Olly Alexander drops new single and talks Years and Years split: ‘We grew apart musically’

Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Chuffmedia

Years & Years star Olly Alexander has discussed splitting from former bandmates Mikey Goldsworthy, and Emre Türkmen.

The trio formed in 2010 before scoring hits like ‘Shine’ and ‘King’, but it was announced last month that Olly would continue on as a solo artist under the Years & Years name.

The It’s A Sin actor this week released Starstruck, his first single since the split.

“We kind of stopped making music together”

Discussing the change in an interview with Capital FM this week, the 30-year-old said: “Me, Mikey and Emre met, like, 10 years ago. We’ve been in this band for a decade, and in that time, we’ve just kind of grown apart musically.

“We kind of stopped making music together, and when we announced that I was going to be Years & Years, it had kind of been a long time coming.”

The star added: “For me, I love Years & Years, and these songs that I’ve written; I don’t want to let them go. It just felt right to stay as Years & Years”

In a statement posted to the band’s Instagram last month, the guys said: “Dear Y&Y fans, there’s been some changes that we want to fill you in on. This upcoming new album has been an Olly endeavour and we’ve decided that Years & Years will continue on as an Olly solo project.

“The three of us are still good friends. Mikey will be part of the Y&Y family and play with us live and Emre will focus on being a writer/producer.

“These past twelve months have been crazy for us all and we want to thank you for the love and support you’ve given us over the years (& years).”

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