American duo Young Gun Silver Fox, composed of vocalist Andy Platts (Young Gun) and multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee (Silver Fox), offered insights into their latest album, “Pleasure.” The record, a smooth fusion drawing deeply from the wells of ’60s soul, ’70s R&B, and ’80s pop, features ten tracks that showcase the pair’s evolving collaboration and refined sonic palette.

Platts and Lee discussed the creative process behind “Pleasure,” delving into their lyrical inspirations and the visual storytelling involved in creating accompanying music videos. The album’s sound is explicitly influenced by iconic artists such as Steely Dan, Hall and Oates, The Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, and Sly Stone, artists known for their sophisticated arrangements, melodic craftsmanship, and groove-laden foundations.

Embracing the “Yacht Rock” Classification

While the term “Yacht Rock” can sometimes be used dismissively, Young Gun Silver Fox has openly embraced the classification often applied to their music. This subgenre, known for its polished production, smooth textures, and often breezy, melodic style, perfectly encapsulates the comfortable yet complex sound the duo has cultivated. Their willingness to lean into this label reflects a confidence in their artistic direction and a connection to a specific era of popular music celebrated for its high musicality.

Crafting “Pleasure”: A New Approach

“Pleasure” marked a significant departure in the duo’s recording methodology. For the first time, Shawn Lee traveled from his base to join Andy Platts at Platts’ studio, known as The Prairie. This allowed for a period of intensive in-person collaboration throughout December 2024 and January 2025. This direct, shared studio time proved instrumental in the creation of over half of the album’s ten songs, fostering a more spontaneous and interactive songwriting and recording environment compared to their previous, more geographically dispersed processes.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

The interview also provided an opportunity for Platts and Lee to reflect on their journey, including their critically acclaimed previous album, “Canyons.” Released prior to the global health crisis, the duo shared how the 2020 pandemic significantly impacted their initial plans for touring in support of that record, disrupting their ability to connect with audiences on the road.

Looking ahead, Shawn Lee revealed his intention to shift focus towards recording a new album for his long-running project, Mama’s Gun, with plans targeting 2026. This indicates a period of diverse creative output for Lee, balancing his work with Platts in Young Gun Silver Fox with his other musical endeavors.

Anticipating the Tour

Crucially for fans, Young Gun Silver Fox confirmed plans for a U.S. tour scheduled for October 2025. This tour is intended to support “Pleasure,” bringing the new songs, alongside fan favorites, to live audiences across the United States. The prospect of experiencing the intricate harmonies and sophisticated grooves of “Pleasure” in a live setting is highly anticipated, offering concertgoers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the duo’s signature sound. The tour marks a key step in the album cycle for “Pleasure,” allowing Platts and Lee to fully realize the material on stage and connect directly with their listeners after the challenges posed by the pandemic to earlier touring plans.

The release of “Pleasure,” coupled with their candid reflections on their process and future plans, underscores Young Gun Silver Fox’s position as significant contributors to the contemporary landscape of smooth soul and sophisticated pop music. The upcoming tour is poised to be a highlight for enthusiasts of their unique sound and the broader “Yacht Rock” resurgence.