Band Of The Week #115 - Yakima
This week's Band Of The Week is Glasgow quartet Yakima, who have just released their debut EP ‘Go Virtually. They took a moment to talk to us in more depth about the EP and their plans for the future.
So, the EP ‘Go Virtually is out now, how does it feel?
It’s out! We are so happy it’s finally here! Up until now, we’ve only released singles, so we’ve been really excited to release our EP and for people to get a better understanding of Yakima.
What is the meaning in the title?
The title came from thinking about the future and what it might be like, but it’s just intended to be an impartial observation.
One of the reasons we liked the title was because it seemed open to interpretation and we hoped it would have a different meaning to different people, or reveal itself to someone over time. We all enjoy ambiguity in music whether it be lyrics, titles or sounds. For us, this can create a personal attachment towards something, rather than being a blatant statement which may lose its sentiment over time.
The production of the EP was done by Benji Compston and Jon EE Allan, who are from the band Happyness, how did that partnership come about?
We have been huge fans of Happyness since seeing them supporting Speedy Ortiz in 2013. We had noticed on social media that they were offering production services, so we took the opportunity to get in touch. We sent them a few live demos and exchanged emails for a little while before securing a date to start in the studio. Luckily, we all got on really well and it felt like we had known each other much longer than the time we had spent together. Our brothers from English mothers!
Where was the EP recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are happy to share with us from the experience?
We recorded in an old Gate House which a friend of ours lives in and runs a small studio from. Nick is quite the collector of all things from books and records, to studio gear and anything else you can probably imagine. Highlights of his collection include an 80s keyboard which he foraged after waking up in the middle of the night from a dream about finding it in the surrounding forests.
Anyway, it had become normal for us, having been going to the gate house regularly for years, that there are cameras casually recording every word and movement from every corner of the house and surrounding garden. Unfortunately, we had forgotten to tell our production guests this and it wasn’t until 3 days into recording, whilst on a tea break in the garden, that Jonny from Happyness stumbled upon several microphones and cameras camouflaged by the surrounding foliage and trees. Trying to convince both Benji and Jonny that this was the norm and not to worry about the surveillance they had unknowingly been under is a particularly memorable moment from the sessions.
How did you decide which tracks made the EP?
We recorded lots of songs for ‘Go Virtually’, so it was pretty difficult to decide on which ones to choose. There were a few different track lists, but we feel pretty happy with what we’ve put out. Hopefully, the other tracks that were recorded will see the light of day at some point.
There are some unique topics and characters within each of your songs, where did you find the inspiration for them when writing them?
We’re all interested in the weird and deviant topics of the world. The subjects of our songs are what we imagine could be inner monologues that anyone could have either chronically, or circumstantially. Whether it’s insomnia, stress, or just really not liking who you are; these are all feelings/ailments that anybody could experience.
There’s not much fun or interest involved in writing about how great the world is and how happy the people who inhabit it are. There’s so much more ground to cover at the other end of the spectrum.
The EP’s closing track ‘Sheep Boy, Cry Man’ for example, is about ‘Cry Rooms’, can you tell us more about that? And what made you want to write a song about it?
Yes, the song does take its inspiration from cry rooms. Sometimes there’s nothing better than a right good cry to cleanse yourself from stress and worry. The whole idea of having a designated public space to do this was seriously interesting to us. It’s such an interesting concept that we felt compelled to write something about it.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the album? If so, which one and why?
We can all agree that our favourite lyrics are from our song ‘Thanks’. It’s tough to choose between our two favourite lines, but it’s either “Is anyone complete? Everybody wants their own disease”, or “My mirror answers back, I hold contempt towards the maniac”. Both those lines are infested by bitterness and low self-esteem, but they’re also quite fun to sing!
Now the EP is out there, what next?
In all honesty, we don’t really know. We’re in the same boat as everyone else at this stage. We’ll probably keep writing and hopefully something decent will materialise.