Yard Act Teams Up with Justin Meldal-Johnsen for Their Third Album in Leeds Studio

Excitement builds as Yard Act collaborates with legendary producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen on their upcoming third album.

A New Chapter in the Studio

If you’ve been following the Leeds indie sensation Yard Act, then you already know they’re not a band to rest on their laurels. Fresh off the release of their sophomore album Where’s My Utopia? in March 2024, these lads are back in the studio, cooking up their third album—and this time, with a pretty impressive collaborator by their side: Justin Meldal-Johnsen.

Their Instagram post from Nave Studios, their hometown creative hub, was a cheeky yet thrilling announcement: “Hello from @nave_studios, where we’re making the greatest third album any band has ever recorded, with our new pal @justinmeldaljohnsen.” You can practically hear the enthusiasm bursting through the screen, right?

What’s Cooking in Nave Studios?

Yard Act’s previous effort, Where’s My Utopia?, was co-produced by Remi Kabaka Jr, known for his work with Gorillaz. That record was a blend of clever social commentary and catchy Indie grooves, earning them rave reviews and a loyal fanbase. But now, the band is shaking things up, inviting Meldal-Johnsen to the table to shape their next sonic adventure.

If you’re scratching your head wondering who Justin Meldal-Johnsen is, you’re in good company. This American producer and musician boasts an enviable resume:

• Musical director for Beck from 1996 to 2016
• Touring bassist, guitarist, and keyboardist for Nine Inch Nails during 2008-2009
• Musical director for St. Vincent since 2021
• Producer for major albums including M83’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (2011), Wolf Alice’s Visions Of A Life (2017), Deafheaven’s Infinite Granite (2021), and St. Vincent’s All Born Screaming (2024)

His resume reads like a pop-culture dream team, and Yard Act fans can only imagine the creative magic about to unfold.

A Fun Twist: Vintage Tees and Musical Inspirations

Aside from the musical updates, Yard Act gave fans a quirky glimpse into their studio vibes. To celebrate BBC Radio 6 Music’s ‘T-Shirt Day’ devoted to vintage artist tees, the band showed off their collections featuring legends like Kurt Vile, Bad Brains, Napalm Death, Nuha Ruby Ra, and Bill Nelson.

They joked that their upcoming album—nicknamed “YALP3”—will be the “sweet spot between Napalm Death and Bill Nelson,” which is such a Yard Act kind of humor: mixing heavy with quirky, punk with poetic.

“YALP3 will be the sweet spot between Napalm Death and Bill Nelson.” – Yard Act

The Road Ahead: Touring with The Hives

While fans eagerly await the new album, Yard Act is not slowing down on the road. Before 2024 wraps up, they’re set to open for The Hives on their UK and European tour. Kicking off in Oslo on October 17, the tour will hit iconic cities such as Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, and London towards November’s end.

This tour is a fantastic opportunity to catch Yard Act’s electric live energy, especially as they continue to evolve their sound under Meldal-Johnsen’s wing.

Reflecting on Where’s My Utopia?

If you missed Where’s My Utopia? or are curious about the direction they’re coming from, it’s worth revisiting the album. It’s a thought-provoking listen that blends satirical commentary with infectious rhythms.

In a four-star review, the album was described as:

“In between samples from their comedy pals – standups Nish Kumar and Rose Matafeo – and references to all sorts of uniquely British phenomena: from ‘Fizzy Fish’ to Calpol and, er, Milton Keynes. Where’s My Utopia? marks an outlandish yet assertive second chapter for Yard Act, going toe-to-toe with the peculiar world that we find ourselves in.”

As we all know, Yard Act has a knack for turning the mundane into something mesmerizing, and with Meldal-Johnsen’s production prowess, their third album could raise the bar even higher.

FAQ

• What is Yard Act’s latest album?
  Their most recent release is Where’s My Utopia? which came out in March 2024.
• Who is Justin Meldal-Johnsen?
  A renowned American musician and producer, Meldal-Johnsen has worked with Beck, Nine Inch Nails, St. Vincent, and others.
• Where is Yard Act recording their third album?
  They’re recording at Nave Studios in their hometown of Leeds.
• Will Yard Act be touring soon?
  Yes, they will be opening for The Hives on their UK and European tour starting October 17, 2024.
• What’s unique about the new album?
  The band hints it will blend influences ranging from Napalm Death to Bill Nelson, promising a diverse and dynamic sound.

If you’re as excited as I am about Yard Act’s upcoming work, why not bring a bit of their vibe home? Shop your favorite Yard Act album cover poster at our store to keep the energy alive on your walls!