182: How 17 Songs on the UN’s SDGs and AY Young Will Save the Planet

Innovation Storytellers

Have you ever wondered what it takes to use creativity to drive global change? In this episode of the Innovation Storyteller Show, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with AY Young, CEO and flagship artist of the Battery Tour. AY is not your average musician—he’s redefining how we think about performance, energy, and sustainability.

As someone named one of the UN’s 17 Youth Leaders, AY has taken on the ambitious challenge of aligning his music with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through his Battery Tour, he’s powered over 950 concerts globally using renewable energy while inspiring communities and corporations like General Motors and Samsung to get involved.

Our conversation dives into AY’s journey, from his early inspiration watching his parents transform their Kansas City neighborhood block by block to his innovative approach to creating music that powers real change. We also explore his groundbreaking Project 17, an album featuring one song for each of the SDGs, created in collaboration with some of the world’s top artists.

This isn’t just a story about music; it’s about how each of us can be an outlet for change. Tune in to hear AY’s incredible journey, the obstacles he’s faced, and how he’s building a movement that bridges music, sustainability, and innovation.