Atlanta multi-instrumentalist Ralph Laurie experiments with folk and psychedelic tunes

On the “City Lights” series “Speaking of Music,” local musicians share their work and stories in their own voices. In today’s segment, we feature Atlanta multi-instrumentalist John Michael Young, also known as Ralph Laurie.

“I would describe my music as indie experimental folk. It has elements of electronic, modern pop, and psychedelic,” says Young.

He’s been playing music since childhood, when he used to sneak into his brother’s room to fiddle with his guitar. After 11, he began to pick up drumming, which led to multiple bands through high school and college. Now, he plays guitar, bass, drums and keyboard. “My favorite instrument to play is drums, but I’m most proficient at guitar,” he says.