music
‘We’re really good. I don’t mean that arrogantly’: Yard Act on bullying, imposter syndrome and their heavy new album
The Leeds group arrived in a frenzy of post-punk energy, picking at the scabs of society – then started questioning their instant success. They talk about dodging ‘the megaband treadmill’ to make their surreal new album
TL;DR
- Yard Act's new album, 'You’re Gonna Need a Little Music,' begins with singer James Smith questioning originality and his own creative process.
- Smith created an alter ego, Janey, to explore internal conflicts between contentment and ambition.
- Bassist Ryan Needham discusses overcoming feelings of being 'competition winners' as working-class artists, emphasizing the importance of self-belief.
- The band aims to balance self-doubt and self-belief to maintain a steady creative path, avoiding arrogance.
- Yard Act's music connects with listeners by addressing universal anxieties about status and existentialism.
- Living in Leeds helps Smith stay grounded and connected to society, influencing the band's songwriting.
- The new album was written collaboratively in the band's Leeds studio, incorporating diverse influences and a more surreal lyrical style.
- Smith uses oil paints as a creative tool to break free from musical tropes and explore impressionistic wordplay.
- The band confronts themes of memory and differing perspectives, questioning the existence of universally agreed-upon truths.
- Smith recounts an experience of childhood bullying detailed in a previous song, which led to reconciliation with the person involved.
- The band plans to continue making music as long as they have creative ideas, avoiding the pressure of a 'megaband treadmill.'