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Artist Interviews
Q&A: Yuck
By CMU Editorial | Published on Tuesday 15 February 2011
Since their formation in early 2010, modern grungy types Yuck’s rise to prominence has been swift and steady, bolstered by the avid support of a staunch fanbase, and their inclusion on the BBC’s Sound of 2011 list. The band is comprised of frontman Daniel Blumberg and bassist-turned-guitarist Max Bloom (both ex-Cajun Dance Party members), with Mariko Doi and Jonny Rogoff on bass and drums respectively. Having established themselves with winsome debut track, the Transparent-released ‘Georgia’, Yuck turned to the Mirror Universe Tapes label for the issue of pared-down EP ‘Weakend’, before signing with Fat Possum/Pharmacy for expansive second single ‘Rubber’.
Ahead of the release of their eponymous LP on 21 Feb, along with new single ‘Holing Out’ on the same day, and a headline UK tour which kicks off on Thursday (17 Feb) in Southampton, we approached Yuck guitarist Max to proffer that Same Six line of questioning.
Q1 How did you start out making music?
Daniel and I have known each other since we were quite young, maybe six or something. We have always shared music with each other, but only started writing songs together recently. Daniel met Jonny in Israel on a kibbutz, and we met Mariko in London.
Q2 What inspired your latest album?
I’m not sure, really! It’s a collection of songs that were written over a period of time rather than an album as a full concept, so the inspiration might be quite varied throughout.
Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
Usually I start by writing/recording an instrumental and then Daniel will write vocals and lyrics, but it’s not consistent. Sometimes Daniel may have a guitar riff, or sometimes I may have a vocal melody.
Q4 Which artists influence your work?
Lots of artists, it changes on a daily basis! I guess we’re all influenced by quite melodic music, whether that’s Teenage Fanclub, East River Pipe, Silver Jews, Grandaddy, etc.
Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
Turn it up as loud as possible, then shut your bedroom door. Then press play!
Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
We want to play in as many places as possible, and make as many albums as possible.
MORE>> yuckband.blogspot.com
