Dublin techno-noise trailblazers YARD have released their new single, Ecdysis. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
It follows the band's support slots for Shame and Scalping in Dublin and sees the quartet team up with another hotly-tipped Irish act, Belfast producer Lauren Hannan aka YinYang.
Ecdysis is named after the process of shedding an external skeleton for the purpose of growth or change in shape and speaking about the track, YARD said: "Ecdysis is about getting into something that you know has the potential to cause harm, then when it ultimately does, having to pick yourself up and shed your skin of it to (hopefully) grow wiser next time."
YinYang added: "Collaborating with YARD has been a match made in heaven. We have the same creative tastes for sure. I remember heading to Dublin for our first session working on the track, the guys hadn’t heard my vocal idea yet and when we started to play it together, we all looked around the room like YEP THIS IS IT!
"I don’t get to share that moment with anyone typically as a solo artist, so that was real special. Then when we played it live for the first time it was like Power Rangers coming together to serve up some techno hip-hop goodies. So much love to YARD, long may this collab and friendship continue."
Tell us three things about yourself?
We still use the same bucket for Bucketman since the band’s beginning. A precious item to us all now.
We went with electronic drums/samples when the drummer stopped showing up at the band’s beginning. Unknowingly started our foray in electronic music
A lot of samples in our tracks are found sounds captured by various band members. From construction site noises to overheard conversations in a crowd. All manipulated beyond recognition.
How would you describe your music?
Our music mixes elements of noise, techno and industrial to create our unique sound. The whole intention is to create a mood you can’t get your ears away from. Strong beats and rhythms backed by eerie melody lines provide the core of the sound with varied vocal styles, all intended to keep the listener engaged.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Our inspirations vary, a few standouts being SUUNS, Death in Vegas, Nicolas Jaar, Death Grips, Nisennenmondai and Paula Temple. We try to pull from a wide range of electronic/industrial/experimental sources to keep inspired. We always seek out new sources of inspiration to keep our creative minds ticking over.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
The first proper gig I ever went to was Smashing Pumpkins in the RDS when I was about 12 years old.
The first CD I ever bought with my own money was OPM’s Heaven is a Halfpipe. The lyrics are still stuck in my head to this day.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Bunker by PVA.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"When the buck stopped somewhere, and you could still buy something with it" - B Movie by Gill Scott-Heron.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I Can’t Write Left-Handed by Bill Withers.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Spotify, YouTube, Instagram.
