Introducing: The Youth Play

In an era where borders tighten and migration becomes a political flashpoint, The Youth Play are a band that couldn’t be more vital. Fronted by Latin American migrant Diego Bracho, their music is a raw, searching, and deeply human response to the modern world—blending sweeping arena rock with shoegaze grit and Latin emotional intensity. It’s protest music disguised as cathartic indie anthems

Their upcoming EP someday, forever (out 15 August) tackles climate collapse, political injustice, and the emotional weight of displacement—while still holding space for joy, connection, and hope. But for Diego, the stakes are more than artistic. With his UK visa set to expire this November, the band’s momentum could determine not just their future—but his right to stay in the country they now call home.

We caught up with Diego to talk music as activism, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and why The Youth Play are a band that remind us just how powerful—and necessary—British guitar music can still be.

Your upcoming EP someday, forever tackles themes like migration, climate crisis, and political injustice—yet it also searches for joy amid chaos. How did you balance personal vulnerability with such sweeping, global concerns in your songwriting?

The balance came naturally—these themes are deeply personal and universally felt. I try not to overthink it, otherwise I risk losing the emotional core. My songwriting is about channeling feelings, and often those are shaped by global issues.

Your background is extraordinary—from environmental science to fronting a politically conscious rock band. When did you realise music could be a more powerful tool for change than science?

After spending years in a lab, I felt frustrated at how little real-world impact our research had. Writing songs about the issues I care about gave me hope that people might listen, relate, and be moved to act—or just be a little kinder.

The looming threat of deportation adds real urgency to this record. How has that shaped the emotional tone of the EP, and how do you stay creatively focused under pressure?It’s been tough—there’s a lot of anxiety in that kind of uncertainty. But I leaned on my support network, got organised, and let myself enjoy the process. Releasing music, playing gigs, and sunny pub days with friends all helped me stay grounded.

Musically, The Youth Play fuses Latin pop roots, arena rock, and British shoegaze. How did those influences merge in the studio—and how do they reflect the band’s multicultural identity?

Though I grew up on English music, Latin rock bands like Soda Stereo and Vox Dei shaped my approach to melody and lyrics. The band’s multiculturalism comes through naturally—we each bring something different. I’m intense and emotional, very Latino in that sense, and over time, the band embraced that energy on and off stage.

As debates around nationalism and migration intensify, what message do you hope someday, forever sends to both fans and policymakers?

In a globalised world, trying to shut out immigrant voices from culture is senseless. Cities like London thrive on diversity—it’s what makes them vibrant. If there’s a message in this EP, it’s one of hope: that with hard work and support, even what feels impossible can become real. I still struggle to believe I’m here, part of the UK’s alt scene, but I’m grateful.

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